March 28

John v. — 1. After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2. Now, there is at Jerusalem, by the sheep-market, a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in, was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5. And a certain man was there which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7. The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but, while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked; and on the same day was the sabbath.

10. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath-day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

11. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

12. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

13. And he that was healed wist not who it was; for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

14. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

15. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus which had made him whole.

The Pool of Bethesda is pretty well identified with the "Fountain of the Virgin," in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, a little southeast of the city. This fountain probably receives the overflow of the reservoir under the grand mosque which lies above it. It is connected with the Pool of Siloam, about four hundred paces below it; and has the qualities of an intermittent spring. This gave rise to the popular notion, which is quoted, without being sanctioned, in verse 4. Porticos were built around the pool to shelter the sick. Jesus selected this paralytic because of the long continuance of his infirmity, its incurable nature, and the helplessness of his condition. It was a case for his compassion and his power, which he always rejoiced to blend in his miracles. At his word, the poor cripple felt life returning to the limbs that had long refused to do their office; the nerves of motion resumed their power: he rose, stood on his feet, and walked, carrying the quilt used as a bed.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 3, 100, 119.

Eternal God, by whose power we were made, by whose goodness we have been preserved, let our cry come up unto thee with acceptance, for our Redeemer's sake.

O God! preserve us graciously through the day which has now begun. Make us obedient to thy holy will. Fit us for the discharge of our various duties. Whatsoever our hands find to do that is according to thy will, may we do it with all our might!

O thou Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world! take away our sins. Be thou our shield and hiding-place. Draw us, O thou Good Shepherd! to thyself; keep us near thee; suffer us not to wander; feed us in the green pastures of thy Word. Let thy rod and thy staff guide, comfort, and support us. Make us to feel continually that we are thine,—bought with the price of thine own most precious blood. Help us to glorify thee in our bodies and in our spirits, which are thine.

Jesus, shunning notoriety, and wishing to bring men to himself through their moral convictions, avoided the crowd which he knew the rumor of the miracle would bring together; but, meeting the man again, he revealed his omniscience by showing that he knew the sinful abuse which had brought his infirmity upon him, and then aroused his conscience by a warning against further sin. God's judgments follow our transgressions even here; and vain would be the healing of the body if the soul should still harbor the curse of sin. By sin we have made ourselves wretched and helpless: but Jesus comes to heal us by his word in the fountain which he has opened for the sin of the world. Let us rise in his strength, and bless his name. We need not wait for help from man or angel. None could help us here. Christ has come; the healing fountain is at our side; his grace is all-sufficient: he bids us look to him, trust in him, follow him, and be saved.

Grant that thy blessed book may be a lamp to our feet, and a light unto our path. May its counsels guide us, and its precious promises cheer and comfort us at all times! O Lord! our eyes are upon thee, and our expectations from thee. From thee cometh every good and perfect gift. Give us, we beseech thee, wisdom and strength; give us joy and peace and comfort; give us a hope that maketh not ashamed. Thou who hast not spared thine own Son, but hast delivered him up for us all, give us for his sake all things that are good and needful for us both for time and for eternity.

We thank thee for daily strength and nightly rest; for powers of mind and body; for peace and quietness; for the many gifts which thou daily bestowest upon us. O Lord! make us increasingly thankful for all thy loving-kindness; and do thou accept our prayers and praises for the sake of Him who died, and rose again, and who liveth evermore. Amen.