Tuesday, April 22 – John 5, Mark 3 – Additional Reading: The Desire of Ages, Chapter 21, “Bethesda and the Sanhedrin”

1. How many porches did the pool of Bethesda have? John 5:2

2. Where was it located? John 5:2

3. How many years had the man healed by Jesus been sick? John 5:5

4. Where did Jesus go after healing the man with the withered hand? Mark 3:7

5. What sin cannot be forgiven? Mark 3:29

The pool of Bethesda excavated north of the temple in Jerusalem had five porches. Its name may mean “House of Mercy.” Many sick people gathered there, hoping to be healed when the waters were stirred, a phenomenon likely caused by intermittent springs.

On a Sabbath day, Jesus healed a paralyzed man who had been ill for 38 years. Though many were sick, Jesus chose to address this one man, asking him, “Do you want to be made well?” Discouraged by his inability to reach the water, the man responded with resignation. Jesus challenged him to believe: “Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” The man responded in faith and was instantly healed.

Later, Jesus found him in the temple and said, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” (John 5:14, NKJV). This warning emphasizes that sin has consequences, and grace must lead us to repentance.

Jesus affirmed His divinity by declaring He worked in unity with His Father. The Jewish leaders accused Him of breaking the Sabbath and of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God. Jesus declared that the dead would hear His voice and live, first, those dead in sin and then, those in the grave.

Christ is the central theme of Scripture. We must read the Bible to find Jesus and receive life in Him. True love for God is shown by accepting Christ and obeying His commandments, not by seeking the praise of men.

In Mark 3, we read how Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. Although the Pharisees recognized His power, they watched Him only to accuse Him. According to their traditions, one could prevent a condition from worsening on the Sabbath but not make it better. Even so, Jesus acted with compassion and healed.

Afterward, He withdrew to the sea, followed by a large crowd. Though His miracles drew many, few sought spiritual truth. Later, Jesus went up a mountain and prayed all night before choosing the twelve disciples, those who would become His witnesses and apostles. Their first calling was to be with Him, learn from Him, and then go out and preach.

Some of the twelve are little known, but their names are written on the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14). The fame that matters is the fame in heaven. Among them were brothers, former political enemies, and even a traitor. Jesus chose them intentionally.

At that time, scribes from Jerusalem came to observe Jesus. Despite witnessing His works, they accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebub (Satan) and attributed the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil. This willful and persistent rejection is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, an unforgivable sin, not because of its severity but because the heart that commits it does not want forgiveness.

Jesus warned about this sin not to condemn but to alert. Blasphemy against the Spirit means repeatedly rejecting His work in us and hardening our hearts to the truth.

Grace rests on those who love Christ with sincere hearts. Let us search the Scriptures, seek Jesus in them, and live in faith, humility, and obedience.

Have a very blessed day.