TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Here [at the pool] a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. John 5:3
Read: John 5:3-9
Listen: John 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The pool by the temple is not a pleasant place. People moan in pain. Some are crying, and some are praying. There is no laughter, only anguish, darkness and immobility. Maybe, just maybe, the water will change everything. It’s a picture of a world that’s broken.
Where do we see brokenness today? We see it at a homeless encampment in winter, in a hospital emergency room, in a refugee camp of families fleeing invasion or in the home of children hiding in a closet from an unsafe parent. Our world is broken, too.
A man at the pool had been suffering for 38 years. We see his long-suffering and empathize with his pain. Maybe we or someone we love has a chronic disease, a special needs child or Alzheimer’s. Jesus sees us, knows our pain and cares. He doesn’t heal everyone at the pool. But when he heals the man, he gives a glimpse of what heaven will be like—a place where everyone is healed, and there will be “no more death, or crying, or mourning or pain” (Revelation 21:4). One day, Jesus will make everything right—something pool water cannot do.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Listen to the Ada Bible Worship Team sing, “There is a Savior.” Focus on the lyrics, “There is a healer, there is a friend. There is a mercy that never ends. That is the good news—his name is Jesus.” Then remember to place your hope in the eternal healing of Jesus as you go through any form of short- or long-term suffering.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5b–7
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
