"Take Up Thy Bed, And Walk"
After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
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.
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
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?
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.
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
This passage from John’s Gospel depicts a miracle performed by Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. A man, afflicted for 38 years, is healed by Jesus with a simple command: "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." The immediacy of his recovery is striking. This account not only highlights Jesus' compassion and divine power but also serves to confront the religious authorities of the time. The miracle occurs on the Sabbath, a day when traditional Jewish law prohibited work, including carrying a bed. The healed man's obedience to Jesus' command defies these customs, sparking tension between Jesus and the Pharisees. This incident is emblematic of the broader conflict between Jesus’ teachings and the rigid interpretations of the law by the religious leaders. It underscores the transformative impact of faith and foreshadows the growing opposition to Jesus, emphasizing His challenge to established norms and authority.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.