Tradition holds that an angel periodically stirred the waters at the Pool of Bethesda. The first one into the water was then healed. Many sick and infirmed waited there by the pool day after day for a chance to be healed. But a cripple can't get himself to the pool in time. (If he could he wouldn't need to; since he needs to, he can't … Catch 22.) For 38 years he had tried and failed. 38 years corresponds to the time the Israelites wandered in the wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land. It was there that they received the Law.The five porticoes in the Sheep Pool represents the five books of the Torah ( the Law ).
The cripple had no one to help him.His case was helpless and hopeless. Jesus steps in and heals him instantly when he found some trace of faith in the cripple. The Law and the commandments only show the right way and points out our various sins and shortcomings. It does not help us to become better people. Even our own efforts and will-power are of no avail. Only Jesus can save us from our sins and helps us to become happy people provided we trust in him.
Jesus frees us from the bondage of all our sinfulness,complexes, prejudices, fears and oppressive circumstances of life. Jesus is our Saviour who helps us even when sometimes we lack the strength to seek his help in prayer.Jesus is always there for us.
In our state of desperate hopelessness, even before we cry out to God , the Spirit of Christ comes and instills hope in us. Jesus is our God and Saviour.
God Bless.
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