July 12, 2020 -- John 5:1-2 -- Don't skip over it

After this there was a feast of the Jews,

and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethseda,

which has five roofed colonnades.

John 5:2 English Standard Version

This is a passage I have read many times. Usually I skip over it because there is an exciting story just a bit further down the page. But these few words are brimming with important information. The feasts of the Jews celebrate the work of the LORD—their Promise-Keeping God. You can read about them in Leviticus 23. Each of these feasts celebrates the saving work of God—pointing to His full and perfect expression of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone. So, the Person Who is the reason for the feasts is there in Jerusalem, wandering unrecognized.

He is near the Sheep Gate. How poetic. Jesus is the Great Shepherd come to seek and save His lost sheep. Jesus is the Shepherd Who lays down His life for His sheep. In fact, He will be led like a lamb to the slaughter, religious and secular leaders will condemn Him, an innocent man, to death. It is the death that will atone for the sins of all who believe.

And the pool is named as well—the translation of the Aramaic is: House of Grace. Interestingly, the first chapter of John describes Jesus as the One from Whom we have all received grace upon grace (John 1:16). Jesus is the fullest evidence of the Father’s grace poured out on our lives. Grace is the steadfast love of God which set aside the punishment for our sins until Jesus came and bore the weight of them. Grace is the Perfect Son of God offering Himself up in our place so that we would be set free.

Little wonder then that we sing: “Jesus, Name above all Names”.

Thank You Jesus for the beauty of the Word. Thank You Spirit for making the Bible open and plain to us, showing us Jesus’ glorious work. Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be exalted this Sunday as Your people gather in homes and churches, in mission fields and chapels to praise You. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0NjVgkVDy4