Matthew Henry Commentary John 5:1-9

"After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep [gate] a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered, [waiting for the moving of the water.] [for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the waters stepped in was made whole, with whatsoever disease he was holden.] And a certain man was there, who had been thirty and eight years in his infirmity. When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole? The sick 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, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day." — John 5:1-9 (ASV)

We are all by nature impotent people in spiritual things: blind, lame, and withered. However, full provision is made for our cure, if we pay attention to it. An angel went down and stirred the water; and whatever disease it was, this water cured it, but only the one who first stepped in received the benefit. This teaches us to be careful, so that we do not let a season slip by which may never return.

The man had lost the use of his limbs for thirty-eight years. Should we, who perhaps for many years have scarcely known what it is to be sick for a day, complain of one wearisome night, when many others, better than us, have scarcely known what it is to be well for a day? Christ singled this one out from the rest. Those who have been in affliction for a long time may comfort themselves that God keeps account of how long. Observe, this man speaks of the unkindness of those around him without any peevish reflections.

As we should be thankful, so we should be patient. Our Lord Jesus cures him, though he neither asked nor thought of it. Arise, and walk. God's command (for example, Turn and live, or Make you a new heart) no more supposes power in us without the grace of God—His distinguishing grace—than this command supposed such power in the impotent man. It was by the power of Christ, and he must have all the glory. What a joyful surprise to the poor cripple to find himself suddenly so comfortable, so strong, so able to help himself!

The proof of spiritual cure is our rising and walking. If Christ has healed our spiritual diseases, let us go wherever he sends us, take up whatever he lays upon us, and walk before him.