Scripture: John 5:4 (KJV)
“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.”
Note: Many modern translations omit this verse or place it in brackets because it does not appear in the earliest manuscripts. However, its content reflects what was commonly believed at the time, and both Calvin and Ryle address its significance.
This verse captures the belief that stirred the crowd at Bethesda: at certain times, an angel would come down and stir the water, and the first one in would be healed. Whether this was truly miraculous or merely a tradition is debated, but the point remains—there was hope, even if it was tinged with uncertainty and competition.
J.C. Ryle does not insist on the historical certainty of the angelic stirring but emphasizes that this belief, true or not, shows how desperate people are for healing and hope. “It is enough to know,” Ryle says, “that there was a firm belief among the sick that healing was possible.” The hope may have been misdirected, but it was real. And it speaks volumes about the human heart—longing for relief, willing to wait indefinitely, clinging to any chance for restoration.
John Calvin, while cautious about the authenticity of the verse, points to the way God used even these signs and traditions to draw attention to human need and divine power. He writes, “Though the truth of this stirring of the water is uncertain, yet the effect was to stir up in the people some sense of their misery, and the hope of divine help.”
This verse paints a picture of limited mercy—only one could be healed, only if they were fast enough. But into that setting walks Jesus, the One who brings unlimited mercy and healing not dependent on our strength, speed, or timing. Where the pool brought anxiety and competition, Jesus brings peace and sufficiency.
Reflection Questions:
- Where in your life are you waiting for something to “stir” before trusting God to act?
- Have you ever felt like hope was only for others more worthy, quicker, or stronger than you?
- How does Jesus contrast with the uncertain mercy depicted at this pool?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that we no longer have to wait for troubled waters to find healing. In You, grace is abundant and always near. Help us to turn from uncertain hopes and cling instead to the sure promises of Christ. Teach us that Your mercy does not depend on our ability or effort, but on Your love and power. In Your name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 