7/13/20 – In today’s reading, John shares a story about Jesus healing a paralized man in a place called Bethesda or Sheeps Gate pool. Historically, the pool in Bethesda was believed by many at the time to provide healing – that is for anyone that could make it in the small natural pool when the water rose high enough. As a parlized man for 38 years, you can imagine the seemingly helpless and shameful life of not being able to get to the pool and even if you did, hopelessly wishing it would heal. It’s easy to read over this short account as another typical “Jesus-thing-to” but put yourself in that man’s place and imagine the joy and freedom he experienced because of the grace and mercy of Jesus – who we will later learn is the TRUE Sheep’s Gate Keeper and the good shepherd! Lastly, notice how the teachers of Law were upset about Jesus healing on the Sabbath – a day originally set aside by God for rest, delight and worship that the current day leaders had twisted into a legalistic show of who was more holy. Jesus defies this religious expectation not out of disrespect to the Sabbath but to reveal the true gift that the Sabbath is for – delight, rest and worship of God’s continual healing work in us