What Jesus Did! 'God Makes Himself Available in Jesus' — John 5:1-3

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people — blind, lame, or paralyzed — lay on the porches.
— John 5:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

One of John's recurring themes is that Jesus comes to Jerusalem during important feasts to make God's love and grace available to the people. Like he so often does, Jesus puts himself in a place that makes him accessible to everyday people. This group of people in today's verses had serious health problems and had come to a place that legend had made a place of healing. [1] John, however, will remind us once again in the subsequent verses that Jesus catches up all the legend, tradition, and meaning of his Jewish heritage and makes it all come alive in himself. He is the great healer - not legend, not tradition, and not the feasts. This healer makes God available to common everyday folks.

[1] This legend is implied by all the sick people at the pool and is stated in verse 4 that is included in some translations (e.g., John 5:3-5 ASV) and is a footnote in the NLT.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Father, for walking among everyday folks like me. Thank you for revealing your glory in Jesus. I believe he is my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, Healer, Teacher, Lord, and Friend. I believe you sent him so that I could better understand your heart. Conform my life to his example and his will. I pray this in his name, Jesus my Lord. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Doing What Jesus' Asks
Article by Max Lucado
Why are we so reluctant to do what Jesus asks us when we know he cares so much for us? Max Lucado simply reminds us to obey Jesus when he asks something of us.
What Will You Do with My Grace?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower, In today's events from My life on earth, you will meet a man who had great difficulties. But like so many who find themselves in very...."

Illustration

Illustration of John 5:1-3 NLT — Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, March 28, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Remember: Prayer Is the Heart of the Battle'
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me,..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Keeps our Feet from Stumbling' (Ps. 66:8-9)
"Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises. Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Anointing Teaches You Truth' (1 Jn. 2:26-27)
"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from [the Holy One] remains in you, and....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Staying Awake' (Ro. 13:11-14)
"Dear Father, victorious deliverer, May I be found in Christ, not trusting any righteousness of my own. Let me know him and the power of his..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!