In our lifetime, we would probably have spent much time poring over books and notes in our academic pursuits.  Regardless of whether we like it or not, we do so because we believe that our paper chase will reap great rewards for our future.  

As we confront life’s daily challenges, at work or at home, it is inevitable for us but to seek knowledge and information, to find solutions to problems, to make decisions, or just to be in the know.  Right down to things like; what to eat, what to wear, what to do, where to go, we devote much time to find things out through various sources and platforms.

One may say that in this age of information, it is vital to seek, to search and to explore.  It is not only a way of life, it is essential for life.   

How do we view the words of God?  Do we regard them as important, essential and integral to our life?  Do we recognise and diligently seek for the way to eternal life, contained in the scriptures.  

The Jews in this passage knows the words recorded in the Scriptures but only superficially.  Though they seemed to hold fast to these words and even demand the same from others, that they must also keep them religiously.  We see that they have not examined enough, for their knowledge lacks understanding.  They did not know the true meaning and essence of the Scriptures.  They fail to see from God’s perspective.  

Why did He speak those words.  What does He mean to say.  What is His purpose and intent.  What is the message He wants to convey.  What does He want us to do and why do we do it.  Just like the things that we learnt in this world, isn’t it about the application of knowledge?  Isn’t it about knowing what to do, how to do, when to do, etc.  so that life is meaningful, enjoyable and peaceful.

We see also from the discourse with the Jews, the importance of believing and acceptance.  This involves humility and trust in the words of God, even when it is hard to comprehend.  We should not follow the example shown, where the word could not abide in the Jews because of disbelief.   

At this juncture, let us spend some time to examine more closely the incident that occurred at the pool called Bethesda.  Many of us would probably read this passage in a cursory manner, taking note only of the healing of the man with an infirmity of 38 years by Jesus.  It may come as a surprise to us, that for a long period of time, people who study this passage were intrigued by the description that the pool has five porches.  What bothered them is that there is no known structures having five porches, for it is common to have four porches and not five.  Having five porches would mean a structure that is a pentagon, which is not unusual in our present context but highly unlikely in the time of Jesus.  Hence they postulate that there is error in the Scriptures, either from the original writer or an error introduced by the subsequent person(s) who copied.    Though the record seemed insignificant, some doubt has been cast on the reliability of the Scriptures.  That if there is an error here, what guarantee is there that there are no other errors elsewhere.

This mystery was solved when archaeologist (Conrad Schick) discovered  that there is such a structure with five porches at the time of Jesus.  This finding reassures and reaffirms the authenticity of the Bible.

Another matter that intrigued was regarding the angel that stirred the water resulting in healing.  Some advocated that this is the wonderful working of God.  That the grace of God was dispensed through this means to the unfortunate.  There are yet others who questioned whether this is indeed by the hand of God.  Would God grant healing in this manner, that the first who got into the pool, and only the first be healed when the waters stirred.  Is this really an act of grace?  Doesn’t this foster selfishness and unhealthy competition, where one, in order to be healed, pushes his way through at the expense of others.  Is this truly God’s working?  Does this match the nature of God?  

Let us examine the Scriptures to see if it was so.  We know that Jesus healed with compassion (Matthew 14:13 – 14), He healed those who had faith (Mark 5:34).  God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  He opposes those who are selfish, who puts themselves above others (Phil 2:3).  Therefore it is highly unlikely that God instituted a method of healing that goes contrary to His nature and beliefs.  

Next, does the term angel always convey something good, someone sent by God to do His work.  Matthew 25:41 tells us about the devil and his angels.  Paul also at times, did warn us of the dangers of falling short of the glory of God, that we should not be deceived nor be swayed.  We should not simply believe words, even if it comes from angels, but to judge whether they truly come from God (Rom 8:38, Gal 1:8).  At the time of Jesus, the Romans build healing centres dedicated to Greco-Roman god of well-being, Asclepius.  Was the pool and its healing related to this god instead rather than our Lord God.  

Let us not take lightly the words of God.  Let us not just read the Scriptures in a cursory manner.  Let us search the Scriptures.  Let us find Jesus and the words that lead to everlasting life