People who were sick or disabled would gather around the Pool of Bethesda because they believed the waters would heal them.  One of these people had been unable to walk for 38 years, and he had given up hope that he could be healed.  Jesus healed the man, and he was able to walk again.

Jesus cares about people even when problems make them feel hopeless or sad.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 5:1-15
Psalm 62:5-6
Isaiah 40:31
Romans 15:13
1 Timothy 4:10

Outline:

1. About the Pool (John 5:1-4)
2. The Encounter and Healing (John 5:5-9a)
3. Pious versus Personal (John 5:9b-15)

Additional Links:
Illustrations and images of the Pool of Bethesda and its location in relation to the temple.

Tips for teaching:

• Look up the word "hope" in the dictionary.
• Write the word "HOPE" in the middle of a large piece paper and then use artwork to decorate around it.
• To recreate the pool scene, drop an effervescent table (like Alka-seltzer) in water to make the water bubble up. Alternatively, pour cola over ice-cream to make it fizz and bubble (and then eat it!)
• If there is one nearby, visit mineral pools and tell the story there.
• Adults can think back to a time when they felt hopeless.  Write a letter to your old self.  Tell your old self why they should have hope.
• Consider current difficulties you face. Do you WANT to be made well?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Healing of the Man By a Pool

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org