Data and Real People

As I read about Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda, I began to see some differences and similarities between this healing and the healing of the Nobleman’s son. I also saw similarities and differences between Nicodemus and the Samaritan Woman…

- Status: Nicodemus & the Nobleman were well respected leaders within their communities. The Samaritan was despised for nationality and because she was a woman. The man at the pool was also despised because he was crippled. If he lived today he would have been on welfare.
- Family: Nicodemus & the Nobleman came from stable families. Although we do not know much about Nicodemus, the Nobleman was married and had a child. The Samaritan Woman was a divorcee who had a live in boyfriend. The man at the pool had no family. He was alone in the world.
- Age: The Nobleman’s son was young. The Samaritan Woman was old enough to be married five times. The man had been ill for thirty-eight years.
- Occasion: Nicodemus and the Nobleman sought Jesus and found him. They had heard of his reputation and his ability to perform miracles. The Samaritan Woman came to the well where Jesus asked her a question to engage her in conversation. Jesus came and found the man at the pool, asking him a question, “Do you want to get well?”
- Travel: Nicodemus came to Jesus who was in town because of the feast of Passover. The Nobleman traveled about a day’s journey to find Jesus. Jesus had traveled a day north of Jerusalem when he met the woman at the well. Jesus was in Jerusalem for the feast when he met the man at the pool
- Privacy: Nicodemus and the Nobleman met Jesus in private. Jesus met the Samaritan Woman and the crippled man in a public place, and near the water.
- Required: Jesus asked Nicodemus and the Samaritan Woman to come out of the darkness into the light of Salvation. Jesus sent the Nobleman home because he had healed the boy from a distance. Jesus touched the man at the pool asking him to pick up his mat and walk.
- Afterwards: Nicodemus and the man at the pool found they were in conflict with the Pharisees after their meeting with Jesus. The woman and the nobleman left in peace. The nobleman was found by his servant who told him his son was well. Later the Woman brought her entire town to meet Jesus (and also his disciples). Jesus found the man he healed in the Temple and told him to sin no more.

The lesson here is that Jesus is for all people: Rich or Poor; Respected or Despised; Well or Sick; Near or Far; Surrounded by family or Alone; Sinner or Saint. Jesus came to change our lives for the better … if we will receive Him. The key question seems to be “Do you want to get well?” When we answer in the affirmative and follow the word of Jesus we receive the gift of health, life, and forgiveness.