Your House Can Be a Bethesda: A Message to the Christian Family

In John 5:1–18, we read the powerful story of a man who had suffered for 38 years, lying beside the Pool of Bethesda, waiting for healing. One day, Jesus came, saw him, spoke to him, and made him whole. This account is more than a miracle—it’s a window into Christ’s heart and a pattern for how healing can begin at home.

What if your home could become a Bethesda—a place of mercy, restoration, and grace? A place where Jesus is welcomed, suffering is noticed, brokenness is met with compassion, and transformation begins?

Here are six biblical applications from this story for every Christian family.

1. Recognizing and Responding to Suffering Within the Family

“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition…” (John 5:6)

Jesus noticed the man before he ever spoke. He saw not only the man’s physical state but also the loneliness and helplessness hidden beneath.

In the family:

Each member must learn to see beyond the surface. Is there unspoken pain in your home? A discouraged child, a weary parent, a misunderstood spouse?

Make your home a place where suffering is seen, and compassion flows.

Supporting Scriptures:

·         “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

·         “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

2. Encouraging One Another Toward Wholeness

“Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6)

Jesus didn’t force healing—He invited it. This question calls for honest desire and openness to change.

In the family:

Foster a culture of encouragement. Make room for conversations about healing, repentance, and growth. A home that nurtures emotional and spiritual wellness reflects the heart of Jesus.

Supporting Scriptures:

·         “Encourage one another and build one another up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

·         “Bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

3. Trusting in Christ’s Power to Restore

“Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’ And immediately the man became well…” (John 5:8–9)

After 38 years, healing came in a moment. With Christ, nothing is too broken to be restored.

In the family:

Broken communication, past wounds, addictions, or bitterness can all find healing through Christ. Never give up hope—Jesus still says, “Rise.”

Supporting Scriptures:

·         “With God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

·         “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

4. Making Space for Grace, Not Just Rules

“It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your mat.” (John 5:10)

The religious leaders missed the miracle because they clung to rules over mercy. Jesus, however, prioritized compassion.

In the family:

Discipline is important, but grace must be foundational. A house filled with forgiveness, patience, and second chances becomes a house that reflects the Gospel.

Supporting Scriptures:

·         “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

·         “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

5. Living Responsibly After Receiving Grace

“See, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” (John 5:14)

Jesus did not only heal—He called the man to holiness. Grace leads to transformation.

In the family:

Teach that forgiveness is the doorway, not the destination. Encourage one another to live lives worthy of God’s mercy.

Supporting Scriptures:

·         “Go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)

·         “For the grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness.” (Titus 2:11–12)

6. Testifying to God’s Work in the Family

“The man went away and informed the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.” (John 5:15)

Even in the face of opposition, the man bore witness to what Jesus had done.

In the family:

Speak often of God’s goodness. Celebrate answered prayers, transformed hearts, and the quiet ways Christ is present in your home.

Supporting Scriptures:

·         “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.” (Psalm 96:3)

·         “Let your light shine before men… that they may see your good works and glorify your Father.” (Matthew 5:16)

Your Home Can Be a Bethesda

Bethesda means “House of Mercy.” When Jesus enters our families, He brings mercy, healing, and transformation. But He also invites us to partner with Him—to see each other with compassion, to speak truth with love, and to create homes where grace reigns.

Let us answer His question today: “Do you want to be made well?” And let us begin that healing in our homes, making them places where Christ is known, love is lived, and lives are made whole.

Fr. Abraam Sleman

frsleman@CopticChurch.net

 

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