As I went through pictures today I got to the Pools of Bethesda and I thought about the miracle that took place there. The ruins of the twin pools are found on the north side of the old city, close to the Lions gate. These pools supplied water to the temple during the times of the first and second temple (until Herod). There are references in the old testament to the "upper pool", which may have been the name of the northern pool.
Adjacent to the pools were baths and a healing center. These baths are the site of the healing miracle of Jesus in the pools of the sheep market, which was also called "Bethesda".
John 5:1-15 (American Standard Version) reads:
1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep [gate] a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered, [waiting for the moving of the water.] 4 [for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the waters stepped in was made whole, with whatsoever disease he was holden.] 5 And a certain man was there, who had been thirty and eight years in his infirmity. 6 When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?7 The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.9 And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed. 11 But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.12 They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up [thy bed], and walk? 13 But he that was healed knew not who it was; for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee.15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole.
Herod the Great constructed a new water system to the north of Bethesda, making the twin pools obsolete. In 44AD Herod Agrippa constructed a new wall, which blocked the water entirely, and so the pools were converted for other use.
Until the 5th C the area was used as a baths center, and its waters were famous for its healing powers, and were the source of its name - Beth-Hesda - the "house of the graceful waters". The site was also named "sheep pool", perhaps since the sheep that was sacrificed in the temple was washed in these waters. This use of the water to purify the sacrifice may have given the waters their perceived healing powers.
At the Pools there is St. Anne's Basilica - Anne was Mary's (mother of Jesus) mother. This is a beautiful church and the acoustics in this pace are fabulous. We all went inside and sang a few hymns. Then we headed out to see the ruens. Shortly after that I returned inside and asked the priest there if he cared if I did some sining. He said "Please do" and I stood in the middle of the area right in front of the alter and sang - "O Holy Night". Wow. I could feel God's presence right there. It was amazing.
I spent about 15 - 20 minutes singing in the church and soon had a crowd. It was as I was getting ready to leve that the Priest offered me a job to come and work with him. I was very honored.
I can't believe the things I learned in Israel. One of the things is about their military. Each and every person, men and women alive serve in Israel's army. When a young adult turns 18 they enter - mem for 3 years and women for 2. Much of the training and teaching is done by the women. When we were heading to the Western wall we saw a group of young soldiers and their female instructors.
They looked so very young. Here are a couple photo's of them.
As I watched them I tought of our young men and women who serve - my son included - and my heart went out to these young men and womens parents. And I prayed for peace, for strength, for courage, for each and every one who is serveing, has served, or will serve no matter what country they are from. It doesn't matter what country you live in, if you are a parent, or sibling, or spouse, or friend of someone who serves in the military, your heart breaks when they are away from you.
So many wonderful memories. So many thoughts and blessings that have truely changed my life in many ways. And so much more to tell you. Keep watching. All for now, more to come.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Deb
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