I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s loving the songs of Simon and Garfunkel, but one of my favorites was the song, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” written by Paul Simon. I realize the meaning of the song lyrics is for the singer to convey the message to someone listening that no matter how bad things get in the world, he will be a source of support and comfort. Sadly, these two folk song stars were the best of friends until they released this song.
In 1971 Aretha Franklin took the song to church making it a gospel song about God and our Bridge being Jesus the Christ. Honestly, every time I hear the song, I think about Jesus and how he is speaking and encouraging me through it; he is so faithful and nothing can separate me from His love! Maybe Paul Simon did not know he was an instrument for Jesus when writing the song, but I recognize the fingerprints of God all over it, as well as the promises of Christ throughout it. Jesus is the Bridge over the troubled waters of the world who laid down his life!
In our passage today, Jesus returns to Jerusalem and were does he go? He goes to a pool that is surrounded with sick people waiting for troubled water. A common belief—but was actually unbelief—was an angel would come down during certain seasons and stir the water. The first person in the troubled water would be healed, but Jesus knew this false belief would never bring the miracle any of these folks needed. So to make a statement and provide an example of truth for the crowd, Jesus goes specifically to speak with a certain invalid; Jesus knows everything about him and plans to extend to him compassion and the power for new life (Psalms 139:2-4).
Our world is troubled and looking in all the wrong directions. Jesus stands before humanity each day; the Savior and Bridge to divine wisdom, compassion, and power. We need to cast our eyes upon Jesus, because only he can bring forgiveness of sin, connect us with Creator Father, and fill us with his miraculous righteousness. We are called to be believers walking toward his glorious presence each day. Don’t be afraid; just walk by faith and cross over on the Bridge of grace into the Christ life!
John 5:1-15 NLT Jesus Heals a Lame Man
1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five [symbolic of grace].
covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”
11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.
13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
Prayer: Lord, the spiritual waters of this world are certainly troubled, but we are going to cling to you and stay focused on your love in action. You are the only solid and trustworthy One and we are grateful for how you become the Bridge of salvation we need by grace through faith. You bring us ongoing healing as we are refreshed in the waters of the Spirit. Holy Spirit, help us to understand and remember we are healed so we can be containers of your holiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.