Consider whether, over and above the general typical features which we may detect in this miracle, there be not significative circumstances in the history from which, as Christians, we may draw great practical lessons.
I. Observe, that it was only at certain seasons that the angel descended, and only the individual that was instantly on the alert, to take advantage of the troubling of the waters, that was healed of his infirmities. The waters were not at all times equally efficacious, and the dilatory, by letting slip an opportunity, ran no inconsiderable risk of remaining uncured up to the day of their death. Now, we do not mean to say that there is any moment at which men can turn in repentance to God and find Him unwilling to receive them. I do not mean to say of the Fountain open for sin and uncleanness that, like the Pool of Bethesda, it is healing only at certain times, and loses its power when stated solemnities have passed. But, nevertheless, there are precious opportunities in every man's life, turning-points as we may well call them, on the taking advantage of which may altogether depend his final salvation. So far as we ourselves are individually concerned, the troubling of the waters is an occasional, rather than a permanent, thing. The point to be observed is, that if we be not on the watch for that troubling of the waters, and if we do not, as soon as it takes place, endeavour to avail ourselves of these motions, we are likely to die in the porches of Bethesda, with the sickness of the soul altogether unrelieved.
II. The lesson comes out clear and distinct, that in religion everything depends on taking immediate advantage of the suggestions and emotions of God's Spirit, seeing that the visitations of grace are only occasional, and there is no pledge that a neglected opportunity will ever be followed by another. There is something singular in the question which Christ proposed to the cripple: "Wilt thou be made whole?" You may possibly decide against being cured. It is a secret unwillingness which frustrates the ordinance of grace, and keeps our Bethesda still crowded with the halt, the withered, and the blind.
H. Melvill, Penny Pulpit,No. 3251.
References: John 5:6. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xvi., No. 955.John 5:6. W. G. Horder, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxxi., p. 380; J. Williamson, Ibid.,vol. xxxii., p. 196; Homiletic Quarterly,vol. xiv., p. 302; G. Brooks, Outlines of Sermons,p. 307. John 5:8. Spurgeon, Evening by Evening,p. 128. John 5:9. Ibid., My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 133; Church of England Pulpit,vol. xiv., p. 258. John 5:10-20. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. ii., p. 374.