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The Desire of Ages
DA 201.1–204.2 • John 5:2-3; John 5:5-6; John 5:8-9; John 5:17

“Bethesda and the Sanhedrin”

Divine Authority, Works of Mercy, and the True Spirit of the Sabbath

At the Pool of Bethesda, Jesus heals a hopeless paralytic on the Sabbath day, revealing the compassionate character of the Father and asserting His eternal divine authority before the religious rulers.

pp. 201–204 · 12 paragraphs

Holy Scripture

KJV
John 5:2-3
2

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

John 5:5-6
5

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

John 5:8-9
8

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

John 5:17
17

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

The Desire of Ages

• Chapter 21
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DA 201.1
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DA 201.2
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DA 201.3
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DA 202.1
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DA 203.1
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DA 203.2
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DA 203.3
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DA 203.4
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DA 204.1
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DA 204.2
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End of Day 1(DA 201.1–204.2)

Take a quiet moment to pause, pray, and meditate on these living truths.

You may engage with 3 gentle devotional review questions, record insights in your journal, or advance when ready.

Heart Reflection (Optional)

“Where in your life have you felt paralyzed by longstanding weakness, and how does Christ’s call to "Rise and walk" invite you to step out in active faith today?”

Active Faith in Christ’s Word
Prayer & Practice (Optional)
Prayer Focus

“Lord Jesus, You saw the helpless man at Bethesda and spoke living power into his thirty-eight years of infirmity. Give us courage to believe Your promises and make the Sabbath a delight of mercy and restoration.”

Practical Action

Reach out to someone in your circle who is suffering or discouraged with an encouraging message or act of Christian service this week.

Personal prayer intention

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