Travel to Israel and visit the Pools of Bethesda where Jesus performed the famous miracle of healing of the paralytic

Walk Where Jesus Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

The Pool of Bethesda is an ancient pool located in today’s Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, a sacred destination you will explore on your Holy Land tour of Israel. Situated along the path of the Beth Zeta Valley, this biblical site is revered as the place where Jesus healed a paralyzed man, as recorded in John 5:2–9.

According to the Gospel of John, the pool is described as being near the Sheep Gate and surrounded by five covered colonnades. Though once thought to be fictional, archaeological discoveries in the 19th century confirmed the site’s historical and geographical accuracy, affirming the truth of biblical locations in Jerusalem. Another pool referenced in John’s Gospel is the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9:1–11). Both pools are believed to be mikvehs, or Jewish ritual baths, used for purification.

The Meaning Behind the Name "Bethesda"

In Hebrew, the name "Bethesda" (beth hesda) translates to "house of mercy" or "house of grace." Interestingly, it can also imply "disgrace" or "shame," as the site was frequented by the sick and disabled. This dual meaning captures the spiritual significance of the location—once marked by suffering, it became a place of divine healing through Christ’s power.

Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man

The Gospel of John (John 5:1–15) tells us that Jesus visited the Pool of Bethesda during a Jewish feast. There, He encountered a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years.

“One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’” (John 5:5–6, ESV)
When Jesus learned that the man had no one to help him into the water when it was stirred—a moment believed to bring healing—He asked him, “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6). Jesus then commanded, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” and immediately, the man was healed.

This miraculous healing serves as a powerful reminder that divine restoration comes not through ritual or superstition, but through the word and authority of Christ Himself.

A Sabbath Miracle That Stirred Controversy

The healing took place on the Sabbath, which provoked anger from the religious leaders of the time (John 5:16–18). Jesus' action demonstrated His authority over religious tradition and affirmed His divine identity, declaring later in the chapter, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (John 5:17).

This event invites reflection on how Christ fulfills the law with grace and healing, a theme central to any Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Pilgrimage and the Legacy of Healing

As centuries passed, the Pool of Bethesda became a revered pilgrimage site. Roman medicinal baths were eventually constructed there, blending the traditions of faith and physical healing.

During the Byzantine era, Christians honored the site by building the Church of St. Anne, a beautifully preserved structure that still stands today, symbolizing centuries of Christian devotion and witness to Jesus’ healing power.

A Sacred Site with Marian Significance

Beyond its connection to Christ’s miracle, the area near the Pool of Bethesda is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This adds a unique layer of reverence for pilgrims who journey to this location on our Christian Holy Land tours.

Walk in the Footsteps of the Healer

Visiting the Pool of Bethesda allows you to walk where Jesus walked and witness the place where His words brought healing and hope to the broken. It is a place where the mercy of God transformed lives and continues to inspire faith today.