For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
By a special pool, a man has waited 38 long years to be healed — and Jesus asks him a surprising question.
Today's Story
In Jerusalem there was a pool where many sick people gathered, hoping to be healed. Among them lay a man who hadn't been able to walk for THIRTY-EIGHT years — longer than most people are even alive! He had been waiting and waiting, with no one to help him.
Jesus saw him lying there and felt compassion. He asked a surprising question: “Do you want to get well?” The man explained sadly that he had no one to help him into the pool.
Then Jesus said simply, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” And at once — after thirty-eight years — the man was healed! He stood up, picked up his mat, and walked! Can you imagine his joy?
Some leaders complained because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, the rest day. But Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” Doing good and helping people is ALWAYS the right thing — every day of the week.
Jesus saw a man everyone else had walked past for years. He noticed him, He cared, and He made him whole.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The man waited 38 years, but Jesus noticed him. Have you ever felt overlooked? Jesus notices you.
- Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?” Why do you think He asked? What would you ask Jesus for?
- Jesus said doing good is always right, even on a rest day. When is a good time to do good for someone?