The Evidence For Faith

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 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 5:1-6

So most arguments against Christianity are based on so-called biblical contradictions. This is because the best way to attack the Christian faith is to disprove the Bible. And one-way skeptics will do this is by pointing out how the Bible does not match up with the historical record or archaeological findings. And one of those so-called contradictions is right here in this text. It's the existence of this pool called Bethesda. For years skeptics discredited this story and the miracle that happened here because there was no evidence that this pool existed. And this is important because this story right here, the healing of this man, will set in motion all the animosity and tension between devout Jews and Jesus that will result in his crucifixion. So this location and the miracle that happened there are important.

But in 1911, all skepticism about the pool at Bethesda was put to rest. After a long excavation that took decades, archeologists discovered the pool. There were actually two of them conjoined —an upper and lower pool separated by a wall, giving us a five-colonnade construction. The upper pool was fed by a spring more than 40 feet deep, and at times this pool would fill or stir, feeding the lower pool. Thus the skepticism about this apparent contradiction came to an end.

Since the early 1900s, there have been many discoveries supporting the events and places in the Bible that affirm our faith. And this evidence does help. But remember, the most significant evidence you can ever have in any court of law is eyewitness evidence. And that's what John is giving us. Eyewitness evidence about Jesus and what he did. These historical discoveries only enhance this greater evidence. But remember, this never absolves us from taking a step of faith. Because regardless of how much evidence we ever find, faith is required for belief in Jesus. So keep looking for the evidence you need. But remember, no amount of evidence will ever absolve you from taking a step of faith.

ASK THIS: What evidence do you need to take your step of faith?

DO THIS: Search for it and bravely take your step.

PRAY THIS: God, give me the courage to search, find, and take a step of faith today.

PLAY THIS: Step Of Faith.