Most likely Jesus spent nine months in Galilee. Then he went up to Jerusalem at the feast of Tabernacles. He knew that the battle of faith was to be decisive in the Capital. Though he was confronting legalists and the pious, He kept the law faithfully. Three times yearly he went on pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem, whenever that was possible (Deuteronomy 16:16).
In the town center there was a pool, which according to some Greek versions was occasionally moved by an angel. Herod had built porches round the pool with pillars. The remains of this portico were discovered recently. This structure was named "the House of Mercy", for many invalids would frequent the place seeking a cure – waiting for the waters to move. They thought that the first to throw himself in the water at the movement would be healed.
Jesus visited this pool crowded with sick folk. He noticed a man paralyzed for thirty-eight years, bitter and in pain. To add to this the cripple had a hatred of others. In this house of mercy it was everyone for himself; no one to pity him. Yet he had not lost hope, but awaited the opportunity so rare to receive divine mercy. Suddenly mercy Incarnate stood before him, and Jesus began his healing treatment by first drawing the man’s gaze from the pool to himself. Then He kindled the cripple’s will to gain healing. Jesus gave him the chance to express his grievances, who had cried, "No one cares for me! Often have I have sought healing, but my confidence has faded: No one enquires about me. Maybe you will wait a while for the waters to move, so that you may put me in?"
No one cares for me! Is this your position brother? Do others reject you? We tell you that Jesus stands before you: He asks about you and has found you. He can help you and save you. These were the sentiments felt by the paralytic. His questioning glance met Christ’s eyes, whose pity created the man’s confidence in the Lord of love.
When Jesus saw the eager desire of this unfortunate man to be cured, and his trust that Jesus was able to deliver, he commanded, "Rise, take up your mattress and walk." This was a divine injunction, making the impossible feasible. The paralytic believed Christ’s word, and trusted the power that flowed from him, feeling the currents that flowed into his bones and the power that revived his body. He gained strength and was healed.
Instantly he leapt for joy, stood up and lifted his bed over his head and carried it gladly. His faith complemented Christ’s word of power, and brought about an immediate healing.