A Long Time (#307 of 365+)

“Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great
number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” (John 5:1-6)

Jesus arrived and started talking to people. I think he loved “getting to know them” although he already knew them better than they knew themselves. Then someone told him how long this one man had suffered. It is so amazing that the Son of God—who was present at the creation of the world (John 1:1-2)—understood that thirty-eight years was a very long time for a man to wait for a miracle.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus noticed how the man had endured almost four decades of ever-deepening frustration with his helpless condition (John 5:7). Yet, as my pastor pointed out in last week’s sermon, Jesus saw so much more than just his physical disability. He could see all of his underlying issues. He instantly recognized the man’s spiritual need for a Savior… and he was also keenly aware that being healed would disrupt a delicate balance in his life.

The social and economic structure the man had been accustomed to would crumble if and when he started walking around without assistance. He would have to leave “the Y” and get a life. No more handouts! Who would pity someone who was strong and able-bodied? He would be expected to work for a living! He would have to find a way to take care of himself without any skills or experience. He didn’t have a wife or kids. He had probably outlived all his relatives. Where would he go now?

Jesus knew all this. That’s why he asked in advance, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6).

Lord, help me not to have a complaining spirit when something doesn’t go my way… even if I have to suffer for a very long time! I know you notice all my struggles. You have a tender, merciful, compassionate heart. I want to be more like you. Take my eyes off my puny problems and help me to see a way to serve someone else in your name today. Amen.