John 5

⁵ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
⁷ The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.


This is a touching scene, but also an ugly scene. Ugly, because it shows the selfishness of human nature, everyone for himself. When there is an advantage to be gained for oneself, other people do not matter. It does not matter if their condition is worse than yours, or they have been waiting longer than you have. At the crucial moment, everyone will fight and pursue their own benefits, trampling down others while at it. This is touching, because it shows us that Jesus sees even if no one else did; and Jesus cared when no one else cared. Jesus probably pick him out for the reason that he has been waiting the longest, and without help. Jesus sees the needs of others when no one else sees. Jesus sees the trouble of others when no one else cared to see. This is a great comfort, knowing that even if no one else sees or cares about the troubles you are going through, Jesus will, and He will pick you out from all the rest and save you.