Day 38: John 5
Waiting 38 Year for an Answer
God’s timing is always perfect, though we may not understand it in the moment. A man laid paralyzed for 38 long years, waiting by a pool where others found healing. When Jesus approached him and ask him, “Do you want to get well?” The man doesn’t answer directly, he just starts with excuse making. Jesus cuts through this with a simple commanded “Get up, take your mat, and walk.”
The invalid man must have been astonished. After decades of immobility, he stood and walked at Jesus’ words (John 5:8-9). Instantly he walked. Like him, we often desire instant solutions to long-held problems. If you think about it, this man did not receive an instant solution. He waited 38 years for his solution. God works on eternal timescales to shape us through the waiting.
A crowd of sick people all around and yet Jesus paused to engage this one man, seeing his need. The Lord does not overlook individual pains; He is neither too busy nor too lofty to notice our personal situations. Despite a crowd gathered at the pool, Jesus focused on one man, listening for his story before responding. God attends to us as individuals.
Though Jesus initiated this healing, the man still had to rise and walk at Christ’s command. His response required faith and courage to attempt what he had not done in 38 years. Oftentimes we beg God to act, yet do nothing ourselves in response. Let this paralyzed man remind us that true faith requires action, even when it seems impossible.
Tragically, the Jewish leaders missed the miracle entirely, only seeking occasions to accuse Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath. Rather than rejoicing over restored life and health, they hung on to negative ways.
May this caution us against such hardheartedness. Let us learn to see with eyes of compassion, not accusation.
Lonnie Davis
Our story is found in John 5