Jesus cared for people.

It’s important to recognize the care Jesus took for those who were afflicted with illness or disability. In John 5, we read the following:

“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.” (5:2-3)

“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?’ ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’” (5:4-7)

”Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (5:89)

Most of us would agree that the highlight within this account, is the miraculous, and immediate healing that Jesus performed on this man. And yet, take another look at verse 6.

“When Jesus…learned that he had been in this condition for a long time,…“

Consider the care Jesus had for this man.

Jesus is walking through this area with so many hurting and lowly people, and He knows every one of their stories. And for whatever reason, He takes time to get to know them. He “learned that” this crippled man “had been in this condition for a long time“.

Consider the care that Jesus must have had, to “learn” about his condition. It’s so easy for us to focus on the supernatural part of Jesus; the fact that He is God and knows a lot more about what’s going on. Jesus could have healed this man without ever speaking with him. That’s not what happened though is it?

There are so many other accounts where Jesus knew a certain person’s condition, thoughts or feelings. He did or could have known this crippled man’s story without ever asking him, but He didn’t. This is so important to note Jesus’ interest in this man’s story. This passage shows His humanity!

Why are we not more interested?

Why don’t we care more about people’s stories? Why do they have to be rich, famous, or have done some sort of amazing feat before we’ll take an interest?

It shouldn’t be a chore take time out of our day to sit down with someone who has been afflicted in some way. If we’re honest with ourselves, we know that the internal fulfillment and relational rewards, far out way the time we would have spent being “busy“.

This week, let’s be aware of the people around us. If God provides the opportunity, let’s spend some time hearing someone’s story. Mayb e specifically seek out the stories of those who haven’t had an easy life? Maybe seek out those who have been afflicated or faced hardship?

Let’s do as Christ did and learn about them!