Why This Man?

2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”… John 5:1-6

This story has always intrigued me. Why would Jesus go to such a crowded place, full of sick people—and then heal only one man? And why this man of all people? Because, as you read the rest of the story, he seems pretty self-centered—he lets Jesus get away without ever finding out what his name is, and then, when Jesus meets him in the temple, the healed man immediately goes and reports Jesus’ name to his enemies! I think Jesus could have chosen someone more grateful—or at least better at paying attention.

But then, that’s our Lord for you. He’s like that—he chooses anyone and everyone to benefit from his loving attention, even though he knows perfectly well we aren’t going to repay him with the love and thankfulness we should. It doesn’t matter to him—at least, not enough to make him decide not to love us! In fact, he goes ahead and suffers and dies for us—yes, and rises again, so that whoever trusts in him may be saved.

There have been many times in our work with refugees and immigrants that we have felt “burned” just like Jesus—the people we’ve cared for have not said thank you, or have even (rarely) turned around and caused us trouble. But when this happens, I try to remember Jesus, who knew what I would be like—all my own mess-ups, ingratitude, or even the times I don’t notice what he’s done for me! Jesus still loves me. How can I not go on loving my neighbors?

Dear Lord Jesus, make your love to shine through me to the people you send me to. And thank you for your mercy on us all. Amen.

By Dr. Kari Vo