NOTES for Joh 5:5-7
Let us look at the man healed by Jesus. As Scripture says, he had been in his illness for thirty-eight years. Even in good health, it is hard for us to imagine such a span of time. He did not spend all those years at the Jerusalem pool, but he spent much of that time in this painful waiting and disappointment: first waiting for the movement of the water, and then feeling disappointed when he realized that once again he had not made it in time...
But he still tried! When he saw the water move, he began to go down into the water; he did not finally despair after realizing yet again that he was too late. The easiest thing in this situation would be to give up and believe that healing was impossible. His endurance and faith, though not visible at first glance, are striking.
And then comes his conversation with Jesus. To what looks like a foolish question, this sick man answers directly and honestly. He does not say, full of pride, "Isn't it obvious that I want to be healed? Why else would I be stuck here?" No, the sick man speaks of his weakness, no doubt asking for help yet again with his words about having no one to put him into the pool. And in response to his trust and faith, he receives healing.