Jesus is visiting a place that may look like a large outdoor hospital but it is not. It is a large pool of water surrounded by many sick people. They are all waiting for the water to be stirred by an angel. They all thought that when the water moves, the first one that can get in would be healed. Jesus has come to visit these poor people waiting for the water to move.   A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been in that condition for a long time. Jesus said to him, "Do you wish to get well?" 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."*

Can you imagine how frustrated this man was. Have you ever waited patiently in line only to have someone take cuts in front of you. "No fair!" you would say, "get behind me I was next in line!" This had happened to this man for thirty-eight years. Someone would always get in front of him. People around this pool probably did not recognize Jesus. Otherwise they would have taken cuts, crowded around Jesus and not given this poor lame man a chance for healing. Jesus knew how long this man had suffered. It was time for Him to be healed. When you feel other people are taking cuts and leaving you behind, remember that God is always aware of the suffering you are going through and you will not be forgotten. Do not yell or insist on your rights. God sees you and will take care of your needs.

John 5:5-7 (NASB)