Do You See The Need?

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 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

So in Greek culture, Asclepius was the ancient god of healing. And people who believed in him formed gatherings around pools like this one in Jerusalem. These pools attracted many who wanted to be healed. And those who came to these pools believed that when the water was naturally stirred by Asclepius (or the water percolated, bubbled, or stirred), the first person into the pool would be healed by this Greek god. So now you can better imagine the scene that Jesus was walking into.

Don't you love that Jesus walks right into situations that most would avoid? I assume his disciples are a little shocked by what he does. He doesn't avoid the invalid. He is not intimidated by their pagan beliefs. And even though he has come to Jerusalem to celebrate a feast, he is unconcerned about coming in contact with an invalid who would make him ceremonially unclean as a Jew.

How about you?

Are you willing to look past your concerns and agendas to see the concerns of the people around you? Put your phone down for a bit today. Set aside your agenda. Look up and look at people. See their needs. There are profound needs all around you. And when God prompts you — respond.

ASK THIS: What concern or agenda do you need to set aside?

DO THIS: Stop and respond.

PRAY THIS: God, give me spiritual insight to see the needs I often miss all around me.

PLAY THIS: Show Me Your Heart.