John 5:5–7

The third thing premitted, is, a description of the man on whom the miracle was wrought. It is not declared who he was (for these whom Christ cures, are best known by their miserie, and his mercy) nor yet what his particular disease was, though it seemeth it hath been sore, and kept him lying, v. 6. only it is declared he had been long under it. Unto this is further added a previous conference betwixt Christ and him; wherein Christ, being sensible of his case, stirreth up his desire of cure, by propounding a question about it, v. 6. In answer to which, the man proveth his desire, by his waiting on the means, notwithstanding he was helplesse and oft disappointed. Doct. 1. Not only are men subject to bodily infirmities, but it may please the Lord for wise ends, to let some spend a lifetime, or a large part of it in sicknesse and weaknesse, as if they had been born for no other end, but to bear such a crosse; for, this man had an infirmity eight and thirty yeares. See, Psal. 89.47. 2. As it is the duty of the afflicted to wait on meanes, so long as God appoints any for their help; so when Christ cometh they will be first regarded, who have been longest and forest troubled; for, as this man was there, so Jesus saw him lie, and took notice of him before all the rest. 3. Such as have been kept long, and longer then others under trouble, may be but reserved for Christs own hand, and for his manifesting his glory in doing of them good; for, so much did this man finde in experience. 4. Christ needs no information to acquaint him with the afflicteds case; he taketh notice of the measure of their trouble, and knoweth its continuance; for, he saw him lie, through sicknesse and heartlesnesse, having been so often disappointed, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case. 5. When Christ is willing to manifest himself for the afflicted, yet he would have our desires after his help stirred up, and not blunted by any delay; Therefore, saith he unto the man, wilt thou be made whole? not as doubting of it, (for his desire had drawn him thither, and kept him there) but to quicken it up, as a preparative to the receiving of the mercy, and to give pledge to all, that continued desires, notwithstanding all delayes, will be satisfied, ere Christ give over the afflicted. 6. It is a real proof of our desire of help under distresses, when we are sensible of our misery thereby, when we give not over to wait on in the use of means, and when we are afflicted with disappointments in using them; for, thus doth the man prove his desire, in answer to Christs question, 7. One may be in a very abject like condition, and seeme to be neglected both of God and men, whom yet the Lord purposeth to do much good unto; And one may meet with many disappointments in the use of meanes, who yet will get deliverance in a better and more comfortable way; for, so was it with this man, and so did he finde. 8. It may be the lot of the afflicted, not onely to be sick and unable to help themselves, but to be left destitute without any to help them; which sheweth what mercy they enjoy, who have if it were but one to attend them in sicknesse; for this man had no man to put him into the pool. 9. It is a token that sicknesse, he plesnesse and disappointments are blessed, when these make us more meek and humble; for, his moan is such, meekly doth he speak of the inhumanity of these about him, and of others (who possibly came there after him) their getting in, while he is disappointed. 10. It is the duty and commendation of those in distresse, never to quit hope, nor weary to wait on, so long as there is any possibility of any deliverance by any lawful means, albeit they were ever so long delayed or disappointed; for, so did this man, notwitstanding all he met with. 11. It is one great weaknesse, that our hope and expectation of help and relief goeth no further then we see outward means, nor can we conceive what Christ, power and goodnesse is ready to do for us, till he reveal it himself; for, this man hath onely his eye upon that known help, and by his regrate to Christ, insinuates a desire that he would shew that kindnesse to him which others had neglected; but little doth he dreame of that which was in Christs heart.