Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The healing of the man at the pool of Bethzatha, or Bethesda, makes a very rich story. The pool is known as a place of miracles – it was believed that an angel disturbed the waters from time to time, and that the first person in the water after that would be healed. Naturally, the most able-bodied, or those able to call on burly and assertive assistants – perhaps paid for the purpose – would be first in. This man has been ill for 38 years. Evidently poor and friendless, he has no one to help him.
At one level, this reminds us again that Jesus is not on the side of the rich and powerful, but of the poor. There's a systematic injustice built in even to this system of healing, which excludes those who need it most – a deeply challenging perception that speaks to us today, in a nation and a world marked by profound inequalities. In the story, Jesus cuts through all that and goes to where the need is greatest.
When he asks the man, 'Do you want to get well?' he is treating him with respect, refusing to take control or assume that he knows best. Healing of any kind – bodily, emotionally or spiritually – begins with deep listening. Leaping straight in with solutions is unlikely to work, and will probably do more harm than good.
God, help me to be alert to the injustices in the world, and to do my part in standing up against them. Help me never to assume I know what's best for someone without first listening to them with respect.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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