The happy and healthy find years short, but thirty-eight years of illness must have felt eternal for the man at the pool of Bethesda. When Jesus healed him with just a word, he felt an incredible change. Likewise, the sinner who has been trapped in despair and longs for salvation knows the change when Jesus brings joy and peace. The removal of evil is too great to miss, the new life too powerful to ignore, and the change too amazing not to see.

Yet the man didn't know who healed him. He was unaware of Jesus' true nature and mission. Many may feel the power of His blood yet know little about Him. We shouldn't rush to judge those lacking knowledge; where there is saving faith, salvation exists. The Holy Spirit makes people repentant before He makes them scholars. Trust in what you know, and understanding will grow.

Ignorance is a problem, though. The man couldn't defend himself against the Pharisees without a clear understanding of Jesus. Fortunately, his ignorance was healed when Jesus visited him again in the temple. Afterward, he testified, "It was Jesus who made me whole." Lord, if you've saved me, reveal yourself so I can share you with others.