John Calvin Commentary John 5:7

"The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." — John 5:7 (ASV)

I have no man. This diseased man does what almost all of us are accustomed to do, for he limits God's assistance according to his own understanding and does not dare to expect for himself anything more than he imagines. Christ forgives his weakness. In this, we see a reflection of the forbearance that each of us experiences daily: on the one hand, we fix our attention on the means available to us, while on the other hand, contrary to our expectations, God extends His help from unexpected places, thus showing how far His goodness surpasses the narrow limits of our faith.

Furthermore, this example should teach us patience. Thirty-eight years was a long time, during which God had delayed granting this poor man the favor that He had determined from the beginning to bestow on him. Therefore, however long we may be kept in suspense, even if we groan under our afflictions, let us never be discouraged by the weariness of the long wait. For when our afflictions continue for a long time, even if we see no end to them, we should still always believe that God is a wonderful deliverer who, by His power, easily removes every obstacle from the path.