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When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be made well?"

Verse Takeaways

1

Jesus Takes the Initiative

Commentators emphasize that the man did not seek Jesus; rather, "Jesus saw him." This highlights a profound spiritual truth: Jesus actively seeks out the lost, the suffering, and the hopeless. His compassion and divine initiative are what begin the process of healing and salvation, often before we are even aware of Him.

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John

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Commentaries

8

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On John 5:6

Knew that he had been a long time (γνους οτ πολυν ηδη χρονον εχε). How Jesus "knew" (γνους, second aorist active participle of γιν…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On John 5:6

19th Century

Bishop

And now Jesus sees him lying there among the throng of sufferers, and every ache of every limb and every sorrow of every heart told of the perfecti…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On John 5:1–9

19th Century

Preacher

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called…

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On John 5:6

Jesus selected for his attention the person who seemed most needy. Confinement to a bed for thirty-eight years would leave the sufferer so weak tha…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On John 5:6

16th Century

Theologian

Wilt thou be made whole? He does not inquire about it as if it were a doubtful matter, but partly in order to kindle in the man a desire f…

John Gill

John Gill

On John 5:6

17th Century

Pastor

When Jesus saw him lie
In such a helpless condition:

and knew that he had been now a long time, […

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On John 5:1–9

17th Century

Minister

We are all by nature impotent people in spiritual things: blind, lame, and withered. However, full provision is made for our cure, if we pay attent…