Notice Something?
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been able to share a sermon/message that is close to my heart. As I continue preparing for the publication of my new book, Look in the Mirror, I have also written a sermon focusing on how God sees us in our brokenness. To illustrate that point, I wrote a message on the man at the Pool of Bethesda. There is so much truth in this passage in John 5, but the beauty is that Jesus saw this man in his lowest state. The man at the pool of Bethesda was an invalid, meaning he could not walk. This man lay in the same position for thirty-eight years, waiting to be healed by the pool's waters. The man believed in the legend that an angel would stir the waters up at various points in the day. He would try to get to the water first because the legend says that whoever touches it first after it is stirred would be healed.
He would try so hard to get to the water, but he never made it there first.
Then Jesus saw Him.
John 5:6 starts with, “When Jesus saw him lying there…”
For the sake of this blog post, let’s focus on these words: “Jesus saw him lying there.”
As I give this sermon, I often ask, “What is different about my appearance compared to yours?” It is an easy question to answer as, more than likely, I am one of the only people in the room who does not have hair. Usually, the audience gives me the answer I want to hear to make my next point. The audience will shout, “You don’t have hair.” Then, everyone laughs.
But it is true.
It is easy to spot physical disformities in another. You notice I am different because I do not have hair. For others, it could be that someone does not have an arm or leg. What is more difficult to spot is the inner struggles we are facing. We hide the pain inside to portray a near-perfect lifestyle. We do not want others to know the pain we are hiding because we are often overcome by shame. Sometimes, we listen to the lies that someone tells us to let our pain go. Dealing with the pain you are facing will never go away when you do not honestly face it.
Jesus knew this man at the pool of Bethesda was in physical, spiritual, and emotional pain. He had tried for years to heal himself, but nothing worked. The same truths about the man at the pool of Bethesda can be applied to your life. Jesus sees you in your highs and lows and still extends His love to you.
Yes, people will notice what is different about you, and it may make you feel unwelcome and unloved. It took me years to become comfortable with going out in public without my hat on. I felt my true self was overlooked because people focused on how my physical appearance was different from theirs.
Is the same true for you?
Look again at John 5:6—Jesus saw this man. Today, you can find comfort in knowing that Jesus sees you. He knows your hurts and pains. Yes, Jesus notices you and loves you. He does not see a mistake. Instead, Jesus sees someone who needs grace. John later states that Jesus healed the man and offered grace to Him. I am not sure if Jesus will heal you of your physical condition or not, but I am confident that He offers a way to be healed of your sinful condition. It is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and being risen from the grave three days later that salvation through Jesus was made possible.
Today, notice something about you. Jesus sees you, and He died for you.