The answer is: 38 years

John 5:5

In John 5:5, we encounter an intriguing figure by the pool of Bethesda who had been suffering for an astounding 38 years. Just imagine the mingled emotions of hope and despair he must have experienced, day after day, hoping for healing yet never grasping it. This pool, known for its stirring waters which were thought to provide miraculous healing, symbolizes human longing for restoration.

Now, isn’t it interesting that the number 38 is quite significant in the biblical narrative? It stretches back to the Old Testament, hinting at the 38 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33-34) after doubting God’s promise of the Promised Land. In both instances, we see a cycle of waiting, suffering, and the divine desire for healing and freedom.

John’s Gospel emphasizes encounters and relationships—this man felt troubled and abandoned by the rush around him, yet Jesus demonstrated compassion. He didn’t just heal this man’s ailment; He offered him a new beginning. This story reverberates with themes of hope and change, urging us to grapple with our own areas of hopelessness.

Fun fact: Bethesda literally means "house of mercy," which adds an extra layer of meaning when considering what the pool represented for so many. It serves as a reminder that hope often emerges even when circumstances seem bleak, affirming the belief that compassion is a pathway to healing for us all.