The answer is: 38 years

John 5:5

The story of the infirm man at the pool of Bethesda is truly a vivid snapshot of hope, frustration, and divine intervention. In John 5:5, we learn that this man had suffered for an astonishing 38 years, which can have profound implications when we think about his faith and resilience. Imagine the countless times he saw others enter the water before him, healed, while he remained on the sidelines, perhaps even losing a bit of hope each day.

The number 38 is intriguing too because it echoes biblical themes of wandering in the wilderness. The Israelites spent 38 years roaming before reaching the Promised Land due to disobedience—a metaphor for the struggles faced when trapped in cycles of despair. This connection may prompt reflections on both physical and spiritual healing.

It's not just about illness either; the story poses deeper questions about isolation and societal disregard. Here, by the pool, the emphasis isn't solely on the miracle itself—this inconvenient and often overlooked man suddenly becomes the center of a significant rerouting in his life. And fascinatingly, it's Jesus who breaks societal norms by interacting with him, highlighting the transformative potential that compassion and connection can have on an individual's suffering.

In this narrative, we find echoes of resilience that speak to anyone who feels like they’ve been waiting interminably for a change. Quite an encouraging thought as we venture through our own “finished” and luminous intrusions of hope!