Why would the miracle of Jesus’ healing the paralyzed man by the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem be my favorite? Aren’t they all the best? Well, for sure. Slap my wrist to say otherwise, but still, this one rings my bell louder than others. Why? Well, let me explain.

It’s not because I had paralytic polio as a toddler. Well, maybe a little bit. But it has more to do with how much this man knew about Jesus when he was healed. Any guesses? Right. Not much. Perhaps sketchy rumors were circulating about a miracle worker from Nazareth, who was in the area that day. All the Bible says is that someone spoke words that this invalid wanted desperately to hear–‘…Get up, take up your bed, and walk’ (John 5: 8).

Do what? Get up? Walk? After 38 years, unable to work those infirm legs, after all the failed attempts to be healed by the spirited waters of this Pool, when no one would help him, that’s when Jesus mosies by and calls out to him–‘get up, walk.’ Hey, why not? Costs nary a shekel. And guess what?–‘…at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked’ (John 5: 9). Bingo. Presto. Healed and well. Who’d a thunk?

The reaction of the religious elite? Those who snobbishly know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they themselves are closest to God? Arrogant so-and-so’s, who have little time for any down-and-out? They reek of spiritual superiority. And go ballistic at Jesus’ effrontery, daring to heal on the Sabbath.

Couldn’t he wait a measly couple of hours until after sundown when Sabbath is over? Oy vey, what a schlemiel. So, they confront the newly healed man about who has performed such a dastardly deed. Who? ‘Fess up, already. The healed man hadn’t a clue–‘Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn…’ (John 5: 13).

Here’s something else that’s unexpected–“Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you are well! Sin no more…'” (John 5: 14). Who found whom? Jesus waits in the wings, goes down the back alleys of Jerusalem, looking for this very man. He seeks him until he’s found. Never giving up until the lost one is found.

That’s what happened to me. Jesus found me. He was after me from way back when, until one Sunday evening, listening to the radio in my bedroom, I heard about Jesus loving me and wanting to be in my life. Really? Is He that desperate? Jesus wants me? A nobody from nowhere? Is this for real?

By the way, how come I never heard this before? I was confirmed in my home church. A member in good standing. Whatever. Who cares? All I know is that I prayed that night, asking Jesus into my life, and He came and has never left, even though I’ve given Him plenty of reasons to do just that. Too many, really. He’s here to stay, despite myself.

Jesus sought me. He knocked on my front door. Who’s there? I knew so little about Him. Almost nothing. But it didn’t matter. He loves me. So, I opened my heart to Him. How about you? Time for some company, the best kind?

You’ll discover that the longer we hang around Him, the more time we spend in prayer and in our Bibles, and following what He wants, then we’ll get to know Him like never before.

See why this is my favorite miracle? Puts salvation, first and foremost, in God’s court. His serve. His point. Aced by Jesus! That’s a miracle, par excellence. Still my favorite!

Lord Jesus, I love you for finding me and placing me in your family. Amen.