Don’t Miss the Miracle

We often get so focused on rules, appearances or small frustrations that we miss the bigger miracle God is doing right in front of us. This reflection on John 5:1–15 reminds us to shift our focus back to Jesus.

Missing the Point

Have you ever worked hard on something, only to have people miss the point?

You prepare a meal, but someone complains about what’s missing.

You finish a project, but your boss only notices a typo.

You do something kind for a friend, but they focus on what you didn’t do.

Sometimes it’s like spilled milk – we get so distracted by the mess that we miss the people sitting at the table.

The Story at the Pool (John 5:1–15)

At the pool of Bethesda, a man had been sick for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The man gave excuses: “I can’t. Someone else always gets there first.”

But Jesus cut through the excuses: “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

Instantly, he was healed. Yet instead of celebrating, the religious leaders complained: “You can’t carry your mat on the Sabbath.”

They missed the miracle.

A Modern Example

I saw this same principle play out in Thailand. One of our students at the missions school was overwhelmed by culture shock. Everything felt too much – the heat, the noise, the smells, the loneliness. She was ready to quit. And I completely understood – I had walked the same road.

I challenged her to start a simple “thankful journal,” writing down three things each day she was grateful for. At first, she doubted it would matter. But slowly, gratitude shifted her perspective. She started seeing beauty where before she only saw obstacles. Complaints turned into wonder.

Her circumstances didn’t change – but her heart did. She began to see the miracles.

Lessons from John 5

A Man Stuck for 38 years

Like him, we often make excuses:

• “No one is helping me.”

• “Others always get the chance first.”

• “My situation will never change.”

We stare at the “pool” we think we need, when healing comes only from Jesus.

The Command of Jesus

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

Jesus bypassed the expected process. No pool, no ritual – just His word. He doesn’t follow our script. He works in ways that reveal His power, not ours.

The Critics

Instead of celebrating, the leaders nitpicked. The man carried his mat – on the Sabbath. They missed the bigger picture.

We can do the same:

• Complain about the mess instead of enjoying the surprise breakfast.

• Focus on one mistake instead of celebrating a great project.

• Argue about worship style while missing that people are meeting Jesus.

Rules and preferences can matter more than people – if we’re not careful.

The Risk of Missing Jesus

Even the healed man almost missed it. He didn’t know who Jesus was until later. It’s possible to experience blessings yet miss the Blesser.

We can:

• Stay busy in church but never really know Jesus.

• Receive answered prayers but forget to thank Him.

• Celebrate blessings, but doubt as soon as things get hard again.

This story isn’t just about a man by a pool – it’s about us.

Don’t Miss the Miracle

But Jesus sees us. He still asks, “Do you want to be well?” He still commands, “Get up and walk.” He heals, not just for a moment, but for eternity. I want to encourage you to not miss the miracles in your life. We have to try not to let rules, expectations, personal preferences, appearances or distractions blind us.

The greatest miracle isn’t what He does – it’s who He is.

Reflection Questions

1. What “mat” are you carrying that Jesus is inviting you to lay down?

2. Where are you tempted to focus on rules, appearances or expectations instead of Jesus?

3. How can you celebrate God’s miracles in your life and others instead of nitpicking the details?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You see me in my stuck places. Thank You that You are greater than my excuses, distractions and expectations. Forgive me for the times I’ve missed the miracle because I was focused on the wrong thing. Open my eyes to see You. Teach me to celebrate what You are doing in my life and in others’. Help me never miss the greatest miracle: Your presence, Your power, and Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.