Article December 15, 1973 Issue

Encouraging the Patient to Help Himself

ROSEMARY COBHAM

The man at the pool of Bethesda had been waiting for his healing for thirty-eight years. Questioned by Jesus, he responded pathetically, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."^{John 5:7;}

Jesus didn't say: "That's too bad. I'll help you into the pool." Nor did he ask his disciples to lend a hand. Simply, but with authority, he told the man to take up his own mattress and walk. Result: the man was completely and instantaneously healed. Jesus had reached and activated the invalid's spiritual ability to help himself.

The Master encouraged his patients to develop self-reliance. He told a blind man to find a particular pool and wash in it; a man with a withered hand to stretch it out. Even in feeding the multitudes he multiplied with his gratitude the loaves and fishes the people themselves had brought, however few. Many times he demanded an understanding faith from those in need of healing.

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