Note 9 at Jn. 5:15: Why did the Lord only heal one man at the pool of Bethesda when there was a multitude of sick people there (v. 3)? These scriptures don't reveal that, so we cannot definitely say what the total reason or reasons were. We can say that it was not because He wills some people to be sick (see notes 1-2 at Mt. 8:16-17, p. 68).

Certainly one fact in His decision must have been this response in faith as explained in note 4 at John 5:8, page 97. The confusion that would have followed after this man's healing was broadcast would not have resulted in a God-kind of faith, but rather, the same carnal response of mass hysteria that Satan uses (Examples: Acts 19:29,32,34). Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). In God's kingdom the end does not justify the means.