John 5

Troubling the Water (2009) (9" x 12")

collage on paper

This miracle story is interesting in giving an insight into human nature. Apparently there was a tradition built up around the Pool of Bethsaida to the effect that an angel would disturb the water and heal whomever was the first into the pool. Thus, it was the ancient equivalent of Lourdes. It is probably safe to say that the pool's success rate was roughly equivalent to that of Lourdes also (about 60 confirmed cases out of many millions).
By contrast, Jesus heals the man by the pool without being sought out by him. Salvation is not accomplished by what we do, but by what God has already done for us through Christ.