What could be worse than being sick/paralyzed for 38 years?

We can read below from the NKJV about a very sick man in Jerusalem who was healed by Jesus (at the Sheep Gate) despite that the man had been very sick for 38 years. The text describes a pool, or a reservoir, with porticoes where large numbers of sick people were waiting for the chance to get down to the healing water in the pool. It was not only a matter of getting down to the water itself, because the water could potentially only heal a  person if it was stirred in a certain way.  

John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”7The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”8Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”11He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”12Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. SIN NO MORE, LEST A WORSE THING COME TO YOU.”15The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

What could be worse than being sick, such as being paralyzed or bedridden for 38 years? Yet, Jesus warns the healed man that unless he stops sinning something worse til happen to him. I does not necessarily mean that the man could not afford to sin one more time in his life before he would be doomed to hell for eternity, because there is always a chance to repent, be forgiven and cleansed. Still, if someone believes he can serve two masters (by mixing sin with righteousness) and still be saved, he is fooling himself. He has not truly repented. Jesus words show us that it is better to have a saved soul than a non-functional body, if you really must choose. Most people must not choose either or (and this man had no choice when it comes to his body) but if there must be a choice a person’s soul is the most precious thing to take care of. It will last for eternity. 

Matt. 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Not all of us will get really sick such as this man, but many of us will grow very old and might have to endure increasingly more pain, and even loneliness (which is also painful albeit not physical pain). These scriptures provide assurance of that something better is in store for us. Something that is not temporary but will be a permanent home:

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

Matt. 619 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

1 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.²⁵ But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

2 Peter 312 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

1 John 217 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.—16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Psalms 39:12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

John 18:36  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Rev. 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.–⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

There are occasions where pain and suffering might cause a person to seek God more passionately. Read the story about Job.