Jesus was always aware of his surroundings. He never raced by. He never missed what was going on around Him.
Jesus was entering Jerusalem. Outside the city walls, near the Sheep Gate, was a pool named Bethesda. Its name signified it was a place of mercy and grace. There were five porches surrounding the pool that offered shade and shelter to those who were infirm. It was a natural gathering place for the hurting.
It would have been utterly impossible for Jesus to stroll past a place of such need and not to cast His gaze over the assembled multitude. That is why the biblical writers often spoke of God turning His face toward them. For, when God looks upon you, He cannot help but act.
The sheep gate was the entryway for the sacrificial sheep to be herded on to the temple mount. It was a crowded thoroughfare. Many people walked through that gate as well. It was a busy place. It would have been easy to lose sight of people in the crowd.
Often it is in the crossroads of human life that God works. God always comes to the busy places of society. He can be found in downtown offices and gas stations just off the freeway. Jesus delights in the high traffic areas of life.