John 5, Part 1

Scripture: John 5:1-15

Observation: Jesus is in Jerusalem by the pool of Bethzatha, where invalids would come in hopes of healing. It was believed that when the water was stirred, the first to go into the pool would be healed of their infirmary, and apparently it was known to have occurred (v.7). There Jesus finds a man who has been ill for 38 years. He has no one to help him, so his situation after all these years seems hopeless. Jesus asks the man if he wants to be healed; the man tells him basically he would need someone to help him into the pool. Instead of lending a helping hand, Jesus completely heals the man's body. There is one issue though: it is the Sabbath. The Jews accuse him of working on the Sabbath because the man is carrying his mat, but he tells them his Healer told him to do so. They question the ex-invalid as to who this man is who healed him, but the man does not know Jesus. When he sees Jesus again, this time in the temple, Jesus tells him to stop sinning, but instead the ex-invalid goes to the Jews and tells them who his Healer is.

Application: We are all as helpless as this man. We are all sinners, desperately trying to find healing and restoration. Thankfully, we have a Great Physician, a Healer, who is willing to come to us in whatever place we are, to free us from our sin. Hallelujah! And what is even more wonderful, His healing is not temporary. He offers us eternal life with Him, no more pain, no more tears. Can we appreciate this awesome gift? Jesus told this man to stop sinning, or something worse would happen. Are we happy to accept the gift but unwilling to turn from sin? If so, we are as ungrateful as the invalid proved himself to be.

Prayer: Father, You found me in a lower place than this invalid. Full of sin and disregard for Your Word, I didn't deserve to be given another chance. But You did anyway. I can never repay Your loving kindness, but Lord, I want to live a life worthy of Your gift. Help me to turn away from sin, from everything that grieves You. May the things that break Your heart break mine, and may Your joy reign over me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.