Rendering of the Bethesda Pool where Jesus healed on the Sabbath.In the 5th Chapter of John Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath and tells him to carry his mat. This was of great concern to the Jewish leaders. Jesus then followed up by calling Himself the Son of God and claimed to be equal with God. This was blasphemy according to the Jews, and they wanted to kill Him.
Yesterday Pastors Adam and Ray took us through John Chapter 5 as we continue working our way through the Gospel of John. We learned that Chapter 5 takes us in a new direction as opposition now begins to rise against Jesus. What Jesus heals on the Sabbath and claims to be the Son of God, the wheels are now in motion for what will eventually lead to His arrest and crucifixion.
Here is how both Adam and Ray brought their messages to a close yesterday:
Adam: “We see that it was no accident that Jesus initiates with the broken man on the Sabbath, on the day of rest. The Sabbath was given as a preview, as a foretaste, of a future, deep, inner rest for the people of God. It was a day of wholeness, of inner healing. It was a day that pointed to rest from our natural desire to please ourselves and all the striving that comes from it.
And Jesus goes to the man, on the Sabbath, who was outwardly broken, and He heals him as a sign that He is the One who fulfills the inner rest that the Sabbath pointed to. He is the One who heals us of our propensity to please ourselves.
Ray: This passage is about Jesus, as God, bringing good things to a man in bondage for 38 years. It is not about breaking the Sabbath. It is not about maintaining a religion. It is about meeting Jesus, receiving His power and then going out to represent Him accurately.
What good thing can we bring to others on our Sabbath? Minister to hurting people. Call people to holiness. Don’t settle for ritual.
Next week (Chapter 6) and the following week (7) we will see opposition to Jesus continue to rise. Don't forget to read ahead!