The Word This Week
John 5:15…
We see here one of the possible reasons John chose this miracle of Jesus to include in the seven signs John compiled for us is not merely the miracle itself, but the repercussions caused by the miracle.
Of course we remember in the opening verses of this passage Jesus had made a paralyzed man well. The extent of that miracle is not to be overlooked. It is supreme evidence of Jesus’ power of creation.
It is inexplicable how this man who had lain unable to stand or walk by the pool of Bethesda 38 years suddenly responded to Jesus’ command - not even knowing Who Jesus was – and stood up immediately and walked. The fact of all that was required for the man to stand up and walk must not be overlooked in consideration of Jesus’ healing power. Muscles atrophied for 38 years suddenly rejuvenated. Brain neurological connections broken for 38 years re-established. Tendons limp as rubber bands suddenly taught and functional in their intended purpose.
All of that must be considered in light of Jesus’ power of re-creation in this man’s life. But Jesus also added one more thing to His command to this paralytic. Jesus told the man not only to rise and walk but to take up his mat. Jesus evidently had provocation in mind when He performed this miracle.
Jesus knew this man arising would be noticed by everyone present. Jesus knew this man carrying his mat in front of the Jewish leaders present would incite them – because this day was a Sabbath day.
Seemingly unconcerned with this man walking again, they only focused on the ‘unlawful’ burden he was carrying. Their legalistic interpretation of the Law of the Sabbath had caused the same kind of paralysis in the Jewish religious establishment this man demonstrated in his life of paralysis languishing by the pool.
They first accused the man Jesus made well of breaking the Sabbath Law. But the healed man responded the Man Who made him well told him to take up his bed and walk. He felt compelled to do so since this Man had made him well. How could he not therefore do all the Man commanded him to do?
He headed straight to the Temple to worship God, seemingly brushing off the rebuke of the Jewish leaders. Jesus met the man there and informed the man Who He was – which the man then reported to the Jewish leaders.
This then became the first incitement of the Jewish leaders to persecute Jesus and to put Jesus to death – because in their myopic interpretation of the Sabbath Law blinded them to the glorious miracle which had just taken place right before their eyes.
Pastor Bill
We see here one of the possible reasons John chose this miracle of Jesus to include in the seven signs John compiled for us is not merely the miracle itself, but the repercussions caused by the miracle.
Of course we remember in the opening verses of this passage Jesus had made a paralyzed man well. The extent of that miracle is not to be overlooked. It is supreme evidence of Jesus’ power of creation.
It is inexplicable how this man who had lain unable to stand or walk by the pool of Bethesda 38 years suddenly responded to Jesus’ command - not even knowing Who Jesus was – and stood up immediately and walked. The fact of all that was required for the man to stand up and walk must not be overlooked in consideration of Jesus’ healing power. Muscles atrophied for 38 years suddenly rejuvenated. Brain neurological connections broken for 38 years re-established. Tendons limp as rubber bands suddenly taught and functional in their intended purpose.
All of that must be considered in light of Jesus’ power of re-creation in this man’s life. But Jesus also added one more thing to His command to this paralytic. Jesus told the man not only to rise and walk but to take up his mat. Jesus evidently had provocation in mind when He performed this miracle.
Jesus knew this man arising would be noticed by everyone present. Jesus knew this man carrying his mat in front of the Jewish leaders present would incite them – because this day was a Sabbath day.
Seemingly unconcerned with this man walking again, they only focused on the ‘unlawful’ burden he was carrying. Their legalistic interpretation of the Law of the Sabbath had caused the same kind of paralysis in the Jewish religious establishment this man demonstrated in his life of paralysis languishing by the pool.
They first accused the man Jesus made well of breaking the Sabbath Law. But the healed man responded the Man Who made him well told him to take up his bed and walk. He felt compelled to do so since this Man had made him well. How could he not therefore do all the Man commanded him to do?
He headed straight to the Temple to worship God, seemingly brushing off the rebuke of the Jewish leaders. Jesus met the man there and informed the man Who He was – which the man then reported to the Jewish leaders.
This then became the first incitement of the Jewish leaders to persecute Jesus and to put Jesus to death – because in their myopic interpretation of the Sabbath Law blinded them to the glorious miracle which had just taken place right before their eyes.
Pastor Bill