John Chapter 5
It is hard to imagine that anyone would have hatred toward Jesus, especially those who were of the Jewish religious leadership, but they did. They felt threatened by His authority and His knowledge of scripture. And more importantly they thought that He was blasphemous because He claimed to be equal to God the Father. It is amazing what a man with a hardened heart can dismiss. Jesus saw right through to their hard hearts and told them so. He wanted more for them, He wanted them to see the truth, but He never forces anyone to believe. It is man’s choice.
Let's Reflect
1. The pool at Bethesda was thought to have healing properties when the waters were stirred. Perhaps God allowed a special healing in these waters for people, or perhaps it was just a made-up legend. Either way many people were there hoping to be healed. When Jesus came by, He paid particular attention to one lame man. How long had this man been an invalid?
2. Why did the religious leaders become upset about this man who was healed?
“Jesus persistently maintained that it is lawful on the sabbath to do good. He ignored the mass of scribal regulations, and thus inevitably came into conflict with the authorities.” [Morris]
3. In the temple Jesus again met up with the man He had healed, He reminded the man not to do what? “Jesus found him because He was concerned for his spiritual health (sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you), not only his physical health. Living a life of sin is worse, and will bring a worse result, than being crippled for thirty-eight years.” [Guzik]
4. What was the punishment for willfully carrying something into the temple on the Sabbath? That person was to be cut off and to be stoned. How did Jesus answer them regarding their accusation of working on the Sabbath? See verse 17.
5. What was the main thing that caused the Jewish leaders to want to kill Jesus? See verse 18.
6. Jesus pointed His authority to the Father. He was sent by the Father to do the Father’s will. Those with a soft heart and listened to the truth Jesus spoke and believed would receive what?
7. Jesus even reminded them that another man had been a shining light, giving testimony to the true Messiah and he too was sent by the Father to bear witness of Jesus. Who was that man?
8. Religious leaders all over the world should really take note of Jesus’ words in this chapter because He really tells them the seriousness of their testimony. He spared no words when He addressed these leaders. He told them that did not have what? See verse 42
9. They do not even seek the glory of God but seek the glory of each other. They were very prideful. Jesus said He would do what because of their pride?
Devotionals
