Singapore Moses Supporter Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

❖ Significance of pool of Bethesda
The folks lived in the Biblical times aware of angel of God coming down from Heavan to stir up the water and ministering healing the people around. Angels were ministering unto men in the OT days and until the day of Pentecost when Holy Spirit Himself started working among men with the gift of healing. Since it is the era of Holy Spirit, the angel of God ministering unto men is NOT not so explicit or visible.

❖ Why Jesus singled out this patient? 
Why Jesus did not heal others, but he chose to heal this particular man is explained. This impotent man was there, with an infirmity for about thirty and eight years. (John 5:5) - This man must be shrunk or paralyzed (Mt. 12:10; Mk. 3:3; Lk. 6:6-8). for thirty-eight years. Longest physical affliction in Biblical records. That is why Christ singled this one out from the rest. Those long in affliction, may comfort themselves that God keeps account how long. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time (Jn. 5:6). Jesus volunteered asking him, Wilt thou be made whole? The Lord took the initiative because the man did not know Jesus. 

❖ What Christ wanted to teach the religious leaders who were the hypocrites? 
Jesus swept away the traditional healing from the waters stirred up by the angel of God. He simply used His authority, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk" -The third great miracle recorded in John (cp. Jn. 2:11; 4:54). What a joyful surprise to the poor cripple, to find himself of a sudden so easy, so strong, so able to help himself!. Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. (John 5:16). Sabbath law always brought persecution. Is it any wonder that God finally hated sabbaths and predicted He would do away with them (Isa. 1:13-15 Hos. 2:11)? God hates any church law, ritual, or form of religion that violates good and exalts pride and hypocrisy.

❖ Why did Jesus could not heal others on that day of Sabbath?
Rabbis made it unlawful to carry anything from a public place to a private place, and vice versa (John 5:1cp. Talmud, Sabb. 6, a; see Jer. 17:21). Many similar laws they made which they strictly enforced when possible. He withdrew from the multitude that was in that place. (Jn. 5:13). He knew the hatred of the leaders and the result of His breaking their man-made laws. This is one reason perhaps He did not stay to heal more. He simply did not want to endanger Himself needlessly at this place 

❖ MAJOR LESSON FOR ALL FROM THIS EPISODE:
Jesus answered them that His Father worketh on Sabbath too (Jn 5:17). God rested on the seventh day after His work of creation and sanctified it (Gen 2:2,3). When the first man was fallen within the week, God had to work on all days ever since to bring the salvation of the lost. God works on sabbaths as well as on other days in upholding the universe and running its infinite mechanism; He works in providence, watching over and caring for all creation of dependent creatures, so here Christ worked in healing on the sabbath, in providing food for he hungry, and performing acts of mercy and love. This is the true principle of sabbath observance if there is to be any recognition of one day above another (Rom. 14:5-6). We are not to rest in indolence or merely rest from physical and mental toil, but we are to follow the divine examples and "do good on the sabbath days" (Mt. 12:12 Mk. 2:27-28; 3:4; Lk. 6:9; 13:16; Jn. 7:22-23 Gal. 4:9-10 Col. 2:14-17).

Referring to the delegated authority given Him by the Father (Jn. 5:19-40 Heb. 1:1-2), Christ Himself was working the works that the Father gave Him to do, and since the Father worked on sabbaths, He was also under orders to work on the sabbath.

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May 29 2021 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Pool of Bethesda was "in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate" (John 5:2), which places it north of the temple, near Fort Antonia. John gives the additional detail that the pool was "surrounded by fiv...

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October 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report