Read: John 5:1-17
A. 3 Characteristics of Jesus shown in the passage:
i. Jesus’ Knowledge (v6)
ii. Jesus’ Compassion (v7-8)
iii. Jesus' Power (v9)
We build a relationship with God, by knowing him through His Word.
B. Purpose of Healing
Unlike other passages depicting the healing power of Jesus, the invalid man didn’t show faith and trust in Jesus, so what does this passage tell us about God’s healing?
Why did Jesus leave after healing the man alone, then excluding all the other invalids present at the pool?
This is because the main issue was not healing, but holiness (v14).
Jesus gave a command to the man “sin no more” after receiving healing from Him.
Jesus afterwards warns the man that something “worse” (compared to what the invalid experienced – being an invalid for 38 years) might happen if he will sin.
Jesus healed the man so that he may live a holy life by not sinning and so he may not perish (in the final judgment [John 5:28-29]. The blessing/gift (healing) came before the command (sin no more). So, every blessing that we receive from God calls us to live a holy life.
There’s a misconception that if God didn’t heal us, it’s because we didn’t have enough faith. If we will think that way, then it is no longer about "grace" but our works.
Jesus had all the power to heal, but He didn’t heal the whole multitude. Why? It's because healing is just an exception, but not the rule.
So whenever that you receive a blessing from God may it be healing from a terrible disease, waking up in the morning, having something to eat – everything is to call us out to live a holy life.
This is what Jesus’ first coming is all about, giving us a foretaste of His healing power and to call us out to faith and holiness.
His Second Coming that we wait eagerly (Rom. 8:23) is when His people will receive His full healing from all their suffering (Rev 21:4).
In this present time, let us meet God in our brokenness and suffering. Let's receive His healing power and forgiveness so that we may pursue holiness – while we eagerly wait for His return.
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