John 5 - Jesus Heals on The Sabbath

Joh 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. The feast, Perhaps Purim, a celebration of the Jews for victory over their enemies. (Keep in mind this was also on the Sabbath day as stated in John 5:9).

Joh 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. Inside the sheep gate (Nehemiah 3:1, 12:39), was the pool of Bethesda with five covered porches. (Acts 3:11, 5:12). This was called Solomon's porch. The supposed remains of the pool of Bethesda are situated on the east of Jerusalem, contiguous on one side to St. Stephen's gate, and on the other to the area of the temple. (It is about 120 paces long, and forty broad, and at least eight deep, but void of water). At its west end it discovers some old arches, that are now damned up.

Joh 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. Crowds of sick people (blind, lame, or paralyzed), would lay on the porches waiting for a certain movement of the water. (The water was intermitted from the upper springs of the waters of Gihon).

Joh 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. It was said that from time to time an angel of the Lord came and stirred up the water. The first person to step in the water after it was stirred up was healed of whatever disease he or she had. (Many have referred it to the mineral properties of the water).

Joh 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. (Probably sick most of his life).

Joh 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? Jesus knew the man was sick for a long time and asked him, "would you like to get well?"  

Joh 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. The man answered Jesus and said, "I can't sir, I have no one to put me in the water when it bubbles up. Someone always gets in ahead of me." (The man was willing, but it seems that everyone was only worried about themselves, with no consideration for the man). Kind of like the self-centered generations today.

Joh 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. Jesus told the man, "Stand up, pick up your mat and walk!" (The third sign).

Joh 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. Instantly the man was healed! He took up his mat and began walking. Now we are going to see that this miracle will cause some problems for Jesus, because this happened on the Sabbath. (This does not appear to be the weekly Sabbath, but rather a high Sabbath as in John 19:31).

Joh 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. Of course the Jewish leaders objected to what Jesus had just done. Not only did they object to Jesus working (healing), on the Sabbath, but these Jewish leaders though that this man carrying his bedroll was breaking the Sabbath law. (Exodus 20:8-11). A bunch of nit-picking hypocrites.

Joh 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. The man replied to the Jewish leaders, "The man who healed me told me, pick up your mat and walk."

Joh 5:12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? They wanted to know who said such a thing? There about to start some trouble! "Never fails when you upset the so called higher authorities." Even if it is the truth, or a good thing that you did, you can bet that they will come down on you. (We all know the saying; no good deed goes unpunished).

Joh 5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. The man didn't know who it was that healed him, because Jesus disappeared into the crowd.

Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. Later on Jesus found the man He had healed in the Temple and told him. "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." (Jesus was pointing to a specific sin that this man had been guilty of).

Joh 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders who it was that healed him. He ratted Jesus out! (Now we know the mans sin; he was not to be trusted). Did the man just want to get off the hook with the Jewish leaders for breaking the Sabbath law, or maybe he didn't appreciate what Jesus told him about not sinning.  

Joh 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. Of course the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. (Luke 6:11). Now they are planning to kill Him for it.

Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Jesus told them that, My Father was always working until now (referring to the old testament dispensation), and so am I working. (Hebrews 1:2-3). In these final days, God has spoken to us through His Son. God promised everything to Hid Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe. (Isaiah 45:18, John 1:3, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16-17). Christ radiates God's own glory. "The Shekinah Glory," the very presence and character of God. He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When Christ cleansed us from our sins at the crucifixion, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of God in heaven. (1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 3:21). 

Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. The Jewish leaders just wanted Him dead and would find any way they could to kill Him. It wasn't enough that they accused Him of breaking the Sabbath, now they were accusing Him of saying that He was equal to God. Jesus never said that He was God. (Philippians 2:6). Thought He was God; He did not think of equality with God, even though it would not have been robbery to equal Himself to God. He was Emanuel; God with us.

Joh 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. Jesus explained to them, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself." He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (1 Colossians 1:15-17). Christ being in the exact likeness of God. Christ was before any other creature. Again, "Emmanuel" God with us! Christ Himself is the creator of all things in heaven and earth. Even in the spirit world that are invisible to us, were all made by Christ. All was made for His use and glory. (Romans 11:36).

Joh 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He is doing. The Father will show Him how to do greater things than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. (i.e. You haven't seen anything yet).

Joh 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. Just as the Heavenly Father gives life to those He raises from the dead, so the Son gives life (eternal life), to anyone He wants. (John 6:63, John 11:25-26).

Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: The Heavenly Father judges no one. He has given the Son absolute authority to judge. (Acts 10:42, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2 Timothy 4:1).

Joh 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Everyone should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. If you don't honor the Son, then you do not honor the Father who sent Him. (1 John 2:23, 2 John 1:9). Anyone who denies Christ cannot have the Father either. But, he who has Christ, also has the Father. One doctrine; one God! If you wander from the teachings of Christ, you will leave God behind; but if you are loyal to Christ and His teachings, you will have both the Father and the Son.

Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. I tell you another truth, those who listen to My message and believe in the Heavenly Father who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. (1 John 5:11-13). Through the Word of God, (His record). God has given us eternal life through Christ. Your choice! Eternal life through Christ, or death through Satan. Yes, as we have said before, the devil holds the power of death! (Hebrews 2:14). But, Satan's power was broken by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Satan has no hold on you if you stay in Christ.

Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Assurance by Christ Himself that the time is coming, it is here now, when the dead (spiritual dead), those who are separated form God, will hear My voice; The voice of the Son of God. "Those who listen will live." (Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). We have been made alive through Christ, who were once living under the very curse of death. Even though we were spiritually dead, the Heavenly Father gave us back our lives again when He raised Christ from the dead. Only by His undeserved favor have we ever been saved.

Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; The Father has life and He has granted that same life giving power to His Son. This is the awesome quality of God, that He is the absolute fullness of life. Know throughout the old testament as the "Living God." (Deuteronomy 5:26, 1 Samuel 17:26), the same life (light of the world), as Jesus has. (John 1:4).

Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. The Heavenly Father has given Him all authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man. (Daniel 7:13-14).

Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, The time is coming when all the those who are dead (spiritually and physically), will hear the voice of the Lord. (Isaiah 26:19).

Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued to do evil will rise to experience judgment. (Matthew 16:27, Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:9). If you live as your flesh body dictates, you will die. However, if you live through the power of the Holy Spirit, you break that bondage of your sinful nature and you will live. 

Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. Jesus is saying that He does nothing on His own. Therefore His judgment is just, because He carries out the will of the One who sent Him. "Not His own will." Christ always did the will of the Father, just as we should do. When praying to the Father, or asking Him for something, always ask that "His will be done."

Joh 5:31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. If I were to testify on My own behalf, My testimony would not be valid.

Joh 5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. There is another who is testifying about Me, and I assure you that everything he says about Me is true. 

Joh 5:33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. You sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about Me was true.

Joh 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. But, I don't need any human witnesses, I say these things so you might be saved. (Giving them a chance to rethink who He was).

Joh 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. John the Baptist was like a burning light, and you were excited about his message. (Matthew 11:7-9).

Joh 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. I have a greater witness than John the Baptist. My teachings and miracles which My Father has given Me to accomplish His works. "They prove that He sent Me." (Acts 2:22). 

Joh 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. The Heavenly Father who has sent Me has testified about Me Himself. "You have never heard His voice, or seen Him face to face." (Matthew 3:17, Luke 3:22). It happened at the baptism of Jesus.

Joh 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. His message is not in your hearts, because you do not believe in Me, the One who was sent by the Heavenly Father.

Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. You search the scriptures because you think they give you eternal life, but the scriptures point to Me. (Romans 1:2, 1 Peter 1:10-11). Foretold in prophecy about both advents of Christ. (Zechariah 9:9-10, Psalms 22). I think that even Jesus was amazed that these people had such pride in the scriptures, yet they still missed the main message right in front of them. (Still going on today).

Joh 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. You still refuse to come to Me to receive this eternal life.

Joh 5:41 I receive not honour from men. "Your approval means nothing to Me." (1 Thessalonians 2:6). The apostles needed no approval or praise from men, so Christ certainly didn't. 

Joh 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. Christ knew that they did not have God's love within them. (Luke 11:39-44, Luke 16:15). They appear so righteous and holy in public, but God knows their hearts. The things the world honors, is detestable to God.

Joh 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. I come in the Heavenly Father's name, and you do not receive Me. However, if another comes in their own name, you gladly welcome them. Jesus was referring to a person yet to come. Was it the antichrist? (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He will defy God and will try to take the place of God, sitting in the temple of God in Mount Zion. (Isaiah 14:12-16).

Joh 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? No wonder you can't believe! Jesus told them that they gladly honor each other, but they don't care about the honor that comes from the One who alone is God. (1 Timothy 1:17). The King of the ages, the one and only from the beginning. (They were more concerned about peoples opinions than they were about God's opinion). "Pew potatoes just playing church." Do you care what people think about what you believe, or what God thinks? Always try to please the Heavenly Father, not man.

Joh 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. "It's not I who will accuse you before the Father." It will be Moses who will accuse you. The one who you put your trust in. The Jews prided themselves for being followers of Moses, yet Moses spoke of the coming Messiah. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19). 

Joh 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. If you have believed Moses, you would have believed Me, because he wrote about Me. (Luke 24:27). Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets explaining the things concerning Him. (Genesis 3:15, 26:4, 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6). 

Joh 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? But, since you do not believe what Moses wrote, how will you believe what I say? (Luke 16:29, Luke 16:31). Moses and the prophets have warned them if they read it. It's all there for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. "Christ came back from the dead and they did not listen to Him." They wouldn't listen to Moses and the prophets, and they won't listen to someone who rises from the dead. "So it is."

Keep the faith,
Barton