By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
PICK UP YOUR MAT
John 5:5–16
We continue our study of the Gospel of John with a lesson on Jesus’ third miraculous sign.
John previously told of Jesus turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana. Jesus also healed an official’s son long distance, with Jesus in Cana and the son in Capernaum. In that miracle, the father’s faith was required. In the third miracle, a man’s faith in Jesus was necessary for his own healing.
Compassion Expressed (5–9a)
Thirty-eight years is a long time to suffer. Jesus expressed compassion for a man hoping to be healed by a “miraculous” pool called Bethesda. Jesus simply asked the man if he wanted to be well. The man needed help to get into the pool, or so he thought.
Jesus responded by healing him and telling him to get up, pick up his mat and walk. Jesus met the man’s desire for healing by requiring him to believe (act upon Jesus’ words).
God’s plan is not always physical healing. He sometimes receives greater glory by working through followers who are disabled.
Such is the case of Joni Eareckson Tada, a woman God has used to communicate His grace and glory through her testimony and her art.
At age 17, Tada was paralyzed from the shoulders down following a diving injury, but she has devoted her life to Christian ministry and advocacy for those in the disabilities community.
Such is also the case of Billy Graham, pastor of prayer and evangelism at Redemption Church in Saraland (formerly First Baptist Church North Mobile).
Though he was born legally blind and has never walked, Graham has dedicated his life to helping other people see Jesus and take those first steps of faith.
Legalism Exposed (9b–13)
Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath. What a great day to experience His healing hand!
After nearly four decades of suffering, he stood up, rolled up his mat and walked to the temple.
Consider what Scriptures may have come to his mind: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice …” or “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good …” What Bible verses would have come to your mind?
The Pharisees then apprehended and interrogated the Sabbath lawbreaker for carrying his mat: “Do you know what day it is?” “Do you know carrying your mat breaks Sabbath law?” “Who gave you permission to do this?” The man didn’t know Jesus’ name or where He went.
Identity Exposed (14–16)
Jesus found him. He came to the man at the pool, and He found him again in the temple.
Jesus’ counsel to the man was “live a life of repentance and do not allow sin to define your life.” Are you grateful Jesus found you?
“Jesus did it. He made me whole.” This was the healed man’s response to the Pharisees. It is the only answer we can give to God’s transforming work since we placed our faith in Jesus Christ.
In the passage following this section, the Pharisees confronted Jesus, who said God the Father is always at work (v. 17).
The Pharisees did not take kindly to this for two reasons.
First, Jesus justified healing on the Sabbath.
Second, He called God His Father. Jesus was equating Himself with God, a clear point of contention throughout John’s Gospel (see 8:59; 10:31–33).
We may be unaware of the extent of God’s work in our lives or surroundings, but He is at work.
Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to His good purpose” (Phil. 2:13).
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