Daily Devotions
My Song In The Night (Gospel of John)
我夜间的歌曲 (约翰福音）
Another Feast in Jerusalem
Text: John 5:1-8
ANOTHER FEAST IN JERUSALEM
Jesus attended another Feast in Jerusalem (John 5:1). However, we are not informed as to which Feast this was. Apart from the Day of Atonement, all Feasts were celebratory events. Family and friends often celebrated these Feasts together meaningfully and joyfully.
NOT ALL WERE ABLE TO CELEBRATE FEASTS
In Jerusalem there was a special pool called Bethesda. In this place was gathered “a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed” (John 5:3). The pool appeared to have special healing powers. An angel would stir the pool and whoever went into the pool first would be healed. Many waited for the opportunity to be healed. Those who were at the pool of Bethesda (meaning of the word Bethesda- “House of healing”), were not able to participate in the Feasts that were held at the Temple.
JESUS USED THE OCCASION TO HEAL A MAN WHO HAD BEEN ILL FOR A LONG TIME
Jesus went to Bethesda and there met a man who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years (John 5:5). Jesus went to him particularly and started a conversation with him. Jesus was very good at starting meaningful conversations with people.
Jesus: “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6
The man with the infirmity: “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” John 5:7
Jesus: “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” John 5:8
A wonderful miracle took place that very moment! “Immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked” John 5:3
NOT EVERYONE APPRECIATED THE SIGN-MIRACLES OF JESUS
We can imagine how happy the man who was healed must have felt. But not everyone appreciated sign miracles… especially if it happened on the Sabbath day!
The Jews
These men were the religious leaders who were always checking if people were keeping or violating the Sabbath. They spoke to the man who was healed: “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” John 5:10
The man who was healed: “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’” John 5:11
The Jews: “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” John 5:12
The man: He did not have an answer for the Jews.
1. There were many people in Bethesda on that day.
2. Jesus had withdrawn Himself and had disappeared into the crowd.
A WORD OF EXHORTATION
Jesus found the man who was healed and gave him a firm word of exhortation.
Jesus: “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 5:14
REPORTING TO THE JEWS
The man who was healed informed the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him (John 5:15).
THE ANGER OF THE JEWS
They had even more reason to persecute Jesus. He had broken the Sabbath! They plotted to kill Him (John 5:16).