5 John
Author
Dan McClure
Scripture
John 5:1-47
Observation
Jesus exercises His authority in John 5 and does not apologize for who He is and His relational link to the Father. After healing the disabled man near the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, he defends His actions in verse 17 by saying “My father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” Jesus didn’t care what day of the week or get caught up in legalistic religion when it came to helping people.
Jesus is equal and united with Father God. The Jewish leaders, when hearing Jesus discuss His relationship with God, began to persecute Him. Jesus told the leaders how His relationship with God is a Father/son intimate relationship stating, “For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these so that you will be amazed.”
Jesus tells them this truth in verse 24 “…whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. “
Application
Jesus is my Lord of lords and my King of kings. Too often I get caught up chasing false gods. John 5 is a perfect reminder that all authority and honor is His.
I can only hope to model Jesus’ approach to helping and healing the sick and disabled; sharing the good news. Jesus again models how to reject legalism while keeping our eyes on His kingdom and His purpose.
Prayer
Father God, thank you so much for your living Word. Help me (us) be obedient to helping and guiding others even at the risk of being persecuted. Thank you Lord for always being at work on my behalf. Thank you Father for rescuing me from death because of my sin, by sacrificing your Son on the cross and then defeating death through the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. I pray for many more eyes to see and many more ears to hear the truth of this amazing grace. I pray for the courage to step out and share this good news with others.
Posted on Wed, October 28, 2015
by Brian Landers