Christian Family Services Ministry

4-10-2023 – A Word to the Wise – JOHN 5: 1-16

In John 5 we meet a strange nameless person who when healed from a disease 38 years in the making returns the favor with hatred.

What may we know or suspect about this man who has been, here seeking healing at this pool?

Well, he is probably between 50 and 60 years of age. We gather this because this problem was caused by sin (14). He has been sick 38 years and therefore at least 12 but more likely 20 when he became lame. Jesus connects the sin with the physical aliment.

No doubt he is a beggar since he must provide for some basic needs. I suspect he is a dependent personality because he depends on others so heavily. If that indeed is a correct diagnosis, then we may be able to draw further conclusion.

Those with this type of personality defect are oriented towards eliciting help from others. They find it difficult to impossible to initiate for themselves. They lack self-confidence and present themselves as inept and requiring constant assistance.

Moreover, it seems there is a bit of narcissistic personality here as well. I see this in his expectation that others help or care for him and when ignored becomes angry. This sense of entitlement is coupled with a lack of sensitivity for others. this man excuses his state on others for not helping him. But given his personality I doubt anyone wanted to do anything for him.

Other things may be seen. He is not an observant Jew for he is violating the Sabbath by carrying his bed which was strictly forbidden. Moreover, he places himself in a highly idolatrous place. (This pool would be one of the pools of healing dedicated to Asclepius.) No righteous Jew would be found here lame or not.

It is obvious that he does not want to be healed for he places himself in a position where even if it were true about an intervention by an angel, he is unable to reach the pool. Moreover, he is so self-centered that he is friendless. After all these years he has cared for no one, therefore no one cares for him.

Given the opportunity the man turns Jesus in to the Jewish authorities for the ‘sin’ of healing him. It may be inferred that he did not want to be healed for it would be easier living off the alms of others than having to work for a living.

I understand I might be reading a lot into the situation given the brevity of the passage However this type of personality is stands out in any crowd.

So now we inquire, just what sin brought this man here to start with? We may only guess at this point. However, since betrayal seems to be at the top of his list as evidenced by what he did to Jesus, then like Judas I would suspect dishonesty, or thievery.

So, what lesson may be drawn from this encounter? First there are physical consequences to sin for sin brought this man here and he is in danger in returning to it. Second, just because you heal the body it does not mean you heal the soul a lesson very appropriate for our day.

What other physical ailments might be connected to sin? Obviously, any of the addictions may be connected to physical ailments. Moral issues according to Proverbs 5-7 gives dire physical and emotional consequences. Anger affects bone health (Proverbs 14:30). These are a just a couple of consequences tied to physical health. There are many others.

These few versus serves as a warning about long term sin. Further this man and the circumstance stands in direct contrast to John 9 and the episode with the man born blind.

There is much to learn as one studies scripture beyond the superficial.