Miracle of Jesus from John 5
We are going to consider a miracle Jesus preforms near the beginning of his ministry.
So let’s set the scene. More than likely it is in the midst of the three great feast, (Feast of Trumpets, Feast of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles) during the Jewish month of Tishri. The Feast of Trumpets is most likely Jesus’ birthday. We will save that for a later investigation.
Jerusalem would have been overflowing with people celebrating these feast. Josephus, a historian and personal observer, of the time says that frequently up to two million could have been present in and around Jerusalem at the time.
John describes the area where the man is as being by the Sheep Gate located in a pool called Bethsaida. This would probably be in the North East corner of the city. Interestingly the place is overflowing with invalids, blind, lame and paralyzed. Located among them is a man who has been here 38 years.
Out of all these folks Jesus chose this one man to heal. Perhaps it was because of the length of time here, or perhaps he was the only one here who was not a worshipper of Asclepius. For this is a gathering place for those of this particular sect.
Jesus seeing the man ask if he wants to be healed. Rather a strange question given the circumstances. But the man’s answer is even stranger. “Sir I have no one to put me in the water when it is trouble.” There was a belief that when a troubling of the water occurred then the first one in the pool was healed. This was a popular legend of the time and connected with the worship of Asclepius.
Jesus immediately heals the man. But notice he has been here 38 years but still not able to give enough of himself that others would help him. Speaks to his character, something we will see more of shortly.
The text informs us that Jesus knew he had been here some time. The man probably was in his 50s’ if he had been here 38 years.
Notice how, when Jesus ask if he wanted to be healed the man immediately goes into excuses as to why that has not be possible. All of those excuses lie at the feet of those who refuse to help.
I know I am prejudiced but this man’s narcissism starts to bleed through very early. Jesus ignores all of this and tells him to get up and walk. Notice however, when Jesus healed others they jump up and are very enthusiastic, not this man he walks away without so much of a thank you! What did I say about Character?
So next this man is caught carrying his bed and it is on the Sabbath when questioned he immediately says that he was told too, after all it is not my fault.
When questioned about who told him he does not know. But he is sure going to find out. Strange he has been there 38 years and the most important event in his life occurs and he does not even stop to inquire as to heal him!
Jesus makes a point in finding him after his betrayal, and warns him if he continues the sin that made him and invalid things will be worse for him. Angry he goes and looks up Jesus’ enemies and tells them!
Do you know people like this?
