The Work of God
John 5:1-18
After Jesus heals a Roman official’s son, he returns to Jerusalem for a feast. Another healing takes place and the conditions teach us new things. As we work our way through this gospel, we are trying to see and understand Jesus for this purpose:
These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31)
Sovereignty and Ministry (vs 1-9, 14)
Jesus chooses the place
Jesus chooses the person
Jesus chooses to heal (no faith evident)
Jesus finds him later to clarify this is about salvation
Jesus works to shape faith
Sickness and Sin (vs 14)
Natural causes, accidents, affected by others, attack of Satan
A connection with God’s glory (John 9:1-5)
At times a consequence of our actions (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)
God alone knows and works good – we seek spiritual growth
Closed Minds and Persecution (vs 9-18)
Sabbath points to the saving work of the Father and Son
Legalism (Galatians 3:10) vs. Liberty (James 1:25)
Jesus’ divine & exclusive claims alienate and anger some people
Expect the same and find God’s strength and purpose in it
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
