Jesus the Healer and Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus the Healer and Lord of the Sabbath

John 5:1-18

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’ ” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. — John 5:1-18

Jesus, the Healer of Both Body and Soul

In this passage, we see Jesus healing a man who had been suffering from an illness for thirty-eight years. His encounter with this man at the pool of Bethesda illustrates Jesus' power over sickness and His deep compassion for those who are in need. Jesus seeks out the man, knowing the depth of his suffering, and asks, "Do you want to be healed?" This simple yet profound question reveals that Jesus not only has the ability to heal but also desires for us to recognize our need for His intervention.

When the man responds by explaining that he has no one to help him into the pool for healing, Jesus bypasses the man's expectations and directly heals him, commanding him to "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." Jesus’ word alone is enough to bring about the healing, demonstrating the power of Christ’s spoken word over sickness and suffering. The healed man’s obedience to Jesus’ command is an example of faith, as he immediately takes up his bed and walks.

But Jesus' care extends beyond physical healing. Later, He finds the man in the temple and instructs him to "Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you." Jesus points out the deeper need for spiritual healing and repentance. Physical healing is important, but without addressing the root of sin, the soul remains in jeopardy. Christ's ultimate goal is holistic restoration—healing both body and soul.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 53:4-5, Luke 5:18-25, Psalm 103:2-3, Mark 2:9-12

Jesus and the Sabbath

After the man is healed, the religious leaders focus not on the miracle, but on the fact that the healing occurred on the Sabbath. According to their interpretation of the law, carrying one's bed on the Sabbath was considered "work" and therefore unlawful. Their rigid observance of the law blinded them to the grace and power of God working through Jesus. Rather than rejoicing in the miraculous healing, they condemned both the man for carrying his bed and Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.

In response to their accusations, Jesus declares, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." With this statement, Jesus is claiming a unique relationship with God the Father, identifying Himself as working in unity with God, even on the Sabbath. This statement not only affirms His authority to act but also reveals His divine nature. The Jews understood this, which is why they sought to kill Him—not just for breaking the Sabbath but for claiming equality with God.

Jesus shows that true Sabbath rest is not found in legalistic rule-keeping but in recognizing the work of God in Christ. Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, offers a rest that surpasses physical rest—a spiritual rest that comes through reconciliation with God. He calls us to cease from our own efforts and to trust in His completed work.

Scriptures to Study:

Matthew 12:8, Hebrews 4:9-11, Mark 2:27-28, Exodus 20:8-11

Jesus’ Claim to Divinity

The final verses of this passage reveal the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. By referring to God as His Father and stating that He is working alongside Him, Jesus makes a direct claim to divinity. The leaders understood that He was making Himself "equal with God," and this was the reason they sought to kill Him.

This passage underscores the fact that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher. His authority over the Sabbath, His power to heal, and His claim of unity with the Father all point to His divine nature. Jesus is fully God, and His mission on earth is to reveal the Father and bring salvation to all who believe. As disciples, we must recognize that following Jesus means submitting to His authority as both Savior and Lord. We are not just following a good example—we are following the Son of God who has the power to give life and transform us from the inside out.

Scriptures to Study:

Colossians 2:9, John 10:30-33, Philippians 2:6-8, Hebrews 1:1-3

Summary of Key Points

  • Jesus has power over sickness – His word alone can heal both physical and spiritual ailments.
  • Jesus desires holistic healing – Beyond physical healing, Jesus calls for repentance and a turning from sin.
  • Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath – True rest comes through Jesus, not through legalistic adherence to rules.
  • Jesus claims equality with God – His divine identity is central to His mission and authority.
  • Faith leads to obedience – The healed man’s response to Jesus' command is an example of simple trust and action.

Life Application Questions

  • How does Jesus’ question, "Do you want to be healed?" challenge you to reflect on areas in your life where you need His healing?
  • In what ways have you experienced both physical and spiritual healing through Christ? How can you seek more of His restoration?
  • How does Jesus’ identity as Lord of the Sabbath and His claim to divinity influence your understanding of who He is?
  • What practical steps can you take to experience deeper rest and reliance on Jesus rather than striving in your own strength?