John's Story: 5:1-15

Do you want to get well?

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5:7 The Mans Response

Ever been asked an incredibly simple but overtly personal question? That's how I see the question above. Jesus asks this ill man if he would like to be healthy, whole. How would you respond?

'No one helps me into the pool and others cut in front of me when I do try to get in and that angel from heaven doesn't show up very often...'

I'm not even sure these are excuses. There's no reason to give an excuse here. Maybe if Jesus asked, 'Why aren't you well yet?' then maybe these would be worthwhile but not here. Yes or No? After 38 years of being ill do you want to be well?

Possible Explanations for the Mans Response:

1. R.C. Sproul sees Jesus question as a possible warning to the man, "Jesus' question likely was intended to warn him that being healed would bring radical life changes. There would be no more handouts, no more assistance. Instead, he would have to be productive. He would have to function in a society."
2. Towns notes, "When one waits a long time for a miracle or answer to prayer, discouragement grows, and with it unblief begins to develop." Maybe he was simply beginning to doubt that healing was even an option.
3. I wonder if the man simply wasn't prepared for an actual opportunity to be healed. His condition was very real, his desire to be healed abounding, but his lack of awareness of Rabbi Jesus and quite possibly never having truly witnessed a miracle may have left him with his guard down.
4. What if he was still engaged in whatever sin put him in that position? If this is the case then there's no way to give Jesus a straight answer. His heart and mind were not free of guilt.

Excuses Image taken from Towns pg#49

5:8-9 'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.'

Whatever the case, Jesus knew of the mans condition and had sovereignly planned a healing. Some translations say Jesus 'learned' of the mans condition. Others stress more directly that Jesus 'knew'. John often demonstrates Jesus' ability to divinely know information (1:47-49).

Jesus knew the condition.

Jesus knew the man.

Jesus knew his heart.

Jesus knew his reaction to healing.

Jesus knew the Jewish leaders response.

Jesus knew the intended purpose of not only this healing, but his coming offer of eternal healing for all.

In Genesis 1 we see God speaking creation into existence. The same power and production Christ used in creation (Colossians 1) He uses here. The Words of God are full of power, they're living and active (Heb. 4)

After the healing Jesus disappears. The man can't or doesn't find Him and so he has no idea who it was that healed him. I wonder if he cares? He seems to just go on about his day. Maybe he's overwhelmed. Maybe Jesus simply left too quickly. Maybe he's excited to run off and hug his family and friends.

Regardless, Jesus finds him later on and leaves him with a serious warning, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."

Again, the mans response is strange. He knows the Jews are upset with him about breaking their law (not The Law, as they have attached way too much to the original Text in Exodus 20:8-11) but he goes to them and makes sure they know who actually commanded him to walk (break the law). Why? He was just healed, not only do the Jewish leaders miss the miracle, but the man himself is yet shifting the focus and 'blame' away from himself and onto this Rabbi.

Also, did you notice the 'again' (:14)? So prior to the 38 years of infirmity this man was healthy and active and productive. Something about his choices, his co-mission of a particular sin or lifestyle of sinning set him on his back for 38 years.

Which leads me to a pretty important question.

Is suffering a response to sin? That is, is a believers suffering always directly related to sin, either conscious committal of a sin or the omission of a precept? Or worse a sin one isn't even aware of in their life? Is suffering always the result of sin?

I was in a service one Sunday visiting a local church when this concept repeatedly came up. The speaker hammered the notion that God only blesses, he does not cause suffering. If anyone in the audience were experiencing suffering then sin is at the root and they are distant from the Lord.

Terrifyingly unbiblical. Imagine how many people churchgoers live under the invisible hammer of God without experience the Truth about suffering.

Scripture teaches that suffering is a part of the human condition. Yes it exists because of sin but in Gods economy it is:

• the consequence of sin (natural and intentional) (John 5:1-15)
• The consequences of a broken world (Luke 13:1-9)
• the means to challenge and grow the believer (Heb. 12:6)
• the response of the world towards believers, persecution (John 15:20)
• the byproduct of the divine meeting the flesh, sanctification occurring in imperfect bodies

Paul said that "it has been granted to you (Philippians, and you and I) on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him," (Phil 1:29-30). The original audience were experiencing many of the same struggles Paul had and he was encouraging them to carry on well, that God the Father knew and intended belief and suffering to go hand in hand for our benefit and His Glory.

Many, many, many believers today are experiencing the very same struggles Paul had. Many others are experiencing different forms of pain, struggle, suffering, conflict, persecution etc.

Side Notes /

Feast of the Jews: Which one? John doesn't say but Passover, The Feast of Tabernacles and The Feast of Dedication are options. Most leave out the Passover as John tends to specify this feast as it plays an important role in Jesus' interaction with the Jews and His temple.

Pool of Bethesda 'house of mercy': near the Sheep Gate on the North side of Jerusalem. Thoughts on this pool:

• animals were cleansed here prior to being sacrificed at the temple
• healing waters: minerals giving the pool a reddish hue and believed to have healing attributes
• healing waters: angel stirs the water providing divine healing to few (not in the earliest manuscripts)
• natural spring within that would turn the waters and gave the impression of angelic healing
• archaeologists have noted later Roman attachments to this pool regarding health and healing as well

Personalize /

How do you respond to suffering? Do you hold unbiblical concepts of suffering?

In your suffering do you discern what is the result of your sin, persecution, others sin, challenge, natural brokenness in the body, character discipline, faith stretching, etc?

How do you respond to answered prayer or miracle in your life? Do you respond with gratefullness and joy? Do these cause you to worship and glorify God, boasting in Him all the more? OR do you wonder why God didn't respond differently? Do you lack contentment in His work and response no matter how great? Is God's work in you ever good enough for you honor Him?

The sick man experienced physical healing and yet seemed to miss out on the spiritual healing Jesus was truly offering. How many Christ followers are missing out on true healing of the heart and mind and focusing too much on the physical healing of the body and surroundings?

I challenge you to point out 3 things today that you are thankful for. 3 things that God has worked in and about you that you must simply and humbly honor Him in response.

John, Elmer Towns #48-49.

MacArthur Study Bible #1586-1587.

John, RC Sproul ebook, #1085.

terrible nights yet...Hope

'my heart is  breaking for my sister and the con that she called love
but when I look into my nephew's eyes man you wouldn't believe
the most amazing things that can come from some terrible nights'
- fun. some nights

Hope. Even after a night or a season of ill-fated, mis-defined, un-love...something beautiful was yet revealed. Though emotional, mental, spiritual, physical baggage may and will remain in differing degrees, one can still look into the eyes of an unplanned child from a broken beginning and be encouraged. See hope. Note faith. Feel a particular sort of supernatural love.

'Now these three remain: faith, hope and love.' 1 Cor. 13:13

Hope. It finds its root in Christ (1 Tim 1:1). It exists because He exists. Because He holds the fabric of life together (Colossians 1), everyone is capable of experiencing this prompting. It's supernatural at it's core, that mankind would seek something 'other'.

Archias of Mytilene (pre-Christ) bewailed the birth of boys, believing there was nothing in life but relentless evils awaiting them and that physical death alone was the cure. How depressing it must have been/be to assume life is nothing more than evil waiting to pounce and relief alone comes from the grave. To have accepted a worldview that rests on despair and gloom. And this according some of the greatest minds in history.

Yet another message contrasts with Archaias' greatly, the message of Christ. One of hope. Hope that the Kingdom of Heaven is moving onward and upward. Hope that love truly is abounding and that reconciliation with God truly means life, and life to the fullest.

Paul proclaims that Christ is hope.

While Christ was the usher of hope in the flesh, He sent the Spirit to continue the message and experience of hope in everyone who believes. To remind the world that while sin abounds, hope abounds all the more. That even in the life of a mother whose con-artist lover left her and her child feeling robbed and abandoned...hope had abandoned no one. The very life of that child in that particular song, in that particular story is a testament to a divine love touching us all.

That while earthly fathers may not fulfill their call to love, God has, does and will - and all through His own son, Jesus.

Hope abounds. Even after a terrible night. Even after a terrible season loaded with undesirable consequence. Hope.

Read 1 Corinthians 12-14 - Read Johns Gospel to feel truly loved here and now - Listen to fun. and hear a culture seeking faith, hope, love, all that Christ offers and is...how to connect this culture with Christ.

This Land is My Land, This Land is...

The land of the Scriptures required a very tangible, very gritty faith. Just follow the Israelites in their wanderings in the desert and you'll see hunger and thirst, suffering and doubt, need and longing beyond much of our personal experiences.

The land was dry, wilderness, desert as if God had forgotten to bring life to this portion of the earth. Then He calls His chosen people to inhabit this land as a gift. A gift! What a cruel gift, right.

The real gift though wasn't the land. It was the calling to personally connect with God. Faithfully trusting Him out to fulfill every need, every desire, every ounce of protection and supplication. To walk through life with Him (Deut 6:4-9).

This land demanded a faith I simply don't tap into regularly. I'm sitting on my IKEA couch as I type this on my Gateway laptop wearing Nautica glasses to see the screen while covered in a ridiculously soft blanket to keep me warm in an already heated apartment...are we relying on the Spirit to guide and care for us so tangibly, so holistically, so unmistakably...or is that a moot point here an now?

'Trust in God, trust also in Me' John 14:1 - This never goes out of style. This is never not relevant.

For those of us not living in the wilderness we must contextualize our faithfulness:
1) Examine your attitude - are you growing in Christlikeness - Phil 2:1-18
2) Examine your lifestyle - are you really a part of the Body - 1 Corinthians 12
3) Examine your worship - are you giving to God all of what's His - Matthew 22:21

Faith never ceases to be a part of the Christian journey - whether it's for literal or spiritual bread it's necessary.

You the Static-Bearer...

Static electricity.

My three year old son recently discovered this magical world of physics. Of course he discovered it at my expense...

Nations. Tribes. Communities. Groups. Peoples. All of these experience seasons of stasis. In my own experience many times these seasons are brought about by apathy, vision-leak, lack of clear-purpose or simple disagreement with others in my tribe.

Yet, there are seasons of stasis for a group that are positive. Intentionally pausing to reconcile. To seek the Lord. To gain clarity. To rest. To be still and know that...He is God, right.

Static electricity is fantastic isn't it. To have the Ernest-Goes-to-Jail'esque ability to electrify another human with god-like power is a ridiculous thing. Think about it. A human body, a non-conductor, carrying something infinitely more powerful, dangerous and unstable than itself and then passing it on to another human...always with joy too.

And when the atmosphere is just right, and you scoot across the carpet like my three year old son with that sheepish smile, right up to your sleeping dad on the couch...the pop! from that single touch on the cheek is eye-opening! It's heart grabbing. It's a catalyst for a greater uncontrollable movement on the receiving end - more scooting, frizzy-haired, joyful people joining the current-movement.

Tribes. Groups. Peoples. The Church. When these are in stasis, whether positive or negative, it only but necessarily takes that one little shock to create a greater movement. The passing on, not of electricity, but of the Holy Spirit from one hand to another. From one fleshly creature to another. One sinner to another.

This powerful, dangerous, uncontrollable, joy-filled Spirit is supernaturally implanted in and around us to ignite and then guide the Body-apathetic. It takes one little pop! Vision ignites. Purpose abounds. Word is life once again. Ironically static brings the dynamic.

Don't be scared of the shock. I have been. Discern the state of the Body, yes. But don't fear the initial pain nor the  cataclysmic activity that may follow. The Spirit guides us remember. We cannot guide, control or worse condemn Him.

Are you the static-bearer? Or are you the necessary recipient? Jesus said,

'I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things that these...the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.' John 14

un/Faithfulness...

What does it mean to be faithful?

My gut tells me what it means to be unfaithful more than my heart is able to describe faithfulness at times.

Think about your spouse (if you happen to have one), what would you consider an unfaithful act. Adultery? Flirtation? Deep emotional attachment to one other than you?

What about your vocation. If you are or could be the boss, what would you consider a conflict of interest in the work place or an act of employee unfaithfulness? Taking on a second career that steals time away from your business? A job at a rival company? Simply not doing the work that was agreed upon?

In sports you wouldn't assist the opponent to victory would you?

In your studies you wouldn't falsify your testing would you?

A soldier who trades sides only to fight against their own is a...traitor. Unfaithful right?

A Few Thoughts:
1) Obedience: Simple obedience to what we've given ourselves over to is a physical sign of faithfulness.

2) Integrity: A state of wholeness, particularly the holistic blend of orthodoxy and orthopraxy. An undivided life both internally and externally...this life undoubtedly perpetuates faithfulness and staves off unfaithfulness.

3) Joy: Deep within every one of us is the need to experience joy in what/whom we're called to be faithful to. Joy doesn't equal passion or happiness. In fact joy may come in the dark, painful deserts we experience. When joy is intrinsic faithfulness abounds.

4) Divinity: Gods glory is the root of faithfulness. We exist because of His glory. Faithfulness comes to fruition within the knowledge of His Divine Nature. Without giving ourselves over to someOne greater than us, we may never know holistic faithfulness much less live it out personally.

What does it mean to be faithful? Joyful obedience to the Divine funded by the Spirit. This attitude perpetuates our ability and desire to be faithful, not simply to one-another, but ultimately to the Messiah who was and is and will always be eternally faithful to us.

To Israel at the end of his days Moses said, 'Do not be afraid or terrified because of [worldly forces], for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.' Deut. 31:6

I am, therefore, He is.

Actual, Genuine...Belief

Does genuine belief in Christ actually play a major role in salvation? Do we actually have to believe in this guy?

Jesus, teaching a crowd of Jews being riled up by the Pharisees, said this to the few who believed and put their faith in Him, 'If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you'll know the truth, and the truth with set you free.' John 8:30-32

Considering Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world in the midst of this discussion and the heated resistance to His testimony - I would say actual, legitimate, personal, rational belief intersects with salvation in a direct way.

The author of Hebrews follows up on this topic by noting that all those under Moses who disobeyed, rebelled and sinned ultimately died in the desert physically and spiritually 'because of their unbelief.' Hebrews 3:16-19.

To those who read, hear or see the message of Christ, Jesus is saying, 'Today...do not harden your hearts.'

Salvation is a vital gift. You and I don't have to accept it, but if we do...we have to believe it's real.

Total Loss...

The words, 'I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ...' Those words hit hard as I read them again.

Several years ago we experienced a fire in our apartment building that destroyed 100% of our neighbors goods and over 50% of our own.

We experienced loss of belongings, memories, overall a sense of safety. My wife and I along with our one year old were at a loss.

Our ministry director, the director of the camp where this took place, was eternally gracious. Our church body was infinitely gracious as well. Friends were equally gracious. Families were a blessing. Individuals we hardly knew were like shining stars.

However, one young lady in particular comes to mind always when reading the above passage. A twenty-something single woman, having been saving for a vacation the sum of around $600 chose to consider her vacation a loss compared to loving Christ.

The Spirit prompted her to think, 'How can I save for vacation when they don't even have a place to call home?' So her vacation fund became our rebuilding fund.

Knowing Christ is knowing the body. Her act of devotion and compassion in response to the Spirit will always goad me into going to Jesus with open hands and returning to His people with helping hands. I came into the world naked and I will leave that way...nothing is mine.

Everything is a total loss, burned in fire, compared to knowing Christ.

Philippians 3:7-14

Paths

One of the most terrifying chapters in the Bible is found in the Book of Job. Bildad, in an attempt to crush Jobs apparent pride, describes the fate of the man who rallies against God, flounders in sin and falls short of righteousness...he will be:

snuffed out, the light in his home will burn out, weakened, his schemes ensnare him, calamity is hungry for him, disaster is ready when he falls, death's firstborn eats at his limbs, he will be marched off to king of terrors, burning sulfur engulfs his home, roots dry up, he is forgotten, driven to darkness, no survivors or offspring, to the East and West men are appalled by him...a trap lies in his path. (Job 18)

Job, however, is prepared in heart and soul and mind for such torment. He knows that 'the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.' (Job 17:9)

He is faithful and in turn is confident - not prideful - of his righteousness before God. The wicked may stumble along their path toward the 'King of Terror' - but Job will follow divine suffering down the path that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.

This is a horrifying yet convicting chapter to read. Impossible to bypass without reflection on my own journey...my own path. I might ask you as well:

1. What path are you on? Do you walk by faith or by your own strength? (2 Cor. 5:7) - Not all 'paths' lead to the same destination. There are only two: that which Bildad describes and that which Job holds on to.
2. Are you in constant terror from the evil one?
3. As a believer you will suffer, yet have no reason to fear torment...Do you know that He protects you before and behind. (Psalm 139)
4. Cry out for Jesus. Repent. Seek Truth. Ask for divine justice and protection with an honest heart. (Romans 10:9-10) - And then rest in His salvation.

Should Faith...

Should Faith override material need?
Should Faith overcome gut reaction?

Should Faith push beyond that sinking feeling that brings anxiety?
Should Faith push us beyond how others in our community live?

Should Faith guide us to the Path of Least Resistance?
Should Faith alter our attitude as Paul claims?
Should Faith encourage, hope, love and proclaim?

Should Faith melt a frozen heart and create a willing soul?
Should Faith matter?
Does Faith matter?
Faith Should be seen and felt by those around you,
Even if Faith is in the Unseen One.

Live by Faith...sight never fulfills.

the Reverse

According to the Apostle Paul Jesus Christ is Lord - the Messiah Yeshua is Ruler over all the heavens and the earth - God Incarnate is Sovereign King.

Jesus himself claimed to be the only way and the only truth and the eternal life emanating from the Father. He is our King Messiah and we can know him and trust his Word.

Now beginning with Jesus one can work in reverse to the creation of the universe (as John does in his Gospel) where this God is in fact working on bringing forth something ex nihilo...or rather from himself.

If one is willing to accept that God has worked throughout all of history - and that Jesus descended from heaven - born prophetically of a virgin in a small town - lived sinlessly in a large polytheistic empire - died atonefully for all on earth who believe - resurrected from the grave - ascended to the throne and interacts holistically in the present...

...Would it still be a stretch to believe that this tiny planet - in the middle of a rather small galaxy - in the midst of an enormously ever expanding space has all been purposefully created from the start? If Jesus is the Creator Messiah...is it rational to believe that he is yet incapable of creating instantaneously with purpose. That he simply must have left the earth to a chaotic evolutionary hodge-podge of possibilities?

Rationale doesn't sit on the bench with a blind faith.The Christian is called to love God with every ounce of his heart, soul, mind and strength (Deut. 6/Matt. 22). One can choose not to believe in Jesus but one is yet left to explain this something from nothing - and isn't the Big Bang Theory simply another way of saying, 'something(someone) pulled the trigger'?

Can Hate be Good

Should buying property ever take priority over responding to Jesus?

Should business opportunities take priority over living out truth?

Even marriage, does it come before our relationship with God?

'...any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.' (Luke 14)

I wonder if sometimes it just isn't alright to be comfortable. Sometimes it may simply be counter-Christlikeness to be in the world and live as though we're of it as well. How do you need to 'prioritize' in order to be a disciple? What do you need to 'hate' in order to love God and love others?

Taken from Luke 14

Walls

So this wall separating Israel from Palestine,
a wall 3x higher than the Berlin Wall,
separating people from their land,
from their families,
from civilization,
is designed by Israel in an attempt to...hmm.

This is a people, a tribe, a nation that knows suffering. From the calling of Abraham through the hatred of Hitler Israel has experienced unexplainable wealth and inexpressible suffering.

'In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.' (Isaiah 10:20)

These survivors, people that know separation and suffering...have not chosen to rely on the Lord have they? Not only has the Messiah been rejected, but the House of Jacob, instead of reliance on the Lord and faith in His plan and purpose for them, has become paralyzingly fearful. So much so that a cement wall has become the sole banner of protection for a nation once resting in the hands of The Almighty.

Referring to mans ability to see truth, Jesus notes how we're able to map out the weather - predict the rain and prepare for storms etc. And yet here was the Messiah, standing before their eyes performing miracles and speaking a revitalized Truth. Living a fleshed out Divinity. And the self-righteous men were unable to personally experience this truth, weren't even able to see it.

I don't know if the artist Banksy can see the Truth of Jesus, but I do know that he sees the ridiculous nature of the giant cement wall.

This wall in Israel is nothing new. Maybe it's merely the physical embodiment of the spiritual blindness they've experienced over the last 2,000 years.

I believe many Israelis disagree with the wall. Many believe their God has planned something better. Many who read Scripture know that every human is made in Gods image, that He desires reconciliation with all...not just Israel.

What Walls exist in your town, state, country, philosophy, worldview, belief, understanding, attitude? If this Israeli built wall looks this bad...what do your own spiritual, moral, mental walls look like?

Wushu Masters & Christian Rabbi's:

There is a fantastic range of similarities between how one trains to become a master in martial arts and how one grows in the attitude of Christ. In The Forbidden Kingdom, Jackie Chans wise but drunken character attempts to describe to his student where one must begin:

Like a cup overflowing with water, how can a man learn if he is already full of the knowledge he needs.

Like a cup being poured out, one must empty himself of what he thinks he knows and fill himself with actual knowledge.

Jesus and His dsiciples taught:

A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. [Luke 6:40]

In fact, if he is rooted and established in love, a love that surpasses all human understanding, he will be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Christlike. [Ephesians 3:14-19]

Isn’t it interesting that those who respond most often to Jesus’ call: the weary, the hurt, the sick, the poor, the stuck, etc – these come to Him with nothing. They come with open arms, teary-eyed, limping and breaking. Even those who are wealthy, who are healthy, comfortable and happy must come to Jesus with nothing in order to experience the filling of His Spirit, authentic response to His call.

The rich young ruler who came to Jesus with everything in his life already fulfilled? Jesus sent Him away with what challenge?…Why did he need Jesus if he were already full?

Jesus gave water to the Samaritan women who was hurting, spiritually blind but alert and very thirsty. She, a person humbled through the forthright truth and obvious compassion of Jesus, stood before Him with nothing, her entire life (in her own words) laid bare.

The student, before he can grow properly, must be properly emptied.

And the teacher, before he can teach, must accept his gift and be properly filled.