“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”
Jesus Christ
Thoughts
John 5 • I have read this chapter several times over the last week, and what strikes me the most is how clearly Jesus articulated who he was and why he had come. Jews believe that Jesus of Nazareth was nothing more than an ordinary Jewish preacher living in Holy Land under Roman occupation. [1]Some modern day sceptics don’t even believe that he ever existed; He was simply a myth. But as a follower of Jesus, I believe that he was who he said he was; God’s Son.
The fifth chapter of John opens with yet another interaction of Jesus with someone unique. In this case, the individual was a man who had been lame for the past 38 years. Jesus did not try to bring attention to himself; rather he just asked the man if he would like to get well. Unbelievably, the man did NOT respond with a yes! Instead the man made an excuse of why his healing was always just “out of reach.” Jesus told him “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk.” The man did. In all fairness, the lame man had no idea who was talking to him, but I know I am just as guilty of questioning God and I DO know him!
The balance of the chapter is dedicated to Jesus’ response to the reaction of the religious community to the man’s healing. He begins by addressing “who” he was with the religious leaders:
- He was the Son of God. God was his father; it was personal and it was real.
- He was an exact reflection of God. If they desired to see and know God, they simply needed only to look at him.
- He was the giver of life. He had the authority and power to grant life.
- He was the judge of all. If people honoured God, than they should honour him.
- He was the Saviour of people past, present, and future. The grave would not prevent those who had died from hearing Jesus’ voice and message of salvation.
- He had witness’s that were testifying to his deity; John the Baptist, the miracles, Moses, and the entire Old Testament prophecy.
“Gentlemen, you have heard the testimony of the lame man who now walks. Many of you have known him from childhood and know for a fact that he has been unable to walk for the past 38 years. Yet instead of celebrating with him his healing, you question the legitimacy of what you are witness to. You are missing the message that you have been waiting for years to hear and see. I am the messiah, God’s Son! For centuries you have wondered what God was really like, look at me and you will see. So, you want proof? Step back and your eyes will be opened; listen to John, read closely the words of Moses and the prophets, look at what I am doing! Don’t let your petty rules cause you to miss eternal life. Please.” Jesus Christ
[1] Jesus Christ: A Pagan Myth, Laurence E Dalton and Shirley Strutton Dalton, 2008