John 5 Bible study
Here in Fort Dix West side building 5803 our bible study is going over the Gospel of John.
We each try to lead the chapter and discussion. I was able to study and lead chapter 5 and wanted to share somethings that stood out to me. It is a follow along so if you have your bibles please read the verses as I make the comments.
The verse 1-15 speak of the healing Jesus did in Bethesda.
Verses 1-4. There was a feast, and Jesus as a Jew went to the pool of Bethesda.
It is a pagan place where people are seeking some kind of healing. Do we know if anyone was ever healed there or was it just superstition? We may never know but either way people were desperate enough to try anything. It sounds like Rock bottom.
Verse 5-9.
The man had an infirmity for 38 years, was he like the woman who had the bleeding disorder and tried everything. Spent her money on all the doctors and nothing worked? Did he “try” God at first and when it seemed His answer was no or God was “ignoring” him then the man went elsewhere?
Remember the blind man who was healed. they asked what sin did he or his parents do to be born blind. Jesus said it was nothing like that, but for the Glory of God to be shown in the world.
Here Jesus asks the man “Do you want to be whole?”
It is not an easy question. We think most people will say yes but some have been sick for so long it is their identity now.
What other things in our lives might we not want to get rid of because we think it is our identity?
Reputation, family, status, job, wealth?
What about preaching? some people think more of their preaching than in what they are preaching about. sometimes God moves us on even when we think we are doing His work. Be humble and allow God to put someone else there and let Him move you on elsewhere.
So instead of the man answering Jesus, he pities himself saying he doesn’t have someone to help him into the water. Did he ever see a healing? Even if someone put him in there did, he believe it would work?
His answer should have been “Yes but how?”
He had his own notion of what his healing should be. Don’t we do that?
“I just need to get out of prison and I will be fine”
“I can handle a couple of drinks”
“I don’t need to exercise to be healthy”
“I can use the computer but just need to stay away from some sites”
v.7 The true answer is always in Jesus. If he has the answers, we should ask Him!
v.8 The power over life! Supernatural healing of the infirmity (possibly paralysis) where the muscles and nerves have not worked in over 38 years. no therapy or anything just get up and walk! Logically and physically, that cannot happen. Jesus does the impossible!
Who does that?
Isaiah 35:4-6
“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: Behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped
Then shall the lame man leap as a hart and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert”
It is God who came! Who healed all those diseases and infirmities. When John the Baptist was doubting who Jesus was, he sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was the one. Jesus answered like this verse, the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead are raised! Amazing!
Just like how the devil tells you lies that “you can’t beat sin, you will never change you will always be guilty”
Jesus can change that, if you still believe those lies you need to get closer to Jesus!
v.9. The healing was on sabbath. Jesus does everything on purpose. He knows men’s hearts, why do you think he did it then? To break down strongholds?
v.10-11 When you live by faith you can hear God’s voice and follow it and never break His laws. God’s laws show good and evil. Men corrupted them to be rulers without heart.
v.14 Jesus left before the man knew Him but then Jesus found him! He is always seeking us! What is worse than 38 years with the infirmity?
v.15-16 seeing love and compassion should have moved the Pharisees but their hearts were far from God.
v.17-18 I always find it amazing that if anyone else said the things Jesus said about Himself and God, they would be blaspheming but with Him it is just the truth!
v19 The Son didn’t come out of nowhere; He came from the Father! He does the work the Father does.
v.20 The Father teaches the son.
v.21 The Father raises the dead; Jesus does this as well to show He is equal to the father!
The relationship with God the Father and Jesus the son reminds me of Luke 2:51-52
“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them (Mary and joseph) but his mother kept these sayings in her heart
and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Jesus was being a good Son and growing Man. but it was First God then men whom he was pleasing.
Also, in Galatians 4 1-7 it talks of an heir that is a child and learning and growing but when the time comes for him to be the heir and ready to rule, he steps up. It is an example of Christ and how He came at the right time but I also see it talking about us believers, we are young in the faith but God wants us to grow and in time be used for His purposes and when He returns, we will be heirs with Christ! Amen!
v.22 God gave all judgement to the son, we discussed how this is an supernatural thing that we cannot really comprehend but as the Father and Son are 2 parts of God himself, He is able to do it. Amazing to me!
v.23 and it was to honor the son. All throughout the Bible we see God not sharing honor with anyone else. it is another way to show that Jesus is God because He is honored and glorified together with God.
v.24 Similar to John 3:16. People pass from life to death but with Jesus it is death to life!
v.25 Who are the dead?
v.26 God the Father and God the Son are self-existing. In the Old Testament in Exodus 3:14 Moses asks God who to say is sending him to Egypt. He says say I am that I am hath sent you. That is where Yahweh comes from meaning the self-existing one.
v.28 When Jesus rose many roses as well! Matthew 27:53
v.29 It is eternal resurrection!
v.30 Given authority from the Father, Jesus doesn’t make His own judgement but does what the Father would do
v.31-32 our witness is what others see, you can’t tell people what to think of you!
v.33 John was believed a Prophet. Jesus’ witness is for our benefit.
v.36 Jesus, greater than John. has His works bear witness of Him
v.37 God Spoke audibly 3 times recorded in the gospels acknowledging Jesus.
v.38 People’s hearts were hardened and not ready for when Jesus came. Does that apply now?
v.39-42 The scriptures. Men think they are saved by them but they really point to who saves! If they really knew them, they would know Jesus.
v.43 If someone came boasting his own name people would receive him. But Jesus speaking truth came from God. People find hard truths hard to accept.
v.44 What does honor from God look like? (this is for you to think on in your own life, read this verse and reflect!)
v.45 The devil accuses. God judges.
v.46 Who did Moses write about? Where? Duet 18:18 He writes a prophet greater than himself will come!
v.47 They say they believe in Moses but ignore parts that doesn’t fit in their “theology.
This was meant to be a read along, if it feels too long or unclear, please print out this message and read along with your bible. God bless you and thank you for your prayers and support. To God be the glory forever and ever!
Jordan, A Son of the amazing God almighty!