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In this chapter we see a shift in the focus of Jesus' ministry.
The first part of John pointed towards individuals. Now Jesus will begin to focus
on larger groups. In verses 5-15 Jesus seems to be teaching the man in a similar way that he might instruct us. With the word "Arise" He is telling the man to choose to begin a new life. "Take up your bed" means carry your responsibilities. "Walk" means to be willing to move where He calls you. Each of us is sick if we are not reborn in Him. We are helpless to do any work for God until we are willing to recognize our need and have a desire to get well. Jesus looked for the man after he was healed. Where did he find him? (see verse 14.) Our relationship with our Lord and Savior is personal and no church is necessary for our salvation, however, after we are saved, shouldn't He find us in church? We should be worshiping and growing closer to Him within the body of other believers. In John 5:17, we see Jesus following the example of His Father. Jesus links His work with His Father's. He says, "Because my Father is working, so too am I." Jesus always has the same thought, purpose, and methods of action as His Father. Note what Jesus says about Himself in verse 19, explaining that it was not that He could not do anything, but would not. Think about Jesus' submission to His Father in comparison to today's attitude of "I am the master of my own fate." It is important we understand that to believe in Jesus is the only way to enter into eternal life. When you experience the intimacy of a personal relationship with Jesus, you will be given a work to do for Him. Your first responsibility is to yield to the Holy Spirit drawing you closer to Jesus. You learn about your relationship to the Lord by the study of His Word. He will also give us a work to finish. The goal of your life is to depend completely on Him and trust that He will enable you to complete the work He has given you to do. He teaches us that the more you depend on Him the more He shows you His plan to be a co-laborer with the Father. What a glorious completion of who you are, to have Jesus in control of your life and be part of His plan for eternity. |