Hole 1 at Cordillera Ranch, Boerne, TX

This Is Jesus! 

John 5:1-18 

Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.’ Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day. So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.’ But he answered them, ‘He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’ 

When reading the gospel narratives, it’s interesting to me that there’s always a “big picture” theme that the immediate story fits into. These are not a random collection of stories. There is a continuing and consolidated purpose of the entire book. At the same time, these stories effect individual lives and there is meaning and personal application within each story accordingly.  

The Big Picture 

For example, the theme of John is to substantiate that Jesus is the Christ with an emphasis on that fact that He is the Son of God.  Therefore, Jesus is God! John often uses the word “sign” to emphasize the evidence of his claims.  John 4:54 says, “this is again a second sign that Jesus performed.” Like a skilled attorney, John is making a case to validate Jesus as the Son of God. Why is this important? 

John was written later than most of the other books in the New Testament. It is about 50 years after Jesus walked on the earth so there are a lot of people who weren’t around to witness Him directly. People are now wondering whether He was just a teacher or prophet.  John is laying out evidence in a logical and sequential manner to verify his premise. Jesus is the Son of God. This title means that He is God the Savior. John is providing evidence that demands a verdict. 

He’s back!!! 

Now in chapter 5 we see the third “sign” which is the healing of a man unable to walk (most likely a paralytic) for thirty-eight years. From a big picture, everything Jesus does is intentional and moves His plan forward. For this healing in chapter 5, Jesus is back in Jerusalem where he previously stirred up the Jewish elite by casting out the merchants and money-changers.  

The casting out of the money changers disrupted the religious elite and caused them to murmur and curse Him.  But they assumed He would just move on and fade away. They didn’t see Him as a serious threat…yet. But now, Jesus is going to take it to the next level. Jesus is going to attack one of their “sacred cows.” He is going to heal on the Sabbath.  

The dual purpose 

Jesus heals on the Sabbath and to push it further, He instructs the man to get up and carry his pallet on the Sabbath. The religious extremists consider carrying the pallet on the Sabbath as work that is forbidden.   

Jesus has a dual purpose.  He is intentionally creating a ground swell of hatred that will eventually lead to His crucifixion AND providing a sign that He is the Son of God.  

In the midst of this “big picture” strategy, Jesus extends His abundant lovingkindness to an individual. This individual receives Jesus’ full attention and is the recipient of his healing power.   

There is a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years.  Jesus heals him immediately. Jesus enters an area with a pool in Jerusalem where the sick, blind and lame gathered. There were many gathered at the pool that day, but Jesus chose this man to heal. What is interesting is that the man didn’t indicate any real faith and he didn’t ask Jesus to be healed. He wasn’t even aware of who Jesus was. Nevertheless, Jesus healed him and healed him immediately. Why him? 

WHY ME? 

I have also often wondered “why me?”  Out of billions in the world who are lost in their sin, “why me?” I was very young when I was saved. But I recall a compelling awareness of the reality of God and my need for Him. It wasn’t because I was or am smarter than all those who are lost. It’s not because I’m lucky. Why was God so gracious to me that He saved me when I was young even though I knew very little about Him? I can’t explain it but I am grateful. He healed me immediately of my sin-disease and I’m thankful and grateful for all eternity. He is calling you too! Receive Him fully. Praise you Lord and Savior. You have blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places! Amen!