From Folklore to Healed
John 5
John has a purpose in writing his Jesus story, or the Gospel of John. It is simple: “so many will believe”. (20:30-31) John chose to highlight very specific people and interactions to show that Jesus came to rescue everyone that believes. As we move into Chapter 5, we see that not only does Jesus desire to see all people, from all sorts of backgrounds, come to believe, He also does not care when and where He connects with the lost.
Jesus talks with a paralyzed man, a man who had been crippled for thirty-eight years, beside a group of pools. It was thought these pools held some mystic, healing powers. On certain occasions, the water would be stirred by an angel and the first to enter the water would be healed. This area was filled with people desperately longing to be healed and they were willing to follow folklore and mystery in order to find healing in that water. Jesus chose one man to talk to out of the hundreds gathered to talk with. Jesus asks the man, “Do you want to be healed?” (5:1-6)
The question would appear to have an obvious answer - of course this man would want to be healed. But the man was not looking at being healed correctly. He was focused on outward healing and trusting in rumor and superstition. He was trapped in a no-win situation. But with one statement Jesus changed it all. “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” (5:8) And off the man walked!
When the religious leaders see the man walking and carrying his bed, or sleeping bag, they are bothered by the healed man not obeying their religious rules. These “godly” men overlook the miraculous healing and focus on a set of rules. Once they figure out Jesus is behind this, they are furious.
When Jesus is confronted, He responds by saying He was only following the example of His Father, who is always working. (5:17) Jesus goes on to say He is entirely dependent on God and in sync with the desires and actions of His heavenly Father. (5:19) Due to this oneness with God, Jesus has the power to give life to whoever He chooses, whenever He chooses.
It is so easy to get caught up in mystic folklore, religious rules, or sometimes a combination of both. In doing so, we miss the miraculous. Perhaps, you are so blinded by the seemingly unsurmountable obstacle in front of you that you cannot see God working. Do not miss what Jesus said, “It is urgent that you get this right: The time has arrived - I mean right now! - when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive.” (5:26)