The Healing at Bethesda
Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, demonstrating His compassion and power. When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had already been there a long time, He asked him, 'Do you want to get well?' (John 5:6).

The Sabbath Controversy
Jesus heals on the Sabbath, provoking the Jewish leaders. This act highlights Jesus' authority over religious traditions and His identity as the Son of God. But Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working to this very day, and I too am working.' (John 5:17).

Jesus' Authority and Equality with God
Jesus claims equality with God, emphasizing His divine authority to give life and execute judgment. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. (John 5:21).

The Testimonies about Jesus
Jesus points to various witnesses that testify about Him, including John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify about Me. (John 5:39).Seek Healing and Wholeness
Just as the invalid man sought healing, we are invited to bring our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to Jesus, trusting in His power to restore.

Honor the Sabbath
Reflect on how we can honor the Sabbath in our lives, focusing on rest and worship while recognizing Jesus' lordship over all days.

Acknowledge Jesus' Authority
Embrace Jesus' authority in our lives, submitting to His will and recognizing His power to give life and judge righteously.

Study the Scriptures
Engage deeply with the Bible, understanding that it points us to Jesus and the eternal life He offers.1. Jesus
The central figure in John 5, Jesus performs a healing miracle at the Pool of Bethesda and engages in a discourse about His divine authority and relationship with the Father. He is depicted as the Son of God who has the power to give life and execute judgment.

2. The Invalid Man
This man had been ill for thirty-eight years and was lying by the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus heals him, telling him to "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk" (John 5:8). The Greek term used for "invalid" (ἀσθενῶν, asthenōn) indicates someone who is weak or sick.

3. The Jews
This term refers to the Jewish leaders who confront the healed man and later Jesus, questioning the legality of carrying a mat on the Sabbath and challenging Jesus' authority. In the context of John's Gospel, "the Jews" often refers to the religious authorities who oppose Jesus.

4. The Father
God the Father is referenced by Jesus in His discourse, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus speaks of the Father as the one who has given Him authority to judge and to give life.

5. Moses
Although not a direct participant in the events of John 5, Moses is mentioned by Jesus in His discourse. Jesus refers to Moses as the one who wrote about Him, indicating that the Jewish leaders' reliance on Moses' writings should lead them to believe in Jesus.1. Jerusalem
John 5:1: "Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem."
Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. It is significant as the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. The Greek term used here is "Ἱεροσόλυμα" (Hierosolyma).

2. Sheep Gate
John 5:2: "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades."
The Sheep Gate is one of the gates in the walls of Jerusalem, traditionally associated with the entry point for sheep being brought for sacrifice. The Greek term is "προβατικῇ" (probatikē).

3. Pool of Bethesda
John 5:2: "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades."
The Pool of Bethesda is described as having healing properties and is the site where Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The name "Bethesda" is derived from the Hebrew roots "בית" (beth, meaning "house") and "חסד" (chesed, meaning "mercy" or "grace").1. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
Jesus visits Jerusalem for a feast and encounters a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus asks him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). The man explains his inability to enter the pool when the water is stirred. Jesus tells him, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk" (John 5:8). The man is immediately healed and obeys Jesus' command.

2. Controversy Over the Sabbath
The healing occurs on the Sabbath, leading to criticism from the Jewish leaders. They say to the healed man, "It is the Sabbath; it is unlawful for you to carry your mat" (John 5:10). The man explains that the one who healed him instructed him to do so. The leaders are more concerned with the Sabbath law than the miracle itself.

3. Jesus Identifies Himself
Later, Jesus finds the healed man in the temple and tells him, "See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you" (John 5:14). The man then informs the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who healed him. This revelation intensifies their opposition to Jesus.

4. Jesus' Authority and Relationship with the Father
Jesus responds to the Jewish leaders' persecution by explaining His divine authority and relationship with God the Father. He states, "My Father is working until now, and I too am working" (John 5:17). This claim of equality with God further angers the leaders, as it challenges their understanding of God and the Sabbath.

5. Testimonies About Jesus
Jesus speaks about the various testimonies that validate His mission and identity. He mentions John the Baptist, His own works, the Father, and the Scriptures as witnesses to His divine authority. Jesus emphasizes that these testimonies are meant to lead people to believe in Him and receive eternal life.

6. Warning Against Unbelief
Jesus warns the Jewish leaders about their unbelief, stating, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me" (John 5:39). He criticizes them for seeking glory from one another rather than seeking the glory that comes from God.Matthew 12:8
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. This verse reinforces Jesus' authority over the Sabbath.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. This highlights the power of Scripture, which testifies about Jesus.

Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him. This verse underscores Jesus' healing ministry and divine mission. Thanksgiving for Jesus' Healing Power
Pray for gratitude for the physical and spiritual healing that Jesus provides.
Submission to Jesus' Authority
Ask for a heart that willingly submits to Jesus' authority and follows His commands.
Desire to Know Jesus through Scripture
Pray for a deeper hunger and understanding of the Scriptures, leading to a closer relationship with Jesus.
Strength to Honor the Sabbath
Seek guidance on how to honor the Sabbath in a way that glorifies God and refreshes our spirit.

As we reflect on John 5, may we be inspired to live out our faith with a renewed understanding of Jesus' divine authority and love.

1. How does Jesus' healing on the Sabbath challenge your understanding of legalistic versus compassionate observance of religious laws?

2. What does Jesus' claim of unity with God mean to you in understanding His divine nature and authority?

3. How do the testimonies about Jesus strengthen your faith?

4. How can Jesus' authority as the giver of life and judge influence your perception of life and justice?

5. What lessons can you learn from the healing of the invalid man?

6. In what ways do Jesus' words about doing what He sees the Father doing shape your understanding of His mission?

7. How does the Jewish leaders' opposition to Jesus' healing on the Sabbath reflect their understanding of God's laws?

8. How do you reconcile Jesus' assertion that all judgment has been given to Him with the concept of God's mercy?

9. How does the concept of "spiritual hearing and seeing" presented in this chapter apply to your faith journey?

10. How can Jesus' advice to the healed man about sinning influence your understanding of sin's consequences?

11. How does the Jewish leaders' refusal to accept Jesus despite the testimonies challenge your approach to faith and evidence?

12. In today's context, how can we discern between rigid religious legalism and compassionate application of spiritual principles?

13. How can Jesus' response to persecution inspire you in times of opposition?

14. How does Jesus' claim of giving life speak to you personally?

15. What does this chapter teach you about Jesus' role as the Son of God?

16. In your daily life, how can you embody Jesus' focus on doing the will of the Father?

17. How can you use the testimonies about Jesus in your personal evangelism?

18. What role does the Bible (Scriptures) play in affirming your belief in Jesus?

19. How does the connection between faith in Jesus and eternal life influence your outlook on mortality and the afterlife?

20. How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate judge impact your understanding of justice and accountability in the world?