THE HEALING CHRIST

John 5:1–18

I. THE PITY—vv. 1–5

A. The Passover—v. 1. Most believe it was the Passover Feast.

B. The place—v. 2. This pool was used for both swimming and bathing. The word Bethesda means “house of compassion.”

C. C The problem—v. 3. All types of sick people came to this pool.

D. The power—v. 4. Many believed that an angel came down from heaven once a year and stirred the water. The first one into the water was healed.

E. The person—v. 5. A sick man was at the pool. He had been sick for 38 years. He was crippled and could not get into the pool.

II. THE POWER—vv. 6–9

A. The concern—v. 6. Jesus asked a very simple question, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Jesus showed an interest in and concern for this man. He suffered for the healing of all men—Isaiah 53:5.

B. The complaint—v. 7. This man had no one to put him into the pool when the water was stirred.

C. The Christ—v. 8. Christ said to the man, “Take up thy bed and walk.” This really meant, “Roll up your bed clothes and go on your way.” This man was depending on “getting into the water” to be healed. Christ healed him, “made him whole.” Some feel that keeping certain rules and laws will make them whole!

D. The completeness—v. 9. The man was made completely whole. When Christ does something, HE DOES IT RIGHT!

III. THE PROBLEMS—vv. 10–18

A. The criticism—v. 10. Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath. The keepers of the Sabbath were not happy about this. They were critical of Jesus. Those who were so strict about keeping the Sabbath were the ones who killed Jesus.

B. The confusion—vv. 11–13. The man who was healed didn’t know it was Jesus, who healed him.

C. The command—v. 14. Jesus found this man in the temple. Notice His words, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” After He heals your soul, live right. Leave all sin and follow Him.

D. The confession—vv. 15–16. The man was not ashamed. He told others about Christ. He was a witness for the Lord.

E. The contempt—vv. 17–18. These people sought to kill Christ because He healed on the Sabbath.

The truth of the matter is that we do not know what feast John has in mind

5:2 sheep gate A gate on the northern end of the temple complex. It was part of the outer wall of Jerusalem rebuilt under Nehemiah (see Neh 3:1)

5:2 sheep gate A gate on the northern end of the temple complex. It was part of the outer wall of Jerusalem rebuilt under Nehemiah (see Neh 3:1)