Written ~ 04-10-2024
Read John Chapter Five
John 5
Our chapter today begins with a story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. It’s a joyous moment for that man, he had been in this state for 38 years. What should have been a wonderful thing, quickly turned into a heated debate from the religious leaders, all because Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath. The rest of the chapter sets the tone for anger and disbelief to who this Jesus is. Jesus doesn’t need to defend Himself, He is the Son of God for Pete’s sake, but it seems like He had to many, many times! In John 5:16 it shows the constant attitude Jesus came up against with the religious leaders…
Verse 5:16…
“So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules…”
In response to this harassment Jesus responds…
Verse 5:17…
“…My Father is always working (even on the Sabbath), and so am I…”
I bet you can guess how that went over! Look at the next verse, can you feel the hatred these religious leaders had towards Jesus?
Verse 5:18…
“So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill Him. For He not only broke the Sabbath, He called God His Father, thereby making Himself equal with God.”
I have often wondered as I read through the New Testament why the religious leaders had such a problem with Jesus! I realize their eyes and ears were closed to the truth, but it seems they go out of their way to oppose every single thing Jesus says or does. But it’s the same today isn’t it? There are those who want nothing to do with God, the whole thought of there being an Almighty God seems completely preposterous and they go through life trying to prove their point. And like those religious leaders pestering Jesus, people now who refuse to know Christ for who He is will not see the Glory of Heaven.
Verse 5:29…
“…Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgement.”
Let’s clarify, just so we don’t misunderstand, “…those who do good…” is anyone who has believed and accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God and has given their lives to follow Jesus and do the will of God. Jesus has transformed their hearts and minds. “…Those who continue in evil…” is anyone who has refused to put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, they reject the notion that there is God in heaven. But even more than that it could be they believe there’s a God and maybe even believe in Jesus, but that’s as far as it goes, no action has taken place in their hearts. This person may believe they are a “good person” but without Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, they actually “continue in evil…” Look back at what Jesus said in verse 5:24, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins…” It’s simple really, to believe in God and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior results in eternal life.
We know that the Jewish leaders did not believe what Jesus said about Himself, they were in constant battle with anything Jesus said or did. But did that stop Jesus? Nope! He was sent by God to carry out His will, nothing was going to get in His way of doing what the Father sent Him to do.
If you were asked to do something by someone you greatly esteemed, wouldn’t you do everything in your power to achieve the goal set before you? Even with opposition you would have your sights set on fulfilling your purpose? Maybe you would have others join you in your cause, they could be witnesses to your challenges and the triumphs. So if anyone didn’t believe in what you were trying to accomplish, you would have others who could vouch for you.
In the next set of verses, Jesus is doing the very same thing. He is again defending Himself explaining that He is doing the work His Father asked Him to carry out.
Verses 5:31-32…
31 “If I were to testify on My own behalf, My testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about Me, and I assure you that everything he says about Me is true.
The example Jesus is giving here would be like someone trying to testify about themselves in a court of law. Your own testimony may not hold much weight to the judge, but if you have others testify on your behalf their testimony would be held up as valid and true.
Let’s continue to read what Jesus says to the religious leaders…
Verses 5:33-38…
33 “In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about Me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—My teachings and My miracles. The Father gave Me these works to accomplish, and they prove that He sent Me. 37 And the Father who sent Me has testified about Me Himself. You have never heard His voice or seen Him face to face, 38 and you do not have His message in your hearts, because you do not believe Me—the one He sent to you.”
Jesus will continue to defend who He is, “…so you might be saved…” The message Jesus spoke, the miracles He did were all given to Him by the Father in Heaven. But many today, like those religious leaders, “…do not have the message of God in their hearts, because they do not believe…”
I want us to think about the next two verses. Even though Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders, listen to His words as they apply to your own heart.
Verses 5:39-40…
39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to Me to receive this life.”
Do you read the Bible, but maybe dismiss what it may be saying to your heart? Do you refuse to acknowledge that the words in the Scriptures are true and that they bring us into the Light of Jesus? The Scriptures may not give eternal life, but if you accept what the message continually points to and you are drawn to the Light who is Jesus Christ and you call upon His name, you will be saved.
When you give your heart, your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior the Scriptures unfold right before your eyes. The Holy Spirit brings understanding and wisdom. When we put our trust in the Word of God we are acknowledging His Son. Making the decision to believe and accept Jesus can happen in a breath, don’t let that moment pass you by! If you aren’t yet sure about the words Jesus spoke about Himself, then rely on the testimony of others who have brought Jesus into their lives and have found the transformative qualities that Jesus speaks about and know them to be truth.
As for me… I believe! I have been transformed! My heart, my mind, will never be the same since Jesus came into my life. And as I study the Bible, when I read His words, it thrills my soul even more to know Jesus is my Savior and that I will live for eternity in Heaven with Him. Jesus is who He says He is…
~AMEN~
- When the thought comes across your mind, as quickly as a breath, that Jesus is the Son of God and that you need Him to be the Lord of your life… it’s at that very moment you must put action to that thought. Ask Jesus to come into your heart. Have Him do a transformative work in your life. I promise you will not regret that decision! Pray this simple prayer and the Light of Jesus will fill your heart and life…
Dear Jesus, You know my heart, all the things I have done and said. Please forgive me for my unbelief. Please forgive me for all of my sins. I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You came to earth to die on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose from the dead to give me freedom from sin and death. By faith through believing in Who You Are, I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life, cleanse this heart of mine, white as snow. Help me not to doubt any longer and breathe life into me, fill me with Your light. Thank You Jesus! Amen.
- If you solemnly prayed this prayer, tell at least one person, so they can share in your joy!! I rejoice with you! All the angels in Heaven rejoice with you!
- It is very important to me that those who might be reading these journal pages of mine and don’t yet know the Lord Jesus Christ, that you make that decision. Today. Your heart and mind may not understand everything you have been reading, but if you open your heart to the truth of who Jesus is, you will be saved from sin and death. By the Power of the Holy Spirit you will be amazed at how quickly after giving your heart to the Lord your eyes and ears will be opened to the truth.