In Chapter 5, we find Jesus at a pool in Jerusalem surrounded by people seeking healing in the waters. Jesus approaches a man who has been ill for 38 years. His question, “Do you want to be made well?” (v6) evokes a response from the man indicating healing is not possible because he has no one to carry him to the pool. Instructing the man to rise, take his mat and walk, Jesus heals him and disappears into the crowd. There were no preconditions for healing—a man who had given up hope is restored to wholeness.

Our newly-healed friend encounters Jewish leaders who focus solely on the fact that his healing broke a Sabbath rule, showing no consideration for the man released from his years of suffering. In first-century Judaism, Sabbath was one of three practices that defined community identity; breaking one of these laws was a direct challenge to authorities. When they find out it was Jesus, they confront him. Jesus’ defense, “My Father is working, and I also am working” (v17) further inflames his detractors. Now Jesus has really done it—he has broken a Sabbath law and claimed equality with God!

Jesus presents evidence of his intimate relationship with God. In addition to the witnesses of John the Baptist and Moses, revered prophets, Jesus says, “The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works I am doing, testify on my behalf” (v36). Despite this strong argument, Jewish officials persist in their outrage and begin planning Jesus’ death. They have all the information needed to believe Jesus, but their need for power and control has rendered them unable to hear the truth. Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (v25). These leaders, in striving to maintain the status quo, remain in spiritual darkness and miss the opportunity to receive life. Jesus came so we could be made well—we just need to listen for His voice.