Let’s reflect a bit on the character of Jesus as revealed in this chapter.
Jesus healed a man lame from birth on the Sabbath. He had no hope of being healed by the medicine of the day. And hopping in the Pool of Siloam sure wasn’t going to work. And Jesus might never pass that way again.
Jesus was nearly stoned for having done this. He literally risked his life and mission to heal this man — and man who didn’t even believe in Jesus.
What does this tell us about Jesus?
What does this tell us about the mission of Jesus’ church?
Jesus said,
(John 5:17 ESV) 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
What does this tell us about Jesus’ personality?
What does this tell us about the church’s mission?
Jesus said,
(John 5:19-20 ESV) 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.
Why can Jesus only do what he sees the Father doing?
What was the Father doing that drove Jesus to heal the lame man?
What does this say about the mission of the church?
Jesus said,
(John 5:36b ESV) For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.
Why does Jesus say the works — signs, miracles — that he does are “given me” by the Father? Why not take credit?
What does this tell us about Jesus’ relationship with the Father?
