“God examines with trials, the devil examines with temptations, the world examines with persecutions.”
–Henry Smith
Last Sunday, we began to examine the fifth chapter of the Gospel of John. These next few chapters (5-7) focus on the increasing opposition that Jesus encounters in his ministry. The opposition centers on the healing that Jesus performs on the Sabbath. He healed a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The man had spent almost a generation (forty years) in affliction and frustration. Oddly enough, although he was surrounded by a crowd, he was profoundly isolated, with no one to help him. Then Jesus comes and sees him in his need and he heals him. The heart of Jesus was stirred—which is far superior to the waters of the pool being stirred—and Jesus speaks the word and the man is healed.
The healing took place on the Sabbath. D. A. Carson summarizes nicely the escalation of opposition that is narrated in chapters five through seven of the Gospel of John:
The first point of controversy is the Sabbath (5:9ff.), but this is soon displaced by a fundamentally Christological issue arising out of the dispute over the Sabbath (5:16–18), and this in turn leads to an extended discourse concerning Jesus’ relationship with the Father, and the Scriptures that bear witness to him (5:19–47). Although the miracles of ch. 6 evoke superficial acclaim (6:14–15, 26), that allegiance cannot endure Jesus’ teaching: even many of his disciples abandon him (6:66). By ch. 7, he is being charged with demon-possession (7:20), and, amidst profound confusion in the masses, the authorities try to arrest him (7:30), but without success (7:45–52). [Pillar New Testament Commentary]
Jesus pressed on forward to do his Father’s will amid increasing opposition. There is a lesson for the church here. We are moving into an increasingly hostile age, where to name the name of Christ, will invite disapproval, dismissal, derision, and persecution. And what will be the church’s response? If the church wants to be called the very “sons of God,” then it will pursue peace. I am closing with two verses from the Sermon on the Mount. They are a strange juxtaposition indeed! But completely in keeping with the life and teaching of Jesus.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5:9-10]
Peacemakers who are persecuted? An apt description of the church of God! Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
