“Take notice not only of the mercies of God, but of God in the mercies.”
–Ralph Venning
VenningThe fifth chapter of John describes how Jesus healed an invalid by the pool of Bethesda, near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem. (John 5:1-9) He performed the healing on the Sabbath and he commanded the man to pick up his mat and walk. A crowd had gathered. Later on, the religious leaders questioned the man, not about the healing, but about the supposed breaking of the Law. Their line of questioning revealed hearts that were far removed from the intent of the Law. One commentator noted, “Instead of asking, “who healed thee?” they asked “who told thee to carry thy bed?” They cared not for knowing what they might admire as a work of mercy, but what they might make the ground of an accusation. How many are like them! They are always looking out for something to find fault with. [J. C. Ryle]
The fiery anger of the religious leaders was kindled against Jesus because of his activities on the Sabbath. (see also Mark 2:23-28 and Matthew 12:1-14) John, the beloved disciple, noted their reasoning as well, “And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’” (John 5:16-17 ESV) The response of Jesus reflects the deeper Christology of John’s Gospel. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptics), Jesus focused on the appropriateness of doing a work of mercy on the Sabbath, or the prerogative of the Son of Man, as Lord of the Sabbath to heal on the Sabbath. In this passage, Jesus describes both the merciful heart of the Father and his equality with God. This ascribing to himself such exalted status would not be lost on the leaders but formed the motivation for their increased opposition, “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18) Finally, Jesus does not “get” to heal on the Sabbath as if God the Father is making an exception so that the religious leaders might receive a lesson, but rather the healing reveals the nature of the Father’s activities. His activities occur every day. They include all sustaining acts of compassionate care over his creation. Praise the Lord for his sustaining mercies whose apex is in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ! Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
