A scene of human misery provides Jesus an opportunity to reveal the Father who seeks the best for people (5:1-3a). The Sheep Gate was crowded and clamorous, and appears to be an adult daycare for the infirm (5:2-3a). Several translations omit 5:3b-4, but its thought is related in verse 7.
One man draws Jesus’ attention (5:5-9a). Jesus may simply have asked to learn his particular story (5:5). What is clear is that Jesus initiated the encounter (5:6). Willingness to be healed is part of healing, so His question is appropriate. The man’s answer recounts the futility he had experienced for years (5:7). Jesus comes straight to the point (5:8). He is the Revealer of the Father, so He acts with initiative for the best interests of people. He commanded and provided what this man needed (5:9a).
The Jews’ ideas contrast the compassion of Jesus (5:9b-16).
They favored rules over restoration, so abusing the Sabbath to justify their rigid standards was acceptable. They confronted the healed man on the Sabbath issue. He could hardly have been a stranger to them after 38 years (5:10). One wonders at his impulse to inform against the One who healed him (5:11). There is no note of celebration for the miracle on their part or his (5:12-13). They surmise this “healer” was becoming a persistent threat to their social and religious standing. One historian observes, “A people elated by pride, or soured by discontent, is seldom qualified to form a just estimate of their actual situation” (Gibbon).
Jesus again initiated contact with the man (5:14-15). He admonished him about continuing in the sin that had led to his infirmity: “Give up your sinful ways” (5:14, REB). Otherwise, there was a real probability of something worse than robbing 38 years of his life. He had been duly warned, yet his next step was actually to name Jesus as his healer (5:15). Surely, he was not ignorant of these Jews’ intentions! Ingratitude reflects poorly on the character of the ungrateful blessed (Luke 17:16-18).
Jesus responded with what He was sent to do (5:16-17). To the Jews, however, Jesus’ intent was to discredit them by disparaging their rules. Aggressive opposition to Jesus had arrived (5:18). Restorative work on the Sabbath would highlight His and the Father’s concern for people. The Gospel makes it clear Jesus is equal with God, but they thought His death would prove otherwise (5:18).
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
