October 11, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 5
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
John chapter 5 describes the healing of a long-term sick man at the Pool of Bethesda by Jesus and the subsequent confrontation with the Jewish authorities because the miracle occurred on the Sabbath. In this chapter, Jesus reveals His divine authority by making it clear that He acts in harmony with God the Father. These events mark a turning point in the growing opposition of the religious leaders against Jesus, as He not only questions the Sabbath but also presents Himself as the Son of God.
Commentary
The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-16)
Jesus visits Jerusalem during a Jewish festival and encounters a man who has been ill for 38 years, lying by the Pool of Bethesda, where the sick wait for the water to be stirred so they can be healed (v. 3). The man complains that he has no one to help him into the water when it moves. This scene highlights the man’s helplessness and isolation, but also his deep hope for healing. Jesus, knowing the man’s long suffering, heals him with a simple command: “Rise, take up your bed, and walk!” (v. 8).
This healing on the Sabbath leads to conflicts with the Jewish authorities, who rebuke the healed man for carrying his bed on the Sabbath, which they considered work (v. 10). The healed man initially does not know who healed him, but later encounters Jesus in the temple, who warns him not to sin anymore “so that something worse may not happen to you” (v. 14). This statement suggests that the man’s physical suffering may have been a result of sin, and that Jesus offers not only physical but also spiritual healing.
Jesus’ Authority and His Relationship with the Father (John 5:17-30)
The reaction of the Jewish leaders to this healing escalates when Jesus responds to them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (v. 17). This statement is understood as blasphemy because Jesus is positioning Himself on the same level as God, prompting the leaders to persecute Him even more and demand His death (v. 18).
In the following verses, Jesus explains that He does nothing on His own initiative but only what He sees the Father doing (v. 19). He describes His unique relationship with God the Father, who not only gives Him the power to perform miracles but also authority over judgment for the world. Jesus emphasizes that faith in Him leads to eternal life and that He will one day raise the dead and judge them (vv. 28-29). This teaching on life, judgment, and resurrection makes it clear that Jesus possesses both authority over life and the destiny of humanity.
The Testimony About Jesus (John 5:31-47)
Jesus continues to speak about the testimony that confirms His divine authority. He refers to the testimony of John the Baptist (v. 33) but emphasizes that the greater works He does in the name of the Father are the strongest testimony of His mission (v. 36). Jesus sharply criticizes the Jewish leaders for studying the Scriptures but failing to recognize that these Scriptures point to Him (vv. 39-40). Despite their intensive Bible study, they lack the faith and willingness to come to Jesus to receive eternal life.
In conclusion, Jesus emphasizes that Moses, whom the leaders rely on for hope, is the one who will accuse them because Moses wrote about the coming Messiah, and they do not acknowledge Jesus (vv. 45-47).
Summary
John chapter 5 recounts the healing of a long-term sick man by Jesus on the Sabbath, leading to a conflict with the Jewish leaders. In this confrontation, Jesus reveals His divine authority and unique relationship with God the Father. He explains that faith in Him leads to eternal life and that He has the power to raise the dead and execute judgment. Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for studying the Scriptures but not recognizing that they point to Him. This chapter clearly demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority and marks a pivotal moment in the escalating opposition against Him.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 68 is based on John 12:20-43 and deals with a pivotal event in Jesus’ life, when Greeks expressed the desire to see him. This chapter highlights the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to his impending sacrificial death on the cross, which would hold significance not only for the Jews but for all humanity. The desire of the Greeks to see Jesus symbolizes the universal appeal of his sacrifice and the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the Greeks’ request to see Jesus, which Jesus interprets as a sign of his imminent glorification through his death on the cross. This encounter is reminiscent of the Magi who came at Jesus’ birth, signaling that Jesus’ mission is now extending beyond the borders of Israel. Jesus seizes the moment to compare his death to a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, emphasizing the necessity of his sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
The chapter underscores the importance of self-sacrifice, both in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. Jesus speaks of his coming exaltation on the cross as the moment when he will draw all people to himself. Despite these revelations, many remain in disbelief, and even some of the leaders are afraid to publicly confess their faith.
Summary
Chapter 68 describes the final moments of Jesus before his crucifixion, interpreting the Greeks’ desire to see him as a sign of the expansion of his mission. Jesus explains that his death, like the death of a grain of wheat, is necessary to bring forth new life. The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the spread of the Gospel beyond Israel. It calls for self-sacrifice, both for Christ and his followers, while reflecting the deep sorrow over the continued disbelief of many.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 69—On the Mount of Olives
This chapter is based on Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 69 is based on the writings of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:5-38. It addresses Jesus’ prophetic announcements regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. This discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives, provides the disciples and future generations with guidance and warnings about upcoming trials and God’s ultimate triumph. Jesus instructs His disciples on the signs of the times and calls for vigilance and faithfulness in light of the forthcoming events.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus warns His disciples about the impending destruction of Jerusalem while simultaneously alluding to His second coming. He intertwines these two events in His prophetic announcements, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance. The signs that indicate the destruction of Jerusalem also serve as harbingers of the end times. Jesus speaks of false prophets, wars, famines, and persecutions that will precede the final judgment. He reminds His disciples not to be deceived and to maintain their faithfulness to God, even in the face of persecution. Finally, He points to the inevitable coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and in anticipation of His return.
Summary
Chapter 69 describes Jesus’ significant sermon on the Mount of Olives, in which He prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. He provides the disciples with signs of the impending events and calls for constant vigilance. By linking the fall of Jerusalem with the end times, Jesus urges believers to examine their hearts, avoid deception, and faithfully await His return. The chapter underscores that both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ are part of the divine plan and that God will ultimately save His believers.
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