HIStorySample

“Healed on the Sabbath"
In John 5, Jesus heals a man who has been unable to walk or take care of himself for 38 years! Can you imagine how much Jesus changed this man’s life and future? You would think everyone would throw a huge party for this guy and the One who healed him.
Yet instead the religious leaders attacked Jesus because he healed this crippled man on the Sabbath. They just witnessed a miracle in front of their eyes, and instead of praising God they persecuted Jesus. Why? Because Jesus broke their rules. What they didn’t realize is that it wasn’t their rule to begin with; it was God’s (see Exodus 20). Unfortunately, they had perverted the very intent for the rule.
God commanded that His people keep a Sabbath so they wouldn’t work every day of the week, but to reserve one day to connect with Him. The whole purpose of the rule was so that man wouldn’t rely solely upon himself and what he could work to earn. It was to teach us to trust God for provision and make Him a priority.
This disabled man couldn’t work every day of the week. He didn’t have a problem trusting in his own strength, because he had none. The Sabbath was intended for man to stop from his busy life and connect with his creator. What could have been a more powerful example of this than when Jesus encountered and healed this man?
Do you make time for a Sabbath rest in your work week?
Do you make worship a priority each week?
Do you see God as a rule-maker or a loving Father that will do anything to show you His love?
In John 5, Jesus heals a man who has been unable to walk or take care of himself for 38 years! Can you imagine how much Jesus changed this man’s life and future? You would think everyone would throw a huge party for this guy and the One who healed him.
Yet instead the religious leaders attacked Jesus because he healed this crippled man on the Sabbath. They just witnessed a miracle in front of their eyes, and instead of praising God they persecuted Jesus. Why? Because Jesus broke their rules. What they didn’t realize is that it wasn’t their rule to begin with; it was God’s (see Exodus 20). Unfortunately, they had perverted the very intent for the rule.
God commanded that His people keep a Sabbath so they wouldn’t work every day of the week, but to reserve one day to connect with Him. The whole purpose of the rule was so that man wouldn’t rely solely upon himself and what he could work to earn. It was to teach us to trust God for provision and make Him a priority.
This disabled man couldn’t work every day of the week. He didn’t have a problem trusting in his own strength, because he had none. The Sabbath was intended for man to stop from his busy life and connect with his creator. What could have been a more powerful example of this than when Jesus encountered and healed this man?
Do you make time for a Sabbath rest in your work week?
Do you make worship a priority each week?
Do you see God as a rule-maker or a loving Father that will do anything to show you His love?
Scripture
About this Plan

Jesus was more than just a figurative religious voice. He actually walked this earth as a man revealing to us the full nature of God. One of his best friends, John, took time to write down for us the account of his life, ministry, and teachings. This six-week study through the Gospel of John is not only history, but it’s also His Story.
More
We would like to thank Crossroads.TV for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.crossroads.tv
Related Plans

Watching for God in the Psalms

One Choice Away From Change: Breaking Unhealthy Cycles

Release the Offense

John 3:16

A People Set Apart

BibleProject | Sermon on the Mount

Messy House, Clean Heart: A 5(ish)-Day Reading Plan From Dana K. White

Faith vs Fear

The Novelty Detox for Lent: Letting Go of Novelty and Being Present in the Everyday
