Text: John 5:1-18
This passage is extremely important for understanding who Jesus is. The
religious authorities thought Jesus was not from God because He was working on the Sabbath (John 9:16). Their understanding of the day was that only things for God could be done, and man’s concerns must wait. True, we must not pursue personal interests on the Sabbath (Isa.58:13-14), but the day is also for serving the well-being of people.
Jesus said He worked on the Sabbath because His Father was also working.
This comment greatly angered the authorities, because by saying that God was His Father, Jesus was also saying that He is equal with God. Saying that is blasphemy – unless He really is God. Indeed, Jesus is God. Our Saviour is not a great creature, and He is not a lesser god. Jesus is God!
Jesus working on the Sabbath does not give us permission to do our jobs on
Sunday. It is the Lord’s Day, the day for worshipping God with God’s people. The Sabbath was also made for our well-being (Mark 2:27). We may do things that are necessary (like being with family, doctors, etc.) but not for making extra money for school fees, etc. We may also do things that are merciful. But doing your normal labors on the Lord’s Day is not worshipful, it is an indicator of not trusting God to provide for our needs.
Meditate on verses 17-18. What is God teaching you in these verses?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for being the best example for
us for You are at work all the time. Amen.