V1
A later journey to Jerusalem, another “feast of the Jews.”
V2-4
John completes a description of the colonnade at Bethsaida (or Bethesda)
in the city. A great multitude lay around the pool. We note that a sinful world
leaves multitudes sick. The reference to the angel coming at different times is
in the NIV margin. There was some expectation of healing, see v7.
Although there was a multitude, Jesus healed only one. Ultimately, God
chooses who is healed, or who is saved (1.13); we cannot accuse Him of injustice
because He does not save or heal everyone, for no one deserves any good from
God.
V5-7
The problem, a serious and long-term condition. The man’s paralysis
pictures Israel’s condition, but may be applied to the church.
The expectation was that the water would provide the answer, but the man
could not avail himself of the blessing. It seems he was resigned to his
existence. When Jesus asked if he wanted to be made well, he did not answer a
clear ‘Yes.’ “I have no one to help me,” nobody helped this man, for
each is concerned for his own well-being (Ps 142.4; Phil 2.20), we must have a
genuine concern for the good of others.
There was no question
of believing in Jesus, for the man did not know who Jesus was (v13). Like His
other signs, this was to demonstrate the grace and power of Christ, amongst
other things.
V8-9
The command of Jesus was simple and clear; His power was manifested, and
the man walked immediately.
V10-15
The man apparently feared the Jews, reporting to them that it was Jesus
who had healed him; this became the basis of their attack, in v16.
“Something worse,” perhaps indicating that the man’s condition was
caused by his sins.
Are there not bad attitudes that render Christians or churches impotent
or weak spiritually; traditions of man, hypocrisy, lack of love or faith or
unity, doubt, criticism, grumbling, unbelief, etc?
V16-30
Equality and unity in the Godhead, perfect likeness and agreement.
Jesus’ statements here are either true, or they are blasphemy; there is no
halfway house; He cannot be just a good teacher / a great man / a super human.
V16-18
The accusation of the Jews; they understood the clear implication of
Jesus’ words and actions. Jesus knew exactly what He intended. He made Himself
equal with God; we learn that this is not inconsistent with His submission to
the Father (v19, 30).
V19
United in work and character, no disagreement, no divergence of opinion.
Notice that the Son copies what the Father does, and how He does it, ‘in like
manner.’ The character of Christ is seen in His ways, His authority and grace
and humility.
Christ is the prophet, seeing prophetic vision, like Moses (Heb 8.5),
Jeremiah (Jer 1.11), etc.
V20
Perfect unity in all things; love within the Godhead is declared to the
world, ‘that you may marvel,’
or “to your amazement.” The Son is revealed so that men might believe and
worship.
The Son sees all that the Father does, for there are no secrets.
V21
Father and Son united in giving life, see v26.
V22
To Jesus is committed all judgment, as in v27, “because He is the Son
of Man,” the incarnate Jesus is exalted and glorified, and given special
authority.
V23
Honour the Father and honour the Son; the Jews claimed to give honour to
God the Father, but Jesus insisted that equal honour be given to the Son. We
cannot honour the Father, and reject the Son.
The early church followed this command, and honoured the Son; see Acts
2.36; 3.16; 4.10,12; 5.31; 7.52; 8.33; 9.5; 10.43; 13.23,38; 16.31; 17.3,31;
18.5.
V24
Total confidence in Jesus Christ; through faith in Him comes life; a
definite and irreversible change.
V25-26
Life given to the dead though hearing the voice of the Son of God (1 Pet
3.19; 4.6); that life is in Him; both Father and Son have life in themselves,
and give life to men. In this respect the Son is no less able than the Father;
neither have needs.
V27
The Son of Man has authority to execute judgment, for He is the perfect
man.
V28-29
The coming resurrection and judgment. Some marvel, or mock, at the
doctrine of resurrection, but this is the truth of Christ.
V30
Submission does not make one greater, it is to do with role, not rank;
the same is true in a marriage, where the wife submits to the husband.
V31-34
Jesus did not come to bear witness of Himself; He could do, but chose not
to, so “that you may be saved.” We need to see the consistent teaching about
Jesus in the gospels.
There are four witnesses, John, the works, the Father, the Scriptures;
all bear witness, giving testimony to Jesus; these are referred to through the
rest of the chapter. Jesus needs no testimony from man, for He is who He is,
whatever men may say, see v41.
V35
The people rejoiced in the lesser light of John, but once the greater
light of Jesus shone, they would not accept it; here is an in-built animosity
towards the Son of God.
V36
Jesus’ works, not just to please Himself, but given by the Father; such
works demonstrated His deity. Nicodemus testified, “no man can do these works
unless God is with him,” see also 9.32; 10.32. For us too, our works of mercy
and truth must declare to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord.
V37
The testimony of the Father, referring to Jesus’ baptism, and,
possibly, the transfiguration, where the voice of God announced the glory of
Christ.
V38-44
The Scripture, the word, also testify of Jesus; there is eternal life
there, for that life is in Jesus Christ. The Law is a school-master, to bring us
to Christ, that we might have life (Gal 3.24); the picture is of the slave
taking the children to school, even using a whip to get them there; yet the
slave would be more ignorant than the children.
Jesus refers to lifeless religion;
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ignorant of the scripture, v39;
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rejecting Christ, and therefore life, v40;
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having no real love for God, v42;
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tolerated error and false teachers, v43;
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seeking glory for themselves, v44.
Jesus exposed and
condemned the attitude of many Jews.
V45-47 The references to Moses are significant, for the Jews esteemed him highly, see 9.29. Jesus explains that by rejecting Him, they are also rejecting Moses’ ministry; since they did accept Moses, they ought to believe in Jesus.