The story of the healing by the pool shows a problem of religiosity. According to Miriam-Webster, religiosity is intense, excessive, or fervent religiousness. [1] John 5: 9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to …
Jesus gives us more than we ask because God is generous. Paul writes about this generosity. Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. [1] Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote …
Jesus asked a curious question to an ill man. John 5: 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” [1] This man had been seeking healing at the pool of Bethesda, along with many others. He had been ill for …
When our problems overwhelm us, we can feel a sense of hopelessness and despair. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed today as you face life challenges. As Jesus returned to Jerusalem to attend a Jewish Feast, there was also other work for Him. John 5:2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, …
Praising God for what He has done changes our perspective as we focus on the Lord, not ourselves. For many people, receiving praise is a beautiful and treasured experience. How often do we take time to give thanks and praise to others? More importantly, how frequently do we praise the Lord for what He has …
Several Old Testament prophecies speak of forgiveness as a sign of the Messianic Age. Unfortunately, the Jewish leaders, the Pharisees, and teachers of the religious law overlooked this as they criticized Jesus. Four men had just dropped their paralyzed friend through the roof of a house to bring him to Jesus. Instead of just healing …
We see the importance of spiritual healing in our story. Jesus forgave the paralyzed man before He healed him physically. The paralysis would have been evident to all who saw the man. The need for healing from spiritual, emotional, or relational wounds is less obvious. Because the public can’t see spiritual or emotional hurts, it …
Taking God out of the box is often challenging, especially for adults. Perhaps this is something you are struggling with. As adults, we like to use reason to figure things out, but faith is not like that. Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot …
In our story, Jesus does the unexpected. People were in a house listening to Jesus preach, but suddenly, a hole began to open in the roof above them. Four men lowered their paralyzed friend in front of Jesus. But. Jesus was not irritated with this incident. Luke 5: 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the …
Our faith affects others, which is a fantastic blessing, as it helps others along their spiritual journey. As we go about our lives, we often don’t realize our impact on those around us. Luke tells the story of men who befriended a paralyzed man, and in faith, they carried their friend to Jesus. Luke 5:18 Some …