John 5
BSB1 Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda. 3 On these walkways lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. 5 One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had spent a long time in this condition, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?" 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes in before me." 8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk." 9 Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day, 10 so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat." 11 But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’" 12 “Who is this man who told you to pick it up and walk?” they asked. 13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while the crowd was there. 14 Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you." 15 And the man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. 17 But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working." 18 Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. 22 Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life. 25 Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. 27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29 and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. 30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 31 If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. 33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. 36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, 38 nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent. 39 You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, 40 yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. 41 I do not accept glory from men, 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. 46 If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"
Study Notes — John 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 5
- Themes from John 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
John chapter 5 begins with the story of Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda, which leads to the Jewish leaders persecuting Him. Jesus then explains that He is the Son of God, equal with the Father, and that the Father bears witness to Him. Jesus also references the testimony of John the Baptist, the miracles He has performed, and the Scriptures. The chapter concludes with Jesus warning the people that those who do not believe in Him will face judgment. Key verses include John 5:24, where Jesus says that those who hear His word and believe in the Father have eternal life, and John 5:39, where Jesus commands the people to search the Scriptures, which testify about Him.
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 5 is situated after Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4 and before His feeding of the five thousand in John chapter 6. The chapter is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of John, which focuses on His divine nature, His mission to bring salvation, and the response of faith or unbelief from those who encounter Him. The chapter also connects to the broader biblical narrative, as it references the Father's testimony and the importance of faith, which are themes present throughout the Bible.
Heart Application
The message of John chapter 5 calls believers to examine their faith and ensure that they are truly hearing and believing in Jesus' word. It also encourages them to search the Scriptures, which testify about Jesus, and to trust in His power to give eternal life. As Jesus says in John 5:40, we must come to Him to have life, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 5 teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, who gives eternal life to those who believe in Him. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, the Father's testimony, and the role of Scripture in bearing witness to Jesus. As seen in John 5:24, believing in Jesus is essential for receiving eternal life, and as He says in John 5:40, we must come to Him to have life.
Voices from the Church
“The witness of the Father is not a mere whisper, but a loud and clear testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is seen in the Scriptures and in the lives of believers.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The miracles of Jesus are not merely spectacular events, but signs that point to His divine nature and mission, demonstrating His power to give life and forgiveness.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15) — Jesus heals a man who has been unable to walk for 38 years, demonstrating His power to give life and forgiveness.
- The Jewish Leaders' Response (John 5:16-18) — The Jewish leaders persecute Jesus because He heals on the Sabbath, highlighting their increasing hostility towards Him.
- Jesus' Testimony to Himself (John 5:19-24) — Jesus explains that He is the Son of God, equal with the Father, and that the Father bears witness to Him, emphasizing His divine nature and mission.
- The Testimony of the Father (John 5:32-36) — Jesus references the testimony of the Father, John the Baptist, His miracles, and the Scriptures, highlighting the various ways in which God bears witness to Him.
- The Consequences of Unbelief (John 5:37-47) — Jesus warns that those who do not believe in Him will face judgment and condemnation, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.
Core Doctrines
- The Deity of Christ
- John chapter 5 teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, equal with the Father, and that He has the power to give eternal life, demonstrating His divine nature and authority.
- The Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes that faith in Jesus is essential for receiving eternal life, as seen in John 5:24, and that unbelief leads to judgment and condemnation.
- The Role of Scripture
- The chapter highlights the importance of Scripture in bearing witness to Jesus, as seen in John 5:39, and encourages believers to search the Scriptures to understand Jesus' nature and mission.
- The Father's Testimony
- The chapter teaches that the Father bears witness to Jesus through various means, including His miracles, the Scriptures, and the testimony of John the Baptist, demonstrating God's approval and validation of Jesus' ministry and message.
Lessons from John 5
- The Importance of Obedience — Jesus' obedience to the Father is a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of trusting and following God's will.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith in Jesus is essential for receiving eternal life, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His power and promises.
- The Danger of Unbelief — The chapter warns that unbelief leads to judgment and condemnation, highlighting the importance of responding to Jesus' message with faith and obedience.
- The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Growth — The chapter encourages believers to search the Scriptures to understand Jesus' nature and mission, demonstrating the importance of Scripture in spiritual growth and maturity.
- The Father's Love and Approval — The chapter teaches that the Father bears witness to Jesus, demonstrating God's love and approval of His Son, and encouraging believers to trust in His love and acceptance.
Themes from John 5
- The Divine Nature of Jesus — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and authority, demonstrating His power to give eternal life and forgiveness.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith in Jesus is essential for receiving eternal life, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His power and promises.
- The Role of the Father — The chapter highlights the Father's testimony to Jesus, demonstrating God's love and approval of His Son, and encouraging believers to trust in His love and acceptance.
- The Consequences of Unbelief — The chapter warns that unbelief leads to judgment and condemnation, highlighting the importance of responding to Jesus' message with faith and obedience.
- The Power of Scripture — The chapter encourages believers to search the Scriptures to understand Jesus' nature and mission, demonstrating the importance of Scripture in spiritual growth and maturity.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' healing at the pool of Bethesda reveal about His nature and mission?
- How does the Father's testimony to Jesus relate to our understanding of His divine nature and authority?
- What are the consequences of rejecting Jesus' message and failing to believe in Him?
- How can we, like Jesus, seek to please the Father and fulfill His will in our lives?
- What role does Scripture play in bearing witness to Jesus, and how can we apply this to our lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
| John 5:1 | Jesus goes to Jerusalem for a festival, demonstrating His commitment to fulfilling the Law and ministering to the people. |
| John 5:2 | The pool of Bethesda is described, highlighting its significance as a place of healing and wholeness. |
| John 5:3 | A large crowd of disabled people gathers at the pool, demonstrating their desire for healing and restoration. |
| John 5:4 | An angel occasionally stirs the water, giving the first person to enter the pool healing, highlighting the supernatural nature of the healing. |
| John 5:5 | A man has been unable to walk for 38 years, demonstrating the severity of his condition and his need for healing. |
| John 5:6 | Jesus asks the man if he wants to get well, highlighting Jesus' concern for the man's well-being and His desire to heal him. |
| John 5:7 | The man explains that he has no one to help him into the pool, demonstrating his sense of isolation and helplessness. |
| John 5:8 | Jesus tells the man to get up, take his mat, and walk, demonstrating His power and authority to heal. |
| John 5:9 | The man is immediately healed, demonstrating the supernatural nature of the healing and Jesus' power to give life and restoration. |
| John 5:10 | The Jewish leaders criticize the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath, highlighting their focus on legalism and their lack of concern for the man's well-being. |
| John 5:11 | The man explains that the one who healed him told him to carry his mat, demonstrating the man's obedience to Jesus and his desire to follow His instructions. |
| John 5:12 | The Jewish leaders ask the man who told him to carry his mat, highlighting their desire to confront and criticize Jesus. |
| John 5:13 | The man does not know who healed him, as Jesus has slipped away into the crowd, demonstrating Jesus' humility and His desire to avoid attention. |
| John 5:14 | Jesus later finds the man and tells him to stop sinning, highlighting Jesus' concern for the man's spiritual well-being and His desire to help him avoid sin. |
| John 5:15 | The man goes and tells the Jewish leaders that Jesus is the one who healed him, demonstrating the man's gratitude and his desire to share the news of his healing with others. |
2. The Jewish Leaders' Response (John 5:16-18)
| John 5:16 | The Jewish leaders persecute Jesus because He heals on the Sabbath, highlighting their increasing hostility towards Him and their desire to criticize and condemn Him. |
| John 5:17 | Jesus explains that His Father is always working, and He is working, demonstrating His divine nature and His desire to fulfill the Father's will. |
| John 5:18 | The Jewish leaders seek to kill Jesus because He claims to be the Son of God, highlighting their anger and unbelief towards Him. |
3. Jesus' Testimony to Himself (John 5:19-24)
| John 5:19 | Jesus explains that He can do nothing by Himself, but only what He sees the Father doing, demonstrating His humility and His desire to fulfill the Father's will. |
| John 5:20 | The Father loves the Son and shows Him all that He does, highlighting the Father's love and approval of Jesus. |
| John 5:21 | The Father gives life to whom He wants, and Jesus also gives life to whom He wants, demonstrating Jesus' divine nature and authority. |
| John 5:22 | The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, highlighting Jesus' role as judge and His authority to give life and forgiveness. |
| John 5:23 | All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father, demonstrating the importance of worshiping and honoring Jesus as the Son of God. |
| John 5:24 | Those who hear Jesus' word and believe in the Father have eternal life, demonstrating the importance of faith and obedience in receiving eternal life. |
4. The Testimony of the Father (John 5:32-36)
| John 5:32 | There is another who testifies about Jesus, highlighting the Father's testimony to Jesus and His divine nature. |
| John 5:33 | The testimony of John the Baptist is mentioned, demonstrating the importance of John's ministry and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. |
| John 5:34 | Jesus does not accept human testimony, but mentions it to save the people, highlighting Jesus' humility and His desire to help the people understand His mission and message. |
| John 5:35 | John the Baptist was a lamp that burned and gave light, demonstrating the significance of John's ministry and his role in shining a light on Jesus. |
| John 5:36 | Jesus' works are a greater testimony than John's, highlighting Jesus' divine nature and authority. |
5. The Consequences of Unbelief (John 5:37-47)
| John 5:37 | The Father who sent Jesus has Himself testified about Jesus, highlighting the Father's love and approval of Jesus. |
| John 5:38 | The people do not have the Father's word living in them, demonstrating their lack of faith and their failure to understand Jesus' message. |
| John 5:39 | The people should search the Scriptures, which testify about Jesus, highlighting the importance of Scripture in bearing witness to Jesus and His divine nature. |
| John 5:40 | The people are unwilling to come to Jesus to have life, demonstrating their rejection of Jesus and their failure to understand His mission and message. |
| John 5:41 | Jesus does not accept praise from people, highlighting Jesus' humility and His desire to please the Father. |
| John 5:42 | Jesus knows that the people do not have the love of God in their hearts, demonstrating Jesus' understanding of the human heart and His desire to help the people understand His love and message. |
| John 5:43 | Jesus has come in His Father's name, but the people do not accept Him, highlighting the people's rejection of Jesus and their failure to understand His divine nature and authority. |
| John 5:44 | The people are unable to accept Jesus because they accept praise from one another, highlighting the people's focus on human approval and their lack of concern for God's approval. |
| John 5:45 | Moses will accuse the people of not believing in Jesus, highlighting the significance of Moses' ministry and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. |
| John 5:46 | If the people believed Moses, they would believe Jesus, demonstrating the connection between Moses' ministry and Jesus' message. |
| John 5:47 | The people do not believe what Moses wrote about Jesus, highlighting the people's lack of faith and their failure to understand Jesus' divine nature and authority. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the healing at the pool of Bethesda?
The healing at the pool of Bethesda demonstrates Jesus' power to give life and restoration, and highlights His divine nature and authority. As seen in John 5:1-15, the healing is a sign that points to Jesus' mission and message, and encourages the people to have faith in Him.
Why do the Jewish leaders persecute Jesus?
The Jewish leaders persecute Jesus because He heals on the Sabbath, highlighting their increasing hostility towards Him and their desire to criticize and condemn Him. As seen in John 5:16-18, the Jewish leaders are focused on legalism and are unwilling to accept Jesus' divine nature and authority.
What is the significance of the Father's testimony to Jesus?
The Father's testimony to Jesus highlights God's love and approval of His Son, and demonstrates Jesus' divine nature and authority. As seen in John 5:32-36, the Father's testimony is a key aspect of Jesus' mission and message, and encourages the people to have faith in Him.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 5:1 → Leviticus 23:2 | The festival mentioned in John 5:1 is likely a Jewish festival, such as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Dedication, highlighting the significance of Jesus' ministry in the context of Jewish tradition and Scripture. |
| 2 | John 5:14 → Matthew 9:1-8 | The healing at the pool of Bethesda is similar to the healing of the paralytic in Matthew 9:1-8, demonstrating Jesus' power to give life and restoration and highlighting His divine nature and authority. |
| 3 | John 5:18 → Psalm 82:1 | The Jewish leaders seek to kill Jesus because He claims to be the Son of God, highlighting their anger and unbelief towards Him and demonstrating the significance of Jesus' divine nature and authority. |
| 4 | John 5:24 → John 3:16 | The concept of eternal life is central to John's Gospel, and is also mentioned in John 3:16, highlighting the significance of faith in Jesus and the importance of receiving eternal life through Him. |
| 5 | John 5:32 → John 1:1 | The testimony of the Father is a key theme in John's Gospel, and is also mentioned in John 1:1, highlighting the significance of Jesus' divine nature and authority and demonstrating God's love and approval of His Son. |
| 6 | John 5:36 → Matthew 11:2-6 | The works of Jesus are a greater testimony than John's, highlighting Jesus' divine nature and authority and demonstrating His power to give life and restoration. |
| 7 | John 5:39 → 2 Timothy 3:15-17 | The people should search the Scriptures, which testify about Jesus, highlighting the importance of Scripture in bearing witness to Jesus and His divine nature and authority. |
| 8 | John 5:45 → Deuteronomy 18:15 | Moses will accuse the people of not believing in Jesus, highlighting the significance of Moses' ministry and his role in preparing the way for Jesus and demonstrating the connection between Moses' ministry and Jesus' message. |
Sermons on John 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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If You Agree by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being wholly committed to Christ and spending time in prayer and studying the Word of God. He calls on the audience to sacr |
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A Free Salvation by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by H. Spurgeon on June 11, 1858, the speaker invites the audience to come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. He describes the gospel as |
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Free to Be Ourselves by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three areas of understanding in relation to God's fatherhood. The first area is replacing negative seeing with positive seeing and living by f |
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(1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how |
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(K-Char-02) Seek Not the Approval of Men by Art Katz | Art Katz addresses the critical theme of seeking honor from God rather than men, emphasizing that the desire for human approval can undermine our integrity and faith. He reflects o |
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Genesis #01 Ch. 1:1 Intro. - Universal Beginnings by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrasts and similarities between the book of Genesis and the book of Revelation. He uses a digital watch as a metaphor to illustrate the |
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"At the Voice of the Son of God" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the concept of resurrection and judgment, drawing parallels between the order in the sea where countless souls have perished and the order in the grave wher |
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Life of Elijah - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker rebukes the theologians of his day, referencing John 5:39 where Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees that they search the scriptures but refuse to come |
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Giving God Full Control by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and giving Him full control in our lives. He highlights that our instincts and the hurried nature of this ge |
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Jesus Above All by R.G. Lee | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of attending a gathering where they listened to a recording of a singer who had been dead for 30 years. He mentions that duri |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 5
In John chapter 5, Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda, demonstrating His power to give life and restoration. The Jewish leaders persecute Jesus because He heals on the Sabbath, highlighting their increasing hostility towards Him and their desire to criticize and condemn Him. Jesus explains that He is the Son of God, equal with the Father, and that the Father bears witness to Him, emphasizing His divine nature and authority. The chapter teaches that faith in Jesus is essential for receiving eternal life, and that the Scriptures testify about Him, highlighting the importance of Scripture in bearing witness to Jesus and His divine nature and authority. As Matthew Henry notes, the chapter emphasizes the significance of Jesus' divine nature and authority, and encourages believers to trust in His power and promises, seeking to please the Father and fulfill His will in their lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The increasing hostility of the Jewish leaders
As the chapter progresses, the Jewish leaders' opposition to Jesus intensifies, demonstrating their growing anger and unbelief. This is evident in John 5:16 and John 5:18, where they seek to kill Him.
The emphasis on the Father's testimony
The Father's testimony to Jesus is a recurring theme in the chapter, highlighting God's approval and validation of Jesus' ministry and message. This is seen in John 5:32, John 5:36, and John 5:37.
The connection between faith and eternal life
The chapter stresses that faith in Jesus is essential for receiving eternal life, as seen in John 5:24. This verse emphasizes the importance of hearing and believing in Jesus' word.