Squaring Off With A Sacred Cow
April 14, 2013 Speaker: Ken Ramey Series: John
Topic: Legalism Passage: John 5:1–18
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John 5:1-18
By deliberately healing the invalid at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, Jesus took on the "sacred cow" of Judaism and the religious leaders became hostile toward Him and began to harass Him and hasten their plan to kill Him.
1. THE CURE (vv. 1-9)
Jesus' command for the invalid man to "get up and walk" was a demonstration of God's sovereign, unconditional grace. The crippled man did not choose Christ, but Christ chose him.
Jesus' command for the invalid man to "get up and walk" was a demonstration of God's sovereign, unconditional grace. The crippled man did not choose Christ, but Christ chose him.
2. THE CONTROVERSY (vv. 10-16)
Jesus chose to cure the invalid man on the day of the Sabbath, which was not permitted by the Parisees. The Pharisees had many rules and regulations, which even included carrying a mat. Jesus confronted the Pharisees for not caring about people. They cared more for their laws than the welfare of their people. This was a supreme example of religious legalism.
Jesus chose to cure the invalid man on the day of the Sabbath, which was not permitted by the Parisees. The Pharisees had many rules and regulations, which even included carrying a mat. Jesus confronted the Pharisees for not caring about people. They cared more for their laws than the welfare of their people. This was a supreme example of religious legalism.
3. THE CHARGE (vv. 17-18)
The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a false prophet for violating the Sabbath. In response, Jesus makes Himself known as being equal to God. Therefore, His will superceded any man-made traditions or rituals. His work on the Sabbath was much more important because it involved saving the lost. Jesus' reference to God as "My Father", rather that 'our' Father, is what prompted the Jewish leaders to bring charges of blasphemy against Jesus and to plot His death.
The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a false prophet for violating the Sabbath. In response, Jesus makes Himself known as being equal to God. Therefore, His will superceded any man-made traditions or rituals. His work on the Sabbath was much more important because it involved saving the lost. Jesus' reference to God as "My Father", rather that 'our' Father, is what prompted the Jewish leaders to bring charges of blasphemy against Jesus and to plot His death.
Praise God that you are saved by His sovereign grace rather than by trying to keep a bunch of legalistic rules and regulations. Thank Him for making it possible for you not to sin anymore through the death of His Son Jesus. Ask Him to enable you by the power of the Holy Spirit to mortify remaining sin in your life.
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