Jesus’ Claims

The miracle by the Pool of Bethesda provided an excellent opportunity for John to emphasize who Jesus is. John takes nine verses to

describe the miracle and about 40 verses (see below) to describe the

One who performed the miracle.

Read John 5:16–18. Why was Jesus persecuted for His action on the

Sabbath?

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John 5:18 can be disturbing because it seems to say that Jesus was

breaking the Sabbath. However, a closer look at John 5:16–18 shows

that Jesus argues that His “work” on the Sabbath is in line with His

relationship to His Father. God does not stop sustaining the universe

on the Sabbath. Consequently, Jesus’ Sabbath activity was part of His

claim to divinity. The religious leaders persecuted Him on the basis of

supposed Sabbath-breaking and a claim to equality to God.

Read John 5:19–47. What was Jesus saying in order to help the leaders

see Him for who He truly is, a claim so powerfully attested by the

miracle He had just done?

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Jesus defends His actions in three steps. First, He explains His intimate relationship with the Father (John 5:19–30). Jesus indicates that

He and His Father act in harmony, to the point that Jesus has the power

both to judge and to raise the dead (John 5:25–30).

Second, Jesus calls four “witnesses” in rapid succession to His

defense—John the Baptist (John 5:31–35), the miracles Jesus does

(John 5:36), the Father (John 5:37, 38), and the Scriptures (John 5:39).

Each of these “witnesses” gives testimony in favor of Jesus.

Finally, in John 5:40–47, Jesus sets before His accusers their

own condemnation, revealing the contrast between His ministry

and their self-seeking. Their condemnation, He says, will come

from Moses (John 5:45–47), the one in whom they have set their

hopes.

How can we be careful not to fall into the trap of believing in

God, even having correct doctrines, but not surrendering fully to

Christ? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.