John 5:1-18 – Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?
Read John 5:1-18
1) From elsewhere in John’s Gospel, we know that Jesus attended at least three Passover feasts (Leviticus 23:5) during his ministry years (John 2:11, 6:4, 11:55). Here, we are told that Jesus went to attend a “feast of the Jews”, but John does not specify which feast. What other major feasts days are mentioned in Leviticus 23? When did these feasts occur?
2) Given John’s previous indications of passing time in this Gospel, would you be willing to venture a guess about which feast Jesus is now attending? Explain.
3) What does the word Bethesda mean?
4) Describe the scene at the pool that verses 3 and 4 create in your mind.
5) The word “first” can refer to either first in time, position, or rank. How might your understanding of the word “first” affect your understanding of what is happening at the pool? (Compare Matthew 6:33)
6) Why does Jesus ask the man if he wants to be made whole?
7) What does the man’s response in verse 7 tell you about him?
8 ) In other instances of Jesus healing people we see some indication of their faith, i.e. “thy faith hath made thee whole.” In verse 9, it appears that the man is made whole as soon as Jesus speaks the word, and THEN he obeys the command of Jesus. Why does John leave out any mention of faith or belief on the part of this man?
9) What did the Jews notice about the man in verse 10?
10) Again, what does the man’s response to the Jews in verses 11 tell you about him? Verse 13?
11) Jesus later found the man in the temple (v.14). Is he there to worship God? What information in this passage leads you to your answer?
12) Compare this miracle with the miracle John records in Chapter 9. In each case, what was the relationship between the illness and sin? Did either man ask for healing? What was the result as far as each man’s own faith was concerned?
13) Why did Jesus heal this man if he knew it would only bring him trouble with the religious leaders (v.16 and following)?
14) These events represent a significant turning point in John’s Gospel. Compare the effects of Jesus’ previous miracles with what now starts to become prominent in people’s response to his miracles.
15) What is the major source of contention that the Jews have with Jesus according to verse 16? Why might they have felt justified in their actions? (See Exodus 20:8-11, 31:14-17, 35:2-3)
16) When did this issue first arise between them? (See Mark 2:23 to 3:6)
17) What are the major points that impress you in these two stories from Mark?
18) The issue of Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath is quickly overshadowed by another. What is it? (v. 17-18)
