The Reaction of the Jews to the Lord's Healing of the Paralyzed Man

background notes

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doctrinal / teaching points

1. There is something worse than physical problems.

2. God's work of preservation does not stop on the Sabbath.

practical applications

1. Don't forget to follow up new believers.

2. Do you live by man-made rules or God-made rules?

questions

1. How did the Jewish leaders respond to this miracle of healing? Why did they respond as they did?

2. How did the healed paralytic respond to the Jewish leaders?

3. How did the Lord answer the leaders?

4. Explain what Jesus meant when He said,"You have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."

5. Discuss the difference between God's work of creation and God's work of preservation.

answers

1. They found fault because it was done on a Sabbath Day. Their man- made Sabbath laws had been broken, and they found fault both with the Lord and the man who was healed. God's law said that the Sabbath was set aside for rest and worship of God, and one was not to work on the Sabbath like he did the rest of the week. But the Jews misinterpreted God's law and added to it their own laws and traditions, so they said that healing and carrying one's bedroll was work.

2. He said, in effect, that if Jesus had the power to heal him, He ought to be obeyed.

3. See John 5:17. God's work of preservation does not stop on the Sabbath. His law did not prohibit acts of mercy or necessity.

4. What could be worse than 38 years of infirmity? It would have been worse for the man if he had been healed physically, then lived a life of sin and never became a true believer. An eternal destiny in hell is far worse than physical problems.

5. God's work of creation came to an end when He rested on the seventh day of creation week, and we know from Hebrews 4 that the rest was not broken, but God's work of preservation continues to operate. See Colossians 1:17. God's work of creation was complete, and He rested. But His work of preservation and redemption are other aspects of God's work, and it continues.

discuss / consider

1. Are you confused about God's laws and man-made laws? If so, check them out by referring to the Bible. Be careful to avoid the mistakes made by the Pharisees.

2. "You have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." (John 5:14). Have you sensed the healing power of the Lord? Are you honoring Him with your life?

challenge