Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Before Christmas - looking at some themes in first 4 chapters of John's Gospel
  • The Wonder of the Incarnation
  • The Word of God
  • The Wind of God (the Holy Spirit)
  • The Witness of John the Baptist
  • The Woman
  • The Wine
  • The World
• Continuing in John's Gospel in a different way - now looking at key verses
  • John 5:6
• To look at a question given by Jesus Christ to a man who has been paralysed 38 years
  • Think back 40 years - suffering every day
  • Jesus asked what we may think a strange question?
    • Would you think this insulting?
• It is feast time - a time of great happiness, worship and blessing
  • But there was a great multitude of sick people
• Can you see the contrast?
  • Perhaps it was the same at Christmas
  • Weddings and funerals
  • Those who pass exams, those struggling with cancer
• We live in a world of contrasts
  • But as Christians we have a glorious gospel for a sad world
  • Consider the wisdom of Solomon - better to go to the place of mourning than feasting
• The sheep gate and pool
  • Probably where the sheep were washed for sacrifice
  • What were the conditions like?
  • Was this hygienic?
  • It was a hard place to be - yet this is where Jesus Christ comes
• Jesus speaks to one man - who doesn't even know who he is
  • He singles out this man - and shows Him love and compassion, performs a miracle
  • The man exercises faith in Jesus Christ
• Overview:
  • What did the question mean?
  • How did the man respond?
  • Why was this question crucial?
  • What were the results?

What did the question mean?

• People can become accustomed to their situation/environment
  • Example
• People can become accustomed to an illness and unhealthy lifestyle
  • And can not want to change
• Had this man become accustomed to his condition?
  • Perhaps Jesus is probing into his heart
  • Do you really want to get?
  • Are you content with the life you are living?
• With every miracle - there is a spiritual parallel
  • People are paralysed in their sin
  • They cannot come to God - but need God to come to them
  • They are changed into a new creation and are saved
• What about you?
  • Are you settled in your sin?
  • Do you want your life to change?
  • Do you want to be made well?
  • Do you want your sins forgiven?
  • Do you want Jesus to be the Lord of your life?
• Jesus asks us questions
  • Not just probing
  • Inviting and inspiring - He can save our soul

How did the man respond?

• Was this man offended by this question?
  • Example
• He humbly accepted the question (v7)
  • Respect
  • The man was waiting for the waters - believing that he would be healed
  • He was honest
  • It is important for us to be honest in prayer
• He did not realise the Jesus was the cure
  • Personal example
  • Are you searching in the wrong places?
• Jesus Christ is present amongst His people
  • You can have everlasting life

Why was this question crucial?

• Example
• Do you think about important questions?
• Example - look and live
• Look to Jesus Christ if you are not a Christian

What were the results?

• The man responded in faith - took up his bed and walked (v8)
• Why take up your bed?
  • Changing from an old to a new life
  • The message of the Christian gospel
    • Coming out of sin
    • To follow Him
  • Has this happened to you?
• Have you decided to follow Jesus Christ?
  • The Pharisees had a different response
  • The man was not to continue in his old (sinful) life
    • His life had been changed / upside down
• As Christians
  • New heart / new creation
  • God changes the heart of an individual
  • A miracle has taken place
  • Are you born again?
    • Do you love Jesus?
    • Do you no longer want to sin?

Closing Remarks