1. As we study the Gospel of John, let us grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. a. Statements made by people who interacted with the Lord reveal much about His identity (John 4:28-30, 39-42). b. In His conversations with people Jesus revealed His will on many important subjects, such as "the new birth" (John 3:5) and "worship" (John 4:23-24). c. Through His miracles Jesus demonstrated His divine power, proving that He is God's Son (John 3:2; 20:30-31). d. We can learn the details of the Lord's travels by noting the various places He visited. 2. In this lesson we are studying the information recorded in John 5:1-18. 3. Jesus returned to Jerusalem and performed another miracle of healing. Discussion: I. (John 5:1) JESUS WENT TO JERUSALEM FOR ONE OF THE JEWISH FEASTS
A. Prior to this,: 1. Jesus went to Galilee after spending 2 days in Samaria (John 4:43) 2. Jesus went to Cana in Galilee (John 4:46a) 3. Jesus healed the nobleman's son who was in Capernaum (John 4:46b-54). B. The time to observe one of the Jewish feasts had arrived, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. C. All males Jews were required to observe 3 great feasts each year (Exodus 23:14-17). II. (John 5:2-4) IN JERUSALEM MANY PEOPLE GATHERED AT A POOL CALLED BETHESDA
A. These people suffered from various ailments. B. They waited for an opportunity to enter the pool to be healed. III. (John 5:5-9) AT THE POOL JESUS HEALED A MAN
A. The man was unable to walk on his own, and he had suffered 38 years. B. When healing was available others would enter the pool before him. C. When Jesus healed this man the Lord instructed him to "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." D. The man was healed immediately and followed the Lord's instructions. E. This took place on the Sabbath, a day of rest (Exodus 20:8-11). IV. (John 5:10-13) THE JEWS CRITICIZED AND INTERROGATED THE MAN WHO WAS HEALED
A. (vs.10-11) The Jews criticized the man. 1. They accused him of violating the Sabbath. 2. He responded by saying he was doing what he was told to do by the One who healed him. B. (vs.12-13) The Jews interrogated the man. 1. They wanted to know who told him to take up his bed and walk. 2. At this point the man did not know who Jesus was. V. (John 5:14) JESUS TALKED TO THE MAN IN THE TEMPLE VI. (John 5:15) THE MAN INFORMED THE JEWS THAT JESUS HAD HEALED HIM VII. (John 5:16-18) THE JEWS WANTED TO KILL JESUS
A. They first wanted to kill the Lord for healing the man on the Sabbath. B. They also wanted to kill the Lord for identifying God as His Father. C. Opposition to Jesus continued (John 7:32; 8:59; 10:31; 11:53).
