Jesus: The Healer

Notes

V. 46 reminds me of Proverbs 22:29

Proverbs 22:29 ESV

29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

V. 47 It is quite the scene to see a Roman government official to be begging a Jew for anything.

5:6 Jesus doesn’t ask whats wrong with him or what he needs. Jesus knows what he needs. He simply asks him if he would like to get well.

5:7 like so many of us, we see the circumstances in front of us. We list the reasons why we can’t get well. Jesus doesn’t want our excuses or reasons. He wants our obedience and trust. The question was a yes or no. Do you want to be made well?

V. 8 Jesus gives three commands. Stand (make yourself stable) Pick up your mat (the thing that represented your past but no longer defines you) Walk (move forward in the new freedom that I have given you)

V. 9 - 10 There will always be objectors to the work of God. They maybe inside the church or outside. Outside objectors may include people that bring up the past. Inside objectors may include people that bring up the present or appearance or method due to church tradition.

V. 11 People like this won’t be able to see the miracle, just what is wrong in their eyes.

V. 14 Jesus heals as he wishes but he commands us to follow him and not sin. Galatians 5:13

Galatians 5:13 ESV

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Some are so adamant about tradition that they refuse to see the miracles, signs, and wonders that God does.

For example, The Catholic Church has a rigorous, multi-stage, years-long investigative process to determine that a miracle is legit. It is a process requiring evidence that a healing is instantaneous, permanent, and scientifically inexplicable, usually attributed to a Servant of God's intercession. The steps include local investigation by experts, medical board review, theological evaluation, and final approval by the Pope.

Big Idea!!!

There are those that see won’t believe unless they see a miracle with their own eyes. There are those that see miracles and refuse to believe. There are those that don’t see miracles and still believe because they see the work of Jesus. Which group do you fall into?