John 5:1-18 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.… I. A JUSTIFICATION. This poor man could not defend his action, for his enemies were learned in the law and he was not, but he did what you and I must always do when we are at all puzzled — he hid himself behind Christ and pleaded; "He that made me whole," etc. I may not find in my own knowledge and ability an authority equal to that of learned unbelievers, but my personal experience of the power of grace will stand me in as good a stead as this man's cure was to him. He argued that the cure made the healer an authority above that of the greatest rabbi. 1. There are certain ordinances about which the world raises a storm of questions. The world does not take notice that a man who was once a drunkard has become sober, etc. It lets that miracle pass by unheeded; but he is going to be baptized and they at once object to the ordinance, or he is going to join the church and straightway they jeer at him as a Presbyterian or a Methodist. Blind creatures to despise the medicine which heals because of the bottle or the label! We seek no justification but this — "He that made us whole " gave us the command. The same with the Lord's supper. 2. The same apology applies to the doctrines of the gospel. Justification by faith is quarrelled with. "They will lead loose lives; they will sin that grace may abound." A complete answer to the calumny may be found in the fact that believers in justification are among the best and purest; but we prefer to remind our adversaries that He who has regenerated us has taught us that "Whosoever believeth in Him shall be saved," etc., that by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. 3. The same applies to Christ's precepts. If the Christian is true to his colours he keeps himself aloof from the sinful pleasures, practices, and policies of the world, consequently he is told that he is precise, singular, and self-opinioned. The text is the answer for all Christians. II. AN OBLIGATION. 1. The argument takes this form: If He made me whole He is Divine, or at least must be divinely authorized, and I am therefore bound to obey. Jesus, who has saved us, is our God — shall we not obey Him? 2. There was also goodness as well as power, and this touched the poor man's heart — "I must do what my great Deliverer bids me." 3. If you have been saved you are under an obligation to do what Jesus bids you. (1) Are you redeemed? Then henceforth ye are not your own. (2) .Are you forgiven? Does not pardon demand amendment?" Whatsoever He saith unto you do it. Pray, love your brethren; be perfect. III. A CONSTANT. It was not an ordinary word, but one with power. Not unwillingly did the restored man carry his bed, yet he did it of constraint, for the same power made him obedient. Do you feel reluctant in duty? Surely you need to draw near to the Lord again and hear His voice anew. "The love of Christ constraineth us." (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.WEB: After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. |
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