Book of John: John 5
This week we continued our journey through the Gospel of John by exploring chapter 5, where Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda. Pastor Ethan unpacked what it truly means to live “fully alive” in Christ, contrasting empty religion and false hope with the abundant life Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.
A False Source of Hope
The story begins at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, where many gathered—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. For decades, people believed that the waters of the pool could heal if stirred by an angel. But as biblical scholars note, this “verse 4” tradition was absent from the earliest manuscripts and contradicts the nature of God. Our God does not offer healing to only the fastest or strongest. Instead, He offers life to all who will come to Him.
The invalid man had spent thirty-eight years trying and failing to find healing in the wrong place. His persistence was admirable, but his hope was misplaced. When Jesus approached him and asked, “Do you want to be healed?” the man didn’t respond with a clear “yes.” Instead, he explained why he couldn’t get to the water in time. His entire framework for healing was built on a myth. Yet Jesus met him in his brokenness, saying, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” Immediately, he was healed.
The Sabbath and True Rest
The healing happened on the Sabbath, a day originally established not merely as a command to cease working, but as an invitation to rest in God’s provision and remember His faithfulness. By the time of Jesus, however, the Sabbath had been twisted into a burden of man-made rules. The Mishnah—the oral tradition of the Jews—had layered additional laws upon the Scriptures, making the Sabbath a string barely holding up a mountain of restrictions.
When the healed man picked up his mat, the Jewish leaders accused him of breaking the Sabbath law. Instead of rejoicing that God had restored him, they condemned the act because it violated their traditions. But Jesus revealed that He Himself is the fulfillment of the Sabbath. Rest and healing are not found in rules, but in Him.
Jesus on Trial
The leaders turned their accusations toward Jesus, claiming He was both breaking the Sabbath and blaspheming by calling God His Father. In their eyes, this was worthy of death. But Jesus flipped the courtroom imagery back onto them. Rather than being the one on trial, Jesus revealed that He is the Judge, entrusted with all authority by the Father.
And yet, unlike earthly judges who condemn, Jesus came not to condemn but to save. He built His case with multiple witnesses: John the Baptist, His miraculous works, the Father’s own voice, and the Scriptures themselves—all testifying that He is the Son of God. The Jewish leaders, though experts in the Law, missed the very One to whom the Law pointed.
Life Fully Alive
At the heart of this story lies Jesus’ invitation to abundant life. John 10:10 reminds us: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” To live fully alive is not merely to be physically healed or religiously observant. It is to walk in relationship with Jesus, the true source of life, and to be poured out for His purposes.
The early church father Irenaeus, a disciple of Polycarp (who was discipled by the Apostle John), once said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” God receives glory when we step into the life we were created for: a life rooted in Christ, not self.
Living fully alive means more than simply being “plugged in” to Jesus like a phone constantly charging. We must also be “poured out,” using the life He gives us to serve others, share the gospel, and bring glory to God. If we cling only to staying full without ever being used, we diminish the very purpose for which we were created.
Reflection Questions
Where are you tempted to seek healing or fulfillment apart from Jesus, like the invalid man at Bethesda?
How have you misunderstood “rest” in your life—do you see the Sabbath as rules to keep, or as a reminder to trust God?
Do you live as if Jesus is merely a helper, or as the Judge and Lord of your life?
What would it look like for you this week to not only stay “plugged in” to Jesus, but also be “poured out” for others?
How do you see the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10 shaping your everyday decisions?
Discipleship Next Steps
Receive Jesus for who He is. Stop looking to Him only for what He can do for you; recognize Him as Savior, Lord, and Judge who has already done enough at the cross.
Engage in a daily relationship. Read the Scriptures to know Him better, and keep the conversation of prayer open throughout the day.
Embrace true rest. Practice Sabbath not as legalism, but as a rhythm of remembering God’s provision and ceasing from striving.
Be poured out. Look for opportunities to serve, give, and share your testimony this week. Don’t just “stay full”—let your life be used for God’s glory.
Step into community. Surround yourself with believers who will help you live fully alive in Christ and encourage you to pour out your life for others.
Final Challenge
Jesus’ question to the man at Bethesda still echoes today: “Do you want to be healed?” Healing, hope, and abundant life are found not in religion, myths, or striving, but in a relationship with the Son of God. To live fully alive is to walk with Him daily, rest in His presence, and pour yourself out for His mission.