John 5:1-29
John 5 begins with a simple story of healing: Jesus finds a man who has been lame for 38 years, and gives him the gift of wellness, even though the man shows no sign of genuine faith. The healing, however, becomes the catalyst for collision between Jesus and the religious leaders, and the lame man becomes a living picture of the inability of religion to bring life. Just as the lame man could not heal himself, so the religious leaders cannot through their diligent efforts find real spiritual rest or fullness of life. Jesus has come to give life, but we must first give up on our own efforts, admit our inability, and come to him empty-handed - which is easier said than done!
July 26, 2020 - Steve Hart