To Tell the Truth

After moving to Capernaum, Jesus makes the long trip down to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Jews. (Some believe this was the second Passover that Jesus attended. Others think it was the Feast of Tabernacles, placing the following events about six or seven months later.) Remember what happened last year at the Passover (John 2)? Jesus definitely shook things up then. What will happen this year?

There must have been a buzz about Jesus as people made the journey from all over the world to Jerusalem to celebrate this important Jewish festival. Let’s find out what happens.

Questions from your reading

• What does this passage tell us about this sick man?
• Why do you think Jesus asked him, “‘Do you want to get well?’” (v. 6)?
• What is significant about the day and place Jesus healed this man?
• What did this miracle stir up in the Jews?
• How did Jesus use this moment?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Jesus heads south and up to Jerusalem for this Feast of the Jews. Something to keep in mind when reading your Bible is that up does not necessarily mean north—just higher in elevation. Jerusalem sits atop a mountain range and is one of the highest points in the region.

Upon arriving at the feast, Jesus makes his way to a place just outside the wall called Bethesda, near the Sheep Gate, where a multitude of sick people were lying. How many did Jesus heal? One—that’s all. A common misconception is that Jesus healed everyone. He didn’t. He only healed those the Father told him to heal (John 14:10).

When only one out of many is healed, it reveals something central about how Jesus approached life. He lived with intentionality. Every healing was purposeful. Jesus trusted the Father and acted boldly in this situation.

What purpose did Jesus have in healing this man on the Sabbath—the Passover Sabbath? This event sets the stage for a truth encounter in the temple area, much like Peter’s in Acts 3. The Father’s clear purpose was the healing of this man to create a divine moment of confrontation and clarity with the religious leaders during a major Jewish festival.

Applying what you’ve read

It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of life—especially in ministry. The constant demands and expectations of others can push us to simply keep up appearances and maintain momentum. But Jesus' life challenges us to approach each moment with intentionality—to think strategically about our actions and our words.

Take time today to pray. As you do, pause and listen. Ask God to show you how to use your activities and conversations today to intentionally advance his work in your life and the movement he has called you into.