Reflections On The Gospel Of John Sample

WHY DID YOU TAKE IT? Observing children (or siblings in particular) is an interesting sight. That is observing how they play, talk, and interact with one another. And of course, younger siblings are often known for going into the room of their older brother’s and/or sister's to borrow items without obtaining prior permission. When the older sibling realizes an item is missing from his or her room; a search and recovery mission to reclaim the long-lost item begins. When the younger sibling who borrowed the item realizes it is no longer in his or her possession with the older sibling reclaiming it, they generally have the nerve or audacity to ask the rightful owner, “Why did you take it?” The owner's (older sibling’s) usual response is: “Because it’s mine and it belongs to me!” Many believers suffer at the hand of sickness, infirmities, and diseases because we take upon us that which rightfully belongs to someone else. We were never designed to carry these things around; however, due to the fall of Adam in the Garden, unfortunately the preceding came upon mankind. In chapter five of the book of John, we find a man who had become comfortable in his lameness for over 38 years, daily laying on his bed of affliction because no one would help him get to the place where healing was available (JHN.5.6). But no matter how trapped we may think we are in our sickness, infirmity and/or sin, God has the power to deliver us, if we choose to apply a little faith and not make excuses for our condition and/or where we are at. This simply implies we have to stop making excuses when the answer for our issue is already found in God’s Word. In verse eight of John chapter five, Jesus told the lame man to pick-up his bed of affliction and start walking. The taking up of his bed was intended to be a clear indicator to everyone around he had been healed. I believe Jesus gives each one of us the very same instructions. Simply stated, Jesus came to take from mankind that which did not rightfully belong to us anyway (ISA.53.5-6)!