9 …Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place.

John 5:9b-13 (ESV)

Gratefulness?

This man who’d been sick and unable to walk for 38 years is healed and is walking around the temple with his mat (his bed). An amazing miracle had just occurred. But according to Jewish misinterpretation of the Sabbath law, he was sinning (enduring word.com). The Jewish leaders see him and ask why he’s breaking the law…which was worthy of stoning (to death), or at least some serious punishment. 

For whatever reason, the man shifts the blame to Jesus. You might say, he threw Jesus under the bus. He didn’t seem to be too grateful. It’s likely that he was scared of the Jewish leaders and what they would do to him and thought the man who healed him could take care of himself. We’ll see more of his personality tomorrow.

The wrong question

Do you find it crazy? What question did the Jews ask? “Who is this man who … told you to break the sabbath!?” Shouldn’t they ask, “Who’s the healer?” They were more concerned about upholding their bastardized version of the law than seeking the Law Giver! 

<- Reflection ->

• How precious is your salvation to you? Seems like a rehtorical question but, is it worth dying for? 
• Are we asking the wrong question? Do we focus on the wrong thing and miss the point? Do we miss the forest for the trees?