Daily Bread for Nov 9, Jhn 5-6

Today's readings are Jhn 5-6.

Jhn 5 has much to say about who Jesus is. Many will read this chapter and focus on what He does rather than why He does it, which is the focus of the chapter. He is establishing His credentials as the Messiah and the only Son of God. This is important to us because our relationship with Christ should be based on who He is, not what He does for us. John's gospel has been given to us to make the case that Jesus is the Messiah, Lord and Savior, only Son of God. It should be read with that in mind.

In Jhn 5:1-16, Jesus heals one man out of a crowd of people who gather at the Pool of Bethesda. Here's what the site looks like today. It is directly north of the temple mount. 

The man Jesus heals never exhibits the type of faith many have come to believe is necessary for healing. All he ever acknowledges is a desire to be healed. He not only fails to show any actual faith, he doesn't even know who Jesus is (Jhn 5:13).  Amazingly, after being healed, he shows no sign of conversion or even gratitude. Indeed, the man turns Jesus in to the Jewish leaders when they confront him (Jhn 5:16).

The Jews criticize Jesus for healing on the Sabbath to which Jesus replies that He is only doing the work of the Father and the Father is working on the Sabbath.

Throughout it all, Jesus is emphasizing a few points, at least one of which is readily apparent:

• Jesus has the power to heal.
• Healing occurs at the will of the Father and has little to do with the faith of the one being healed.
• Jesus hints at His union with the Father in revealing that the Father works on the Sabbath which is what He is doing. The Jews, though they fully understand what He is saying, are incensed (Jhn 5:18).
• He is not here to heal everyone. If so, He would have healed everyone at the pool. His healing of the man at the pool is an example of how God sheds His grace on whom He chooses, not based on anyone's merit (Rom 9:15). 
• Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. 

In Jhn 5:19-29, Jesus not only establishes His divine authority as the Son of God but declares that He will execute judgment on all those who reject Him. Jesus becomes the dividing marker for everyone ever born bringing eternal life to those who believe in Him and eternal damnation to those who refuse Him!

The rest of the chapter (Jhn 5:30-47), is a presentation of Christ's credentials. John the Baptist spoke of Him. Moses spoke of Him. The Scriptures speak of Him. Many who hear these testimonies are so consumed with self-interest and self-elevation they reject the truth and bring judgment on themselves.

Jhn 6 is a crucial chapter for reasons that can be easy to gloss over.

The spectacular feeding of the crowd is there in detail (Jhn 6:1-14). John reveals that the throng, having been fed, calls Jesus the Prophet fulfilling yet another prophecy, this one found in Dt 18:15. They think He's Moses!  They mean it to be an honor and a compliment, but it falls woefully short of who Jesus really is. No one has ever done the works that Jesus has done. Based on their incorrect perception of who He is, Jesus rejects their idea of kingship (Jhn 6:15). Jesus will define Himself and His role neither of which are subject to the perceptions of men and women.

The multiplication of the food demonstrates Jesus' power over matter. Walking on water and transporting the boat to the shore indicate He has authority over the forces of nature and the laws of physics as well (Jhn 6:16-21).

• Having given abundant proof of who He is, Jesus resumes teaching (Jhn 6:22-71). As He does, He reveals an incredible series of theological truths:
• He is the bread of heaven that gives life (Jhn 6:32-33). Accurate enough...but how does that life come?
• The Father gives it (Jhn 6:37)
• No one comes to Him unless the Father draws him (Jhn 6:44)
• This is an act of God alone (Jhn 6:63)
• No one comes to Him unless it is granted by the Father (Jhn 6:65)
• It is clear that no one comes to Jesus apart from an act of God alone. Jesus has performed these incredible signs to prove the veracity of these statements.

He also teaches that those who are truly His will eat His flesh and drink His blood (Jhn 6:52-59), both symbolic of the Eucharist which is, in itself, symbolic of the crucifixion. Jesus is telling them they must become one with Him if they are to be saved.

The crowds misunderstand, once again. They all leave, except for the twelve (Jhn 6:60-66). 

It is curious that human nature can be so fickle. So long as Jesus performs sensational miracles and blesses people, they are wild about Him. When the crowds find out that the miracles and blessings lead to some substantial doctrinal teaching, they leave. It seems some folks are following Jesus because of what they expect to get from Him, not because of who He is.