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Lead me to the wellTuesday, April 5, 2011
John 5:8-11, 16 The Jewish leaders told the man, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat."
He answered them, "The man who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" ... Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a Sabbath.
Jesus always said, "I only do what I see my Father doing." Jesus could say that because he was watching God instead of watching himself. Let me be another cripple, watching my friend get healed. Happy for him? I would like to be. But I can so quickly turn toward jealousy. As for the one who was healed - his joy can so quickly turn to pride. The Jewish leaders looked everywhere but up. How to be a true leader while Jesus does these wonders? Do what Jesus does: look to the Father. Notice God's love, not his legal requirements. Make a path toward God's love. Clear everything out of the way. And invite everyone in shouting distance to come with you. There is no fear in love. There is no fear in healing. There is no fear in the Sabbath, the day of rest, a day to settle in and let God love me. When God actually shows up and does something marvelous and true, all I can do is carry my mat straight up to the scene and stand struck with joy. That's all that matters, Lord. Whether it's me or someone else getting healed, I will look at you and be amazed. When you care and love and touch and hold and heal any one of us, it is for us all. |
Did what, I wonder. Tell the man to carry his mat? Or were the Jews angry because Jesus healed him on the Sabbath? Surely they wondered how such a strange and revolutionary preacher could do such things. Were they afraid he would challenge their authority with the people?