Sep 12 2008
How Sad! He Had No Man!
Read about it in John 4:46-54.
SURVEY
Jesus heals a man beside this pool near the sheep gate in Jerusalem who had been an invalid for 38 years.
SIGNIFICANCE
● This is the first of at least four occasions when Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath. For the remaining three, see miracles 9, 27, and 28.
SPIRITUAL TRUTHS
● The statement, “Sir, I have no man,” is profound in its spiritual implications. Both Luke and Paul later write concerning its importance:
1. Luke’s testimony—“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:30-31).
2. Paul’s testimony—“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:14-15).
● While Scripture is clear that personal suffering is not always a punishment caused by individual sin (John 9:1-3), this case seems to be the exception. Note Jesus’ warning to him:
“Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14).
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