READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In this third session in Lent, we continue reflecting on the signs in the Gospel of John. John presents seven key miracles to help us recognise Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. These signs provoke belief and encourage us to understand who Jesus truly is. One of these miracles occurs at the pool of Bethesda, where Jesus heals a man who has been invalid for 38 years.
John paints a picture of a multitude of disabled people gathered around the pool, hoping to be healed when the waters stir. This scene reflects humanity’s futile desperation and aimless striving. People clung to the hope that the stirring waters would bring healing, yet it was a groundless pursuit. It shows how often we grasp at fleeting hopes instead of seeking lasting solutions. Three significant figures emerge in this story. First, the invalid man, suffering for 38 years, epitomises hopelessness. He represents the worst-case scenario, someone who feels forgotten and forsaken. Second, the Jewish leaders—representing the religious elite—oppose Jesus. They focus on religious norms rather than the miracle itself. Finally, Jesus, the central figure, performs His third miraculous sign. With just His word, He heals the man, a miracle only Father God could do!
The Psalms (Ps 107: 20) say that God sends His word to heal, and in Genesis, God’s spoken word brought the universe into being. Similarly, in John 1:1-4, Jesus is introduced as the Word through whom all things were made. Yet the world (Jn 1: 10) failed to recognise Him. The invalid man, like many others, could not see that Jesus was the Word made flesh.
- The Invalid Man’s Mindset
The invalid’s mindset was limited to the pool, believing that healing could only happen when the water stirred. Thirty-eight years of suffering had narrowed his view of what was possible. Even when Jesus offered healing, the man remained focused on past experiences and physical means. This mindset blocked him from realising that Jesus, not the pool, was the true source of healing. Jesus is not confined by earthly systems or limitations. God is infinite, beyond what we can imagine. As St John of Damascus said, “God does not belong to the class of existing things; He is above existence itself.” We should not limit our faith by our past experiences or circumstances—God is far beyond them. - The Jewish Leaders’ Failure to Recognise Jesus
The Jewish leaders, representing religious authority, failed to recognise the miracle. Instead of celebrating the healing, they were preoccupied with the violation of Sabbath law. The healed man was carrying his mat, and the leaders insisted that this was a breach of the Sabbath. Their interpretation of the law had become rigid, focused on tradition rather than God’s work. Jesus challenged this narrow view, reminding them that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). Their adherence to tradition blinded them to God’s presence. This challenge remains relevant today. Cultural norms and personal biases can hinder our ability to recognise God’s work. Whether in worship styles, interpretations of scripture, or preferences in tradition, we must ensure that our biases do not prevent us from seeing God’s work in our lives and in others. - Resisting God’s Work
In Mark 3:28-30, Jesus warns about blaspheming the Holy Spirit, which involves resisting God’s work. The Pharisees, despite their spirituality, attributed Jesus’ miracles to an evil spirit. They recognised God’s work but chose to resist it. This is a grave warning for us too. We may recognise God’s presence but resist it due to pride, fear or misunderstanding. John 1:12 reminds us, “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” We must not harden our hearts or reject the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
In our own lives, we may encounter people whose mindsets, cultural backgrounds or past hurts prevent them from recognising God’s presence. Whether it’s a friend, family member or ourselves, we can struggle with accepting God’s grace or seeing His work. When faced with resistance or indifference, we must bring these struggles before the Lord in prayer, asking for God’s mercy to soften hearts. We should also pray for the Holy Spirit to break through barriers that prevent people from recognising Jesus as Saviour.
Closing Reflection
As we reflect on this story, we must examine our hearts. Are we like the invalid man, limited by past experiences and unable to see the fullness of God’s power? Are we like the Jewish leaders, so focused on tradition that we fail to recognise God at work? Or are we open to the Holy Spirit, allowing God’s Word to transform us? Let us pray that our hearts remain receptive to God’s will. May we receive His healing, grace and transformation through the recognition of Jesus as the Word made flesh. May we believe in His name and through Him become children of God, embracing the peace (Shalom) that only He can offer.
(Sermon notes by Alex Choe)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture – What is the nature of Jesus in the light of Jn.1:1-4,10,11?
- Recall Sermon – What are the 2 things that prevent the invalid and the Jews from recognising Jesus as One from God?
- Relate Personally – Give contemporary situations where people fail to recognise Jesus as the Word.
- Commit to Action – Share and pray for situations when you were close to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. (Mk.3:28-30; Mt.31,32)
