And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
Now that day was the Sabbath. 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.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
Comment: The Sabbath was special. It commemorated the day when God rested after His Creation was all in place. It was meant for rest and reflexion. It was meant for the people’s good and not to be their master, but it is so easy to become legalistic. At the other extreme it is also easy to forget the real meaning, as seems to be in our society these days. Jesus quietly fled the scene but later sought out the man. In the meantime the legalistic, dare I say, uncaring, Jewish leaders not seeming to be very thankful for the curing of the man, attacked him to find out who had dared ‘work’ healing on the rest day! Initially the invalid didn’t know Jesus’ name. When Jesus had re-met him and warned him to live aright, the guy went and told his questioners who had healed him. Thus Jesus became judged and persecuted. His answer to them was simple – ‘My Father God hands out His blessings and cares for you, even on the sabbath. So do I.’
Prayer: Help me to see the true meaning of your word and live the spirit of it.
As I read it! 