Notes on John 5. 1 – 9

Most versions did not print v.44 about the pool of Bethesda being disturbed – it appears only as a footnote. So we all felt a bit lost as it was read by the only person who had it printed as a verse!

It was suggested we see the modern painting of this from the Methodist online collection of art.

Why is this either/or reading for Easter 6?

The story is very odd but later in the chapter it becomes clearer.

Tom Wright mentions the original site has been excavated with evidence that it was used for healing purposes in pagan times. But it does not seem to have been particularly successful (the man had been there for 38 years). Jesus comes who John has been saying is the true son of the true God and does what the pool was expected to do.

The Greek word used for “stand up…” is that used also for “resurrection”.

The pagan hope is fulfilled – salvation is for all.

New creation comes out of healing.

The theme of the gospel is that it is for all. Looking back at c.4 and the royal official. Both stories run parallel.

Preaching from John we need to know everything.

C.1 links to c.20.

The universality of the gospel is that salvation is for all. This story anticipates Lazarus and the Jesus’ resurrection.

John’s gospel throws light on the other gospels’ theology. John would not be so wonderful a gospel without the synoptics which saw Jesus as a person.

The key phrase for preaching is the last sentence because the main teaching is what follows.