Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” [John 5.8-10]
Three separate events are chronicled in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading. One of those events is the account of Jesus healing of the lame man by the pool of Bethesda (above). The second event is about Jesus' disciples harvesting grain. And, the third event is Jesus healing the man with the deformed hand. All three events occurred on the Sabbath.
The significance of these events is that early on the religious leaders took issue with Jesus regarding the Sabbath. This would have been the basis of their claim:
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. [Exodus 20.8-11]
The rest of John 5 is Jesus' answer to the religious leaders about their complaint of Jesus breaking the Sabbath commandment. Everything Jesus said might be summed up in the following verse:
“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! [John 5.39]
As the Ten Commandments go, the first three deal directly with man's relationship with God (no other God, no idols, and no blasphemy). The last six commandments deal directly with man's relationship with man (honor parents, no murder, no adultery, no stealing, no false witness, and no coveting).
So, where does this leave the pivotal Fourth Commandment (to honor the Sabbath)? If we can see it, the Fourth Commandment points straight to Jesus. Imagine the religious leaders trying to condemn Jesus with the very scripture that spoke of Him!
While Jesus' answer in John 5.39 says it clear enough, the Apostle Paul also understood and explained that Jesus was the reality of the Sabbath.
So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. [Colossians 2.16-17]
If we will see it, the Ten Commandments reveal that the Sabbath (Jesus) is the link between God and man. If we carry this truth even further, we can see that the "good works" of treating others right are separated from pleasing God by the Sabbath (Jesus). It is faith in the Sabbath (Jesus) that transcends good earthly actions (toward men) and allows us to please God.
This would explain why Jesus said:
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. [Matthew 5.17]
For this reason, it is no good enough to be a "good person" in the world's eyes. The Ten Commandments are a package deal and the only way to get the package deal right hinges on the Fourth Commandment, Jesus.
Should we not wonder why Jesus did not specifically point out the first four commandments in His answer tot he wealthy young man in Matthew 19 (also Mark 10 and Luke 18)? Jesus only mentioned the last six (manward) commandments.
Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [Matthew 19.16-21]
The young man knew in his heart that the last six commandments were not enough! Hence, his question, "What else..." Instead of of then quoting the first four commandments to the young man, Jesus said, "Sell everything and follow Me..." Why? Because Jesus, the Sabbath, is the connection between man and God. Jesus is the fullness of pleasing God. Jesus is the only Way to get to God. Jesus is the only way to have no other God, no idols, and no blasphemy. Being a good person, in man's eyes, is simply not enough - the young man knew it - and Jesus confirmed it.
Imagine focusing on a day of the week and missing the Person it points to - the Creator of the Universe (this should not however discourage anyone from setting aside a day of the week to honor that Person)!
Father, may the amazing truth of Your Word get through to us as we view it in its entirety - and see Jesus! So be it.
