Devotional: John 5.1-17

The invalid was miraculously and graciously healed by Jesus (John 5.2-9). Yet he did not show much hesitation to report Jesus to the religious leaders. When Jesus gives him a friendly greeting, he doesn't even greet him back but instead informs the religious leaders so that they could persecute Jesus (John 5.14-16). I'm sure that there are many reasons for this: he felt threatened by the religious authorities and maybe he also thought that Jesus had violated the Sabbath (John 5.10-11).

One of the recent prayers at Uptown is that although God has been leading our community through an exciting season of opened doors, answered prayers, and miraculous provisions, that we would be more focused on who God is thereby worshipping him. Like the invalid, we often take God's provisions for granted. We enjoy the benefits of God's faithfulness in our lives, but only respond in worship when it's convenient. We are more influenced by circumstances than God's character. Let us continue to pray that we will be a community that worships him through the miracles and through the persecution--through seasons of favour and seasons of difficulty!

A question for you as you read: the invalid of John 5 is contrasted with another person that Jesus heals in the Gospel of John. Can you guess who it is and what the main differences are?