I hope all are doing well. We introduce yet another person's commentary into today's word of the day. Henry Mahan is an active preacher in Ashland KY. He has traveled the world spreading the gospel and wrote some excellent commentaries that are available if anybody is interested. I believe I even still have some tapes from some Bible conferences if any are interestes. I pray these words touch our hearts and it pleases God to strip away our foolishness and to not leave us untouched by the pool of mercy.
Jhn 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
Jhn 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Jhn 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
Jhn 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Jhn 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
- Can we draw any conclusions to the similarities in Israel’s time in the wilderness and this man (Deut 2:14)?
- What was the fate of the others left at the pool untouched by Jesus words?
Henry Mahan had these words to say in regards to these verses. "Jesus saw him. Here is the sovereignty of our Lord showing mercy to whom he wills. There is a multitude of sick, yet Christ looked only upon this man. We are not told that the man saw the Lord or know Him, or called to Him, but rather the Lord saw him, knew him, and called to him. Like with the women at the well the Savior spoke to the man with a question. A question that focused the man’s attention on his true need, on his total inability, and on the Savior who addressed him. Are not these the three important things that the Spirit brings to a sinner? The great need, the helpless state, and the power and presence of the only one who can make you whole." Continuing in our text we now see the fulfillment of that divine purpose of the Lords will. Rise: this was a command not an option or intervention. Take up thy bed: likened to the water pot, here the man would never remain in this place or in this condition. Walk: before he was lame, now he is made whole and can walk in the Spirit (Rom 8:16).
