Man in White Linen Recites Book of John : John 5

We are studying the book of John, after a man in solitude in a dessert tent, a non-believer received a visitation by a man in white Linen. He was told to write for 30 days, as the man in linen recited what was later found out to be the book of John. It must be important for these unusual times. So let’s examine John Chapter 5.

Jesus went up to the Feast of the Jews in this chapter.

Just a little background on feasts. There were 3 feasts which required all Jewish males to come to Jerusalem: Passover ( March/April), Pentecost ( May/June) and Feast of Tabernacles-Sukkot ( September/October. On a side note, we know that at the time of Jesus birth, the Inn’s were full and Herod was doing a census, most likely in a required event. So most likely Jesus was born during Feast of Tabernacles when the shepherds were in the field and the proper time between John the Baptist Birth and His. The word was made flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us. John 1:14 The feast of Tabernacles fittingly symbolizes the dwelling of God among men.[3]

When the pool of Bethesda was stirred, curative powers happened to the first to enter. The word “Bethesda” means house of mercy and house of flowing water. Similarly, Yahshua embodies YHWH’s mercy and the river of life flows from Him to us through belief.

At the time of Jesus, the gate near this pool was called the sheep gate, a gate where sheep were brought into the Temple for sacrifice. Today this gate is in Muslim quarter of the Old City, is called Lions gate. It’s interesting that this gate went from that of a Sheep to a Lion. Profound if you think about it. Jesus’s maternal grandparents were thought to be from Bethesda and Mary was born there, so it would not be unusual for a lot of his ministry to be there.

In the 1900’s , archaeologist unearthed this miracle bath. They found two large water reservoirs separated by a broad rock dike. They were rectangular in shape, and as John described there were fours column like porticos on the sides and one across the center. Rainwater was collected there.

Back to the story in John Chapter 5, a man who was disabled for 38 years sat near the pool. Yahshua asked him if he truly wanted to be well. I know it seems harsh, but some people unfortunately really don’t want to get well. Maybe they get a lot of attention or special treatment with there disability or sickness, maybe they have some sense of control over others through dependence. A sickness or disability can oddly become a sense of ones identity. Without even knowing it, a persons mindset could be holding them back.

I have witnessed personally a teenager who got a ton of attention from her parents from being sickly. I’m not saying she didn’t have real issues, she did. But her sickness became her identity, a platform for special treatment and attention, allowing her to be the focus in a large family. She was definitely getting something out of staying in her state. She confessed wanting a healing. I felt that her healing was being held back, because she did not want to let go of what she got out of the illness, the love and attention especially from her mother.

The answer that the disabled man gave to Jesus was really negative. He pointed blame at others and made excuses. I would say the man had a spirit of defeat, as well as a victim mentality.

No matter what we face, we must stay faithful and positively determined. We cannot accept the symptom or the sickness. We must keep our eyes on God’s love and promises- His POWERFUL WORD. Jesus did not touch him in this healing; He just used his Words and with conviction he ordered the disabled man to GET UP! Pick up the mat and walk! This was all done with exclamations! I wonder if this was done in a tone of Look Brother…enough self pity already…!

In reality, He didn’t need that water, he just needed the right mindset, belief in the healing power of God. I believe God wants to heal all of us. He is a loving merciful Father. The problem is not if he wants to heal or when he wants to heal. He wants to heal us right now. What Daddy would not want their kid healed yesterday!

The problem is us! Do we believe he loves us enough? Do we believe his word? Do we feel worthy? Do we really want to be healed or have we come in agreement to our state?

This miracle took place on the day of rest, the Sabbath. Instead of praising , giving glory to Father for using Yahshua to heal, the Jews were so caught up in the rules of the Sabbath. Their focus should have been on praising, worshiping and celebrating the new life G-d gave this crippled man.

Jesus slipped away, since there was so much drama over carrying the mat. Jesus found the man, he said, ” Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you. ” The man told the Jews Jesus made him well. I’m not sure if this was because he was excited or if he was not happy Jesus told him to stop sinning. Who knows since his habitual mindset was negative.

Sickness and paralysis can be caused by sinning. It’s not always the case, but if you are suffering, it’s a good idea to cover all your basis and repent for everything imaginable. Remember,backsliding opens the doors to all kinds of demonic attacks.

For the last 2 1/2 years, since living a vegetarian lifestyle I’m been super healthy. But recently I got sick, which made me mad. I repented over fear and anxiety I’ve had over finances. After a review of finances, I let the sin of fear and lack of trust enter. Perhaps, this broke down my immune system, allowing for an attack.

As we move through John 5. We see Jesus validating his authority. He claims to be the Son of God, receiving complete council from God the Father. He claims God gave him authority to judge everyone. We must honor him, just as we honor the Father.

Eventually, those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. So you see, by Jesus own words good deeds do matter. Yes he shows grace, but we are called to action to do good, live good.

Whoever hears the words of Jesus, and believes in the Father has eternal life and will not be condemned. The word “believe” has been simplified. It’s not a mere declaration, but it is a demonstration. What good would it be if someone hears but doesn’t do? I can tell you from experience with my kids, it’s very frustrating for them to hear me but not to get up and do something. I know that hearing should equal action unto those words. If you do not do as He says, you do not truly BELIEVE. The word does not dwell in you, if you do not obey Jesus..

We must make sure that rules do not dominate over showing love. We must fight to overcome our innate longing to seek approval of man. We know whose approval really matters.

Scripture of the Day: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out- those who have done good will rise to live and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. “

Action & Reflection:

1. Read John Chapter 6: Read, write down scriptures and general thoughts.
2. Have you accepted a symptom, sickness or existence? Are you coming in agreement with the enemy instead of the healing word of truth? If so, what pray out the negativity. Declare complete healing over your body. Are their actions you can take to make a better life for yourself.
3. Examine your mindset and sins. Repent.
4. What Good Deeds can you do today for someone else? How can you show God’s love to others?