John, 5
8. Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
8. Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
St. John 5 is a chapter that talks about the healing of a man who had been sick for 38 years and how it caused controversy among the religious leaders of the time. Moreover, Jesus presents Himself as the Son of God and speaks about the authority given to him by his Father. Next, five verses related to the topics addressed in St. John 5:
John 5:21: "For, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son gives life to whom he wants." This verse shows the authority that Jesus possesses to grant life and resurrect the dead.
John 5:24: "I say the truth: He who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has passed from death to life." In this verse, Jesus talks about salvation that is achieved through faith in God and in his message.
John 5:39: "You carefully study the Scriptures, because you think that you have eternal life in them. And it is the scriptures that witness to me." This verse shows how the religious leaders of the time were stuck with the traditions and the letter of the law, without understanding the true meaning of the Scriptures and the message of Jesus.
John 5:44: "How can you believe, if you accept glory from each other, but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" In this verse, Jesus talks about the search for human glory and recognition, rather than seeking the approval and glory of God.
John 5:46-47: "If you grew up in Moses, they would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if they don't believe in his writings, how will they believe what I say?" Jesus talks about how his message is in accordance with Scripture and that those who do not believe in his words are not really following the teachings of Moses and the prophets.
“A divina bondade não só não rejeita as almas arrependidas, como também vai em busca das almas teimosas”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
