Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

December 19: John 5-6

Scripture: John (NIV) 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
8 The Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Observation: In continuing to read through the book of John, I notice an emphasis on the Word who became flesh (John 1:14) and who healed the official’s daughter by his word (John 4:50). In John chapter 5 we read of an invalid who stayed by the pool hoping to be the first one into the water whenever it was stirred by an angel and thus receive his healing. The invalid was healed by the words Jesus spoke to him. Jesus commanded him to do something that was impossible for him to do. He did not argue as to why he could not walk. Somehow he realized that he did not have to wait for an angel any longer. Somehow he realized that the one speaking to him had the power to make what he said come to pass. Jesus spoke with authority! The One who spoke the worlds into existence was now standing over him and telling him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!”

Application: The invalid may not have known completely who Jesus was. Surely I have a much clearer understanding that Jesus is the one who spoke the worlds into existence. If the invalid believed he could act on the words of Jesus, how much more should I be ready and willing to act on what He speaks to me.

Prayer: Jesus, your words are amazing! I want to honor you by acting like they are true. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!