[:en]A man was invalid for 38 years. His hope for cure was zero. But when Jesus saw him lying there and found out that he had been in that condition, He healed him and told him not to sin anymore. When the Jews knew that Jesus did that on the Sabbath day, they persecuted him.
The Pharisees interpreted the command – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exo. 20:8) with man-made rules and regulations. It has become a stumbling block instead of helping people. They saw a miracle and a broken rule. But they focused their attention on the rule and considered it more important than the miracle.
Do not let the man-made rules hinder us from doing good. Jesus wants to teach us that when there is an opportunity to do good, do it at once. Often times, we can be blinded to see His miracles by limiting our views about how He works.
Jesus identified himself with God and claimed himself to be God’s son. The Pharisees believed the Father as God but, they did not believe in Jesus and accused him of blasphemy. Jesus has promised eternal life to those who hear His voice. He testified that the Father had sent Him and given Him the authority to judge the world. He will come back and all the Christians who had died will rise to meet Him. (1 Thes. 4:16)[:]