Bible Commentaries
John 5

Verses 1-47

It was at this time that the conflict between Christ and His enemies, which culminated in His Cross began. A miracle wrought on the Sabbath gave rise to this first outbreak. Throughout this chapter we have incidents colored by this conflict. The fist was of the man in Bethesda's porches. In infinite compassion Christ dealt with him and healed him. His enemies objected because the wonder had been performed on the Sabbath; and, in effect, He replied that in the presence of sin and misery God had no Sabbath. He said, "My Father worketh even until now, and I work."

His answer was understood by them as claiming equality with God. It should be carefully observed that He did not deny the accuracy of their deduction, but continued to speak as One who claimed such equality of authority. He declared that the truth of all He was saying was evidenced by His works, and consequently by His Father.

He then rebuked these men for searching the Scriptures and failing to understand them, for had they understood the Scriptures they would have discovered that they led to Him.