TextLab | John 5:16-30

David & Andrea walk through John  5:16-30 to help lead meaningful discussions about the text. 

Exegetical Tool: Noticing Historical & Background Context

As you read, be alert to the New Testament use of the Old Testament text & themes. The primary story that gives meaning to the world of the New Testament is Old Testament narrative--a story of God calling out a people has his own, delivering them from slavery, and God bound Himself to them through a covenant of law and the promised land.  (Gordon Fee-Introduction to New Testament Exegesis) 

Sabbath: Jewish identity was built upon setting themselves apart from surrounding nations and keeping themselves holy. When Jesus heals on the sabbath, its not just that he is breaking the sabbath law, but it is that he is challenging the very core of Jewish identity

Jesus is God: If Jesus is God, then He demands a response from us. And the only response is belief, worship, surrendering our entire lives to Him. 

Questions for reflection and application: 

How is Jesus different then every other religious figure through human history? If Jesus is God, why is it not an option for someone to simply consider him a “good moral teacher?” How does seeing the relationship between God the Father and Jesus tell you something about God? Why is it important to notice the trinity when we read the text? How does the divinity of Christ change every moment of our day to day life?