John 5: Expository Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

John 5 marks a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John as it shifts the narrative from Jesus’ early ministry into increasing controversy and conflict with the Jewish leaders. The chapter opens with the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath (vv. 1-15). What follows is not just a dispute over the act of healing on the Sabbath, but a deeper confrontation over Jesus’ identity and authority. Jesus responds to the accusations with a powerful and profound discourse declaring His divine relationship with the Father (vv. 16-47).

Key Events:

Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (vv. 1-15)
Accusations of Sabbath-breaking and blasphemy (vv. 16-18)
Jesus’ Defense and Declaration of Divine Authority (vv. 19-30)
Testimonies Confirming Jesus’ Identity (vv. 31-47)

Theological Significance:

John 5 underscores the deity of Christ, the unity of the Son with the Father, and the authority of Jesus to give life and execute judgment. This chapter also serves as a foundation for a biblical understanding of the Trinity, resurrection, and the final judgment. The passage reaffirms the sufficiency and authority of Scripture and reveals that eternal life comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background:

Feast of the Jews (v. 1): Though the feast is unnamed, it is likely one of the major Jewish feasts (Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles), drawing many to Jerusalem. Jesus’ presence highlights His observance of Jewish law while also showing His authority over it.
Pool of Bethesda (vv. 2-4): A well-known healing site near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem. The mention of an angel stirring the waters (v. 4, found in some manuscripts) reflects the popular Jewish belief in divine intervention at specific locations. Jesus does not affirm the superstition but sovereignly heals the man through His word.
Sabbath Conflict (v. 9b): Healing on the Sabbath was viewed by the Jewish leaders as a violation of the Mosaic Law, but Jesus asserts that doing good and giving life is consistent with God’s will for the Sabbath.

Literary Features:

Narrative Flow: The chapter transitions from a healing miracle (sign) to a theological discourse, reflecting John’s style of using signs to reveal Jesus’ divine nature.
Legal Testimony Language: Jesus uses courtroom-style language (e.g., “witness,” “testimony”) in His defense, consistent with Jewish legal traditions and affirming the truthfulness of His claims.
Use of “Truly, truly” (vv. 19, 24, 25): A literary marker in John’s Gospel signaling authoritative and weighty declarations.

Conservative Evangelical Affirmation:

This chapter is interpreted literally and historically, not allegorically or mythologically. It reflects an actual event in Jesus’ life and ministry. The miracles, teachings, and claims are recorded faithfully under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Deity of Christ (vv. 17-18)

Jesus calls God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
The unity of essence between the Father and the Son affirms the doctrine of the Trinity.
Jesus’ work on the Sabbath mirrors God’s sustaining work in creation (Colossians 1:17).

2. Divine Authority and Judgment (vv. 19-30)

Jesus does nothing independently but acts in perfect harmony with the Father.
The Son gives life and executes judgment — prerogatives reserved for God alone.
Christ will raise the dead — both spiritually (now) and physically (future resurrection).
All judgment is given to the Son so that all may honor Him as they honor the Father.

3. The Resurrection and Eternal Life (vv. 24-29)

Present spiritual resurrection: “Whoever hears My word and believes…has crossed over from death to life” (v. 24).
Future physical resurrection: “All who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out” (vv. 28-29).
Believers will experience the resurrection of life; unbelievers will face judgment.

4. The Sufficiency of Witnesses (vv. 31-47)

Jesus presents multiple witnesses to His identity: John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures.
The testimony of Scripture (Moses in particular) validates who Jesus is. If one truly believes the Scriptures, they will believe in Christ.

5. Scripture’s Central Role (vv. 39-47)

Jesus rebukes the Jews for searching the Scriptures but refusing to come to Him.
Scripture is not merely to be studied but to lead to faith in Christ.
The Pentateuch (Moses’ writings) points directly to Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise.

Doctrinal Points for Evangelical Theology

Christology: Jesus is fully God and fully man, possessing divine authority over life and judgment.
Soteriology: Salvation is by faith in Christ alone, not through law-keeping or religious tradition.
Trinitarian Theology: The relationship between the Father and the Son is one of eternal unity and love.
Resurrection and Judgment: There will be a final resurrection, and all humanity will face judgment before Christ.
Biblical Authority: Scripture is the ultimate testimony of Christ’s identity and must be interpreted as God-breathed and inerrant.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis (John 5)

John 5:1-9 — The Healing at the Pool

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years…” (v. 5)

Literal Explanation: Jesus encounters a man who had been physically disabled for nearly four decades, a picture of human helplessness and desperation. The man lay at the pool, hoping for healing from stirred waters (v. 4, included in some manuscripts), reflecting the superstitions of the time.
Doctrinal Insight: This miracle illustrates Christ’s sovereign power to heal apart from rituals or works. The man did not express faith or ask to be healed; Jesus took the initiative. This points to God’s sovereign grace (cf. Ephesians 2:4-5).
Cross-Reference: Luke 13:11-13 — Jesus heals another crippled woman, again on the Sabbath, showing His compassion and authority.
Application: We are spiritually paralyzed by sin until Christ speaks life into us. Salvation is not initiated by man’s effort but by Christ’s call (Romans 9:16).

John 5:10-16 — The Sabbath Controversy

“It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” (v. 10)

Literal Explanation: Rather than rejoicing over the healing, the religious leaders condemn the healed man for breaking Sabbath traditions.
Doctrinal Insight: This reveals legalism’s blindness to grace and how tradition can obscure God’s purpose. Jesus exposes that man’s interpretation of the Law can often distort its intent.
Cross-Reference: Mark 2:27 — “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Application: Christians must guard against valuing religious rules over the redemptive work of Christ. True obedience flows from grace, not rule-keeping.

John 5:17-18 — Jesus Equates Himself with God

“My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” (v. 17)

Literal Explanation: Jesus justifies His actions by appealing to the continuous work of His Father — even on the Sabbath.
Doctrinal Insight: This is a direct claim to deity. The Jews rightly understood it as making Himself equal with God (v. 18).
Cross-Reference: Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3 — Christ sustains creation as God does.
Application: Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher. Christians must embrace and proclaim His full deity — the Son is one with the Father.

John 5:19-23 — The Unity of the Father and the Son

“The Son can do nothing by Himself… whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (v. 19)

Literal Explanation: Jesus declares that His works are not independent but completely aligned with the Father’s will.
Doctrinal Insight: This reveals Trinitarian unity — distinct persons, yet one divine essence. The Son submits without inferiority.
Cross-Reference: Philippians 2:6 — Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
Application: Christians can trust in Jesus’ authority because it is the Father’s authority. Following Christ is following God.

John 5:24-29 — From Death to Life

“Whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life…” (v. 24)

Literal Explanation: Jesus promises that those who believe already possess eternal life and will not be condemned.
Doctrinal Insight: Eternal life begins at the moment of faith, not just after death — this is justification by faith (cf. Rom. 5:1).
Cross-Reference: Ephesians 2:1 — “You were dead in your transgressions… but God made us alive in Christ.”
Application: Believers can rest in their present security and future hope. Salvation is a present reality and a future promise.

John 5:30-47 — The Fourfold Witness

“There is another who testifies in my favor…” (v. 32)

Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity:
- John the Baptist (v. 33)
- Jesus’ own works (v. 36)
- The Father’s testimony (v. 37)
- The Scriptures (v. 39)
Doctrinal Insight: This forms a legal case affirming Christ’s divine identity, satisfying Old Testament requirements for testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Cross-Reference: Luke 24:27 — Jesus explains how all Scripture points to Him.
Application: Our faith is not blind but based on verifiable witness. Christ is confirmed by prophecy, miracles, and God’s voice.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Giver of Life

Jesus gives both physical healing (vv. 1-9) and eternal life (vv. 24-26), reinforcing His divine power to restore what sin has broken.
He is the true source of spiritual resurrection, fulfilling Ezekiel 37’s vision of dry bones coming to life.

2. Jesus as the Judge of All Mankind

The Son is given authority to judge (v. 22), which speaks of the final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
Belief in Jesus is the determining factor between life and condemnation (John 3:18).

3. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Scripture

Moses wrote of Him (v. 46). Every shadow in the Law finds its substance in Christ (Colossians 2:17).
To reject Christ is to reject the Word of God itself.

Connection to God the Father

1. Perfect Unity in Work (v. 17)

Jesus works in full union with the Father’s will. The Father never ceases to uphold creation and bring redemption — and neither does the Son.

2. Shared Divine Authority (v. 22)

The Father has entrusted judgment to the Son, not as a delegation of inferior responsibility, but as a demonstration of co-equal authority.

3. The Call to Honor the Son (v. 23)

“That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.”

This statement shows the inseparability of worship toward the Father and the Son. To honor Christ is to honor the Father — rejecting Jesus is rejecting God.

4. Sent by the Father (v. 36)

Jesus came as the Father’s representative and revealer. The incarnation is a demonstration of the Father’s love (John 3:16).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While John 5 does not explicitly mention the Holy Spirit, the ministry of the Spirit is deeply connected to the truths Jesus proclaims and performs in this chapter. In John’s Gospel, the work of the Trinity is always united—where the Son works, the Spirit confirms and applies that work to the hearts of believers.

1. The Spirit Gives Life (cf. John 3:5-6; 6:63)

In John 5:21 and 24-25, Jesus speaks of raising the dead and giving life. This life is not only future and physical, but present and spiritual—a work attributed to the Spirit elsewhere in Scripture.
Cross-reference: Romans 8:11 — “…if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…”

2. The Spirit Bears Witness to the Son (John 15:26)

Jesus lays out multiple witnesses to His identity in John 5 (John the Baptist, His works, the Father, Scripture). Later, He adds that the Holy Spirit will testify about Him.
Though not mentioned by name, the Spirit’s ministry of pointing to Jesus aligns with the apologetic and revelatory theme of the chapter.

3. The Spirit Applies the Word of Christ

Jesus speaks of people hearing His word and receiving life (John 5:24-25). The Spirit is the one who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), and causes the Word to be received with faith.
Application: The Spirit enables spiritual ears to hear Jesus‘ voice and respond in belief. Without Him, we remain dead in sin.

Sermon Outline and Flow: “From the Pool to the Throne”

Text: John 5:1-47
Theme: Jesus is the sovereign Lord who gives life, executes judgment, and deserves all honor as God.
Goal: To lead hearers to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Judge, and to rest in the authority of Scripture and the life-giving power of His word.

I. The Power of Jesus to Heal (vv. 1-9)

Main Point: Jesus sees and speaks to the broken.
Illustration: A man paralyzed for 38 years — a picture of total inability.
Application: Jesus meets us in our helplessness. Salvation is not about trying harder, but trusting the One who speaks life.

Transition: But not everyone rejoices at healing. Some oppose grace when it doesn’t fit their traditions.

II. The Conflict Over the Sabbath (vv. 10-18)

Main Point: Legalism blinds people to the glory of grace.
Illustration: Modern legalism—church attendance without heart change, judging others for not fitting cultural expectations.
Application: Are we more concerned with our rules or with the restoration of people? Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.

Transition: Jesus responds not with apology, but with a bold declaration of His divine nature.

III. The Divine Authority of the Son (vv. 19-30)

Main Point: Jesus is one with the Father—He gives life and will judge all people.
Illustration: Courtroom scene—Jesus is both Advocate and Judge. He decides eternal destiny.
Application: Have you passed from death to life (v. 24)? Have you heard His voice and believed?

Transition: Some may question His authority—but Jesus provides undeniable witnesses.

IV. The Testimonies That Confirm Jesus (vv. 31-47)

Main Point: Scripture, miracles, and the Father Himself confirm Jesus’ identity.
Illustration: Modern court requires multiple witnesses. Jesus presents four!
Application: If you believe the Bible, you must believe Jesus. Rejecting Christ is rejecting God’s Word.

Conclusion: The Call to Honor the Son

Call to Action:
- Trust Jesus for eternal life—today.
- Repent of legalism and embrace grace.
- Return to Scripture not as a textbook, but as a living testimony to Christ.
- Live each day honoring the Son as you would honor the Father.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern Medical Helplessness

Imagine a person suffering from a terminal illness for nearly four decades—enduring disappointment and false hope. Now imagine a doctor instantly healing them by speaking a word. That’s what Jesus did—physically for the man at the pool, and spiritually for every sinner.

2. Legalism in the Church Today

A young man walks into church wearing casual clothes and is looked down on because he doesn’t “fit the image.” Meanwhile, his heart is genuinely seeking God. Like the Pharisees, we can miss the miracle of grace by focusing on the “mat” he’s carrying.

3. Courtroom Analogy

In a trial, the credibility of the accused often hinges on the testimony of witnesses. Jesus brings four—John the Baptist, His miracles, the Father, and Scripture. If this were any other trial, the jury would have no doubt. The evidence is overwhelming: Jesus is God.

4. Resurrection Voice

Picture a parent calling their child’s name in a crowded park. The child recognizes the voice immediately. When Jesus calls, His sheep recognize His voice. The spiritually dead come to life at His word. One day, even the physically dead will rise when He calls.

Application for Today’s Christian

John 5 is not just a theological discourse—it is a call to live in light of the truth. This chapter challenges Christians in how they walk with Christ, treat others, handle Scripture, and prepare for eternity.

1. Discipleship: Hearing and Following Jesus’ Voice

Jesus calls people to “hear My word and believe” (v. 24). Discipleship begins and continues through daily hearing and obeying His Word.
Practical Step: Commit to regular Bible intake—listening for Jesus’ voice in Scripture (John 10:27). Obedience confirms true discipleship (Luke 6:46).

2. Stewardship: Honoring the Son in All Areas of Life

Jesus said, “That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (v. 23). Every aspect of life—our time, money, speech, and work—is an opportunity to honor Christ.
Practical Step: Evaluate your use of time and resources. Are they ordered around glorifying Jesus or just maintaining comfort?

3. Evangelism and Witness: Pointing to the True Healer

The man healed at the pool (v. 15) told the Jewish leaders it was Jesus who made him well. While his testimony was imperfect, it was still true.
Practical Step: Share your story of spiritual healing. You don’t need perfect words—just a true witness.

4. Guarding Against Legalism

The religious leaders missed the miracle because of man-made rules. Christians today must be careful not to elevate tradition above Scripture or grace.
Practical Step: Consider how you treat others in church. Are you more focused on outward appearance or inner transformation?

5. Living with Eternity in View

Jesus says that all will rise—some to life, others to judgment (v. 29). This should shape our priorities, repentance, and sense of mission.
Practical Step: Live today with the end in mind. Are you ready to meet Christ? Are you helping others prepare?

Connection to God’s Love

Though the chapter involves controversy and judgment, God’s love is clearly displayed throughout:

1. Jesus Seeks Out the Broken (v. 6)

Jesus approached the lame man uninvited. This reveals God’s initiating love. Before we ever reach for God, He reaches for us.
Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. God’s Desire to Give Life (v. 21, 24-25)

The Father gives life through the Son. This is a loving gift, not earned by works but received by faith.
God is not distant—He desires that people pass from death to life.

3. The Gift of Scripture (v. 39)

Jesus rebukes the misuse of Scripture, but its presence is still a gift. The Bible is God’s loving revelation of Himself.
To open the Bible is to open the heart of God—His warnings and promises are acts of grace.

4. The Call to Believe (v. 40)

Jesus laments: “You refuse to come to me to have life.” God’s love is evident in His persistent call to salvation.
Love does not force itself but invites, warns, and waits.

Broader Biblical Themes

John 5 does not stand alone—it is deeply embedded in the grand storyline of Scripture. Here’s how it connects to the Bible’s larger framework:

1. Creation

Jesus’ words and works reflect God’s original creative power (v. 21). Just as God spoke the world into existence, Jesus speaks life into the spiritually dead.
Genesis 1; Colossians 1:16-17 — Jesus, the agent of creation, now acts as the restorer of broken creation.

2. Covenant

The confrontation over the Sabbath ties into the Mosaic covenant, which the Jews misunderstood. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Law, shows that God’s covenant always pointed to Him.
Matthew 5:17 — Jesus did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it.

3. Redemption

The healing at the pool is a sign of restoration, pointing to the full redemption Christ brings to the body and soul.
Isaiah 53:5; Revelation 21:4 — Jesus’ mission includes healing the effects of sin and one day removing them entirely.

4. Judgment and Resurrection

Jesus reveals that there will be a final resurrection and judgment—a theme echoed in Daniel 12:2 and Revelation 20:12.
He is both Savior and Judge, showing that redemption is not separate from accountability but fulfilled through it.

5. Scripture as Revelation

Jesus connects Himself to Moses’ writings (v. 46), showing that all of Scripture is about Him.
The Bible is one unified story pointing to Christ as the center—from Genesis to Revelation.

Reflection Questions

Use the following questions for personal devotion, family study, or small group discussion to help apply the truths of John 5 to daily life.

1. How does the healing of the lame man show the grace and initiative of Jesus?

Have you seen Jesus meet you in your own place of need?
In what ways do you tend to look for healing or help from the wrong sources?

2. What does Jesus’ response to the Sabbath controversy teach us about God’s heart?

Are there areas where your own tradition or routine might be getting in the way of loving others?
How can you live in a way that reflects grace over legalism?

3. Jesus claims full equality with God. How does this challenge common views of Jesus as just a good teacher?

Do you honor the Son just as you honor the Father in your worship, obedience, and priorities?
What might need to change in your daily life to reflect that Jesus is Lord?

4. Jesus promises that those who believe have already passed from death to life (v. 24).

How does this promise impact the way you see your identity and security in Christ?
Are you living with confidence in your salvation and a desire to help others experience the same?

5. How does Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection (vv. 28-29) shape the way you think about eternity?

Does your view of the future affect your choices in the present?
How can you live with eternal purpose this week?

6. Jesus lists four witnesses to confirm who He is. How does this strengthen your trust in Him?

What has most helped you personally grow in confidence that Jesus is truly the Son of God?
How can you help others understand and believe the truth about Jesus?

7. Jesus rebukes the people for studying Scripture yet missing Him (v. 39).

Are you reading the Bible only for information, or for transformation?
How can you develop a deeper, Christ-centered approach to reading Scripture?

8. Jesus says, “You refuse to come to me to have life” (v. 40).

Is there any area in your life where you’re resisting Jesus’ invitation to trust and follow Him?
What step of obedience is He calling you to take today?