Blaming and Betraying

The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus. —John 5:15-16

The man had been lying ill for 38 years, but when Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” he didn’t answer the question. He gave a pouting response about how he hadn’t been cured yet while others had. Jesus healed him anyway and then, interestingly, told him to pick up his mat and walk. Jesus knew it was the Sabbath, and Jews weren’t supposed to carry anything on the Sabbath because that was considered work. Jesus knew he was instructing the man to do something against the law.

When the man was accused of breaking the Sabbath, he blamed Jesus and reported him to the authorities. He selfishly accepted Jesus’ gift then immediately betrayed him.

For reflection: What are some examples you see in the world or the church of people betraying Jesus? 

To Pray: Lord, I am grateful for all that you have done and do for me. Help me never to forget you are the source of all my blessings.