Jesus Said Do It, So I Did!

The story of the lame man in John 5 hits deep. Jesus healed him on the Sabbath, a day when people weren’t supposed to “do” anything.

If the healing had happened on a regular day, it might not have caused much of a stir. But Jesus chose to do it on a day that would make people question and talk.

And here’s the part I love: Jesus didn’t just say, “Get up and walk.” He said, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” That little detail, “pick up your mat,” was intentional. He knew that carrying anything on the Sabbath would go against the religious rules. But He wanted to make something clear: He is Lord over the Sabbath.

Jesus wanted everyone watching to understand—God doesn’t take days off. He’s still working, still healing, still blessing, even on your “rest days.” (See verse 17).

But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.”

John 5: 17 NLT

Now let’s talk about the man’s obedience. He didn’t question Jesus. He didn’t say, “But it’s the Sabbath, I’m not supposed to carry anything.”

No! He simply obeyed.

And when the Pharisees stopped him and asked why he was carrying his mat, his answer was powerful in its simplicity:
“The man who healed me told me to.” (Verse 11)

That’s it. That’s the word.

When God tells you to move, act, speak, step out. You don’t need to explain it to everyone.
Just say, “He told me to.”

That’s your permission slip. That’s your confidence. That’s your response when people question what you’re doing.

Lastly, this whole chapter reminds us that Jesus did nothing without the Father. He was completely dependent on Him.
And that’s how we’re called to live too, fully dependent on God.

So here’s your encouragement:
Don’t be afraid to obey, even when it goes against what’s “normal.”

Your obedience might just be the thing that shows others who Jesus really is.

Your life is blessed.
God loves you immensely.

Shalom,

Esther Love.