21 Days to a closer walk with Thee (Day 5) Discussion added

Good morning. I am smiling right now as I post this discussion because I know God is moving in a powerful way in our lives. This chapter is close to my heart because my church's name was taken from it. Here are our key scriptures for today:
2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
I know this is a lot. Jesus is challenging the Jews who are trying to condemn Him for healing this man on the Sabbath and for calling Himself God. Once again Jesus mentions work. He tells them He is working just like God the father works everyday. But He is doing the work of saving souls, healing people and giving them life. He knew His time to die was coming. Here He lays it out on the table about who He really is. He makes it very plain for them. But remember, when He is captured, He doesn't speak or say anything about Himself.

32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
We too are now witnesses for Christ. John is mentioned because at the time, He was the main preacher of the gospel. Folks looked up to him and listened to him. But even John himself says Jesus is the one who has come to save the world.

36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
All I can say is, if God is for you, who can be against you. Jesus takes it a step further and says there is someone who is greater than John who will stand for me. I know there have been times in my life when I felt everyone let me down. But no matter what, God knows, and He has the final say.

43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Unfortunately, not much has changed since Jesus walked the earth. Christians are persecuted everyday for doing the will of the Father. But yet men who don't count God's way as holy are lifted up everyday. Jesus speaks of Moses being an accuser because the Jews in that day had strayed away from how God wanted them to be and because Moses also spoke of and believes in Christ. So by not believing in Christ, they were in essence going against Moses as well. It's a shame that it took Jesus mentioning people who are considered "popular" in order to get their attention. Jesus was bold and did not back down. Tonight, when you pray, I want you to pray for the boldness to stand for the Lord no matter what. Think about the areas in your walk where you need strength or boldness. Write them down in your journal and search for scriptures that will encourage that boldness. Pray over them and walk boldly in the Lord. Be blessed. Q

Have a great and blessed day everyone!!! Q