Jesus Loves the Broken
John 5:1-16
Skip Heitzig
John 5 (NKJV™) | |
1 | After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. |
2 | Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. |
3 | In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. |
4 | For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. |
5 | Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. |
6 | When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" |
7 | The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." |
8 | Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." |
9 | And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. |
10 | The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." |
11 | He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.' " |
12 | Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" |
13 | But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. |
14 | Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." |
15 | The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. |
16 | For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. |
New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
Just about everyone who has ever lived has experienced a broken heart to some degree or another. But then there are others who have been affected so adversely by events in their lives that they can be described as broken people. We can respond by questioning why God allows bad things to happen or by loving the broken in His name and thus being part of the solution.
Jesus loves people—all people: prostitutes, drug addicts, abusers—and you. This profound truth is at the very heart of the gospel. Jesus loves the unlovable and touches the untouchable, and during His time on earth, He was compassionate and merciful toward people from all walks of life. What would it be like if you personally encountered Him? Join Pastor Skip Heitzig in this series to learn more about God's radical love for you and fall more in love with the living Savior.
FREE - Download Entire Series (MP3) (Help)
|
Buy series
| Buy audiobook
People, like objects, can get broken. Fortunately, Jesus announced that one of the main purposes of His coming was ʺto heal the brokenheartedʺ (Luke 4:18). How did Jesus help the broken? In John 5, we find a man who was broken and could not help himself, and we discover two overarching truths: people can get broken, and Jesus loves broken people. How do we as His children love the broken? How can we help them practically?
Let us first consider that people get broken (see vv. 1- 7). We are all keenly aware that we live in a world of hurting people. People can be broken by experience, abuse, abandonment, words, their own bad choices, disease, and many, many other reasons. Caution: you may not know by looking at someone whether or not they are broken. There might be people around you right now putting on a brave face but feeling desperately helpless and hopeless because they are broken and hurting.
The man in John 5 was broken by a number of things, the first of which was circumstances. We read that he ʺhad an infirmityʺ (v. 5), a debilitating illness. We are not told what his specific disease was, but he was likely either paralyzed or too weak to move freely. Illness can be very isolating, making people feel lonely because of their physical limitations and, over time, the dwindling of friends. Can you relate to this man? If so, how have your circumstances (illness, lack of work, etc.) isolated you?
This man was also broken by people (see v. 3). Ancient cultures were not good at caring for the sick. Many sick people would become beggars and congregate, as they did at this pool. They were often surrounded by people but still felt broken, cast off by a society in which very few people, if any, wanted to be involved in their lives. In your trial, how did folks hurt or help you?
The man was also broken by time. He had been dealing with this infirmity for thirty-eight years (see v. 5). Whatever hope he may have once had was long gone. The more time that goes by in such a state can result in a spiral of depression, causing a person to go from helpless to hopeless. The apostle Paul wrote of suffering ʺbeyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of lifeʺ (2 Corinthians 1:8). The daily pressure of depression adds up over time and can be crushing. As the psalmist said, ʺMy tears have been my food day and nightʺ (Psalm 42:3). When someone is feeling helpless or hopeless, is it better to give advice or to listen and pray? Is there a time for each?
Some respond to their brokenness with depression, anger, or substance abuse. Others will be antisocial or suicidal, and others injure themselves when emotional problems are so overwhelming they feel unable to express their anger, hurt, or shame.
Fortunately, Jesus loves broken people. Here is how: First, He observed compassionately (see v. 6a). In a huge crowd of miserable people, He saw one single human being. Although Jesus could speak to crowds and move them, He zeroed in on the one. Love begins by how we see people and their condition. How is your vision when it comes to seeing people's needs? Does your heart break over what breaks God's heart?
Jesus also interacted honestly (see vv. 6-8). He asked the man if he wanted to be made well, because a radical change in circumstances would mean a radical change in his responsibilities. Furthermore, there was a condition even worse than thirty-eight years of suffering that could befall the man—eternal suffering resulting from unrepentant sin (see v. 14). Jesus loved the broken by preaching the unbroken gospel. What would a former beggar's new responsibilities include, according to Skip? What radical change in this man's spiritual life would also have to happen (see vv. 14-15)?
Finally, Jesus expected adversity (see vv. 9-13). Love has consequences. Another caution: you might find adversity from the very people you are trying to help. An adage in the mental health community says, ʺHurt people hurt people.ʺ They seek to control others because it temporarily numbs their pain. So, pray for discernment as you minister.
An artist once noted that when the Japanese mend broken objects, they not only fix the damage, but magnify it by filling in the cracks with gold, believing that when something has been damaged, it has a history and is even more beautiful. We all have that kind of history, and only Jesus’ love can redeem us, filling in our brokenness with spiritual gold.Adapted from Pastor Skip’s teaching
The BIG Idea
God helps those who cannot help themselves.
Figures referenced: Mother Teresa, Benjamin Franklin, Gordon MacDonald, Louise Erdrich, E. Stanley Jones, J.A. Findley, Roger Fredrikson, Augustine
Hebrew words: Bethesda
Cross references: Psalm 42:3; 51:17; Proverbs 18:14; Matthew 9:36; Luke 4:18; John 5:1-16; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 11:27-28
Date | Title | Watch | Listen | Notes | Share | Save | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/25/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves People Mark 10:21;Philippians 1:8-10 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Welcome to our new weekend series, Jesus Loves People! For the next many weeks, we will observe how Jesus' love for people was displayed and conveyed to a cross section of society. We will see Him as He loves the most religiously devout folks to the weak and doubting, from the prostitutes to the priests, from the bewildered to the brokenhearted. We will marvel at His love for thieves, murderers, and atheists. In each message, we will consider how we as God's people can show authentic love to people within each group. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
2/1/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Doubters Matthew 11; John 20 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Jesus never turned away the questions of a sincere searcher. I have personally wrestled with issues of faith and doubt on a number of occasions. Oswald Chambers quipped, "Doubt is not always a sign that a man is wrong; it may be a sign that he is thinking." Today we will see how Jesus loved two doubters—both of whom were friends of His. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
3/8/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Homosexuals - Part 1 John 8:1-11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary There is not a hotter or more controversial subject being discussed today in our country than homosexuality. Voices are loud and tempers run hot whenever this subject is mentioned. Although the text before us doesn’t deal specifically with homosexuality, it does show us how Jesus approached a woman caught in sexual sin and what He had to say to those who were quick to condemn her. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
3/15/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Homosexuals - Part 2 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Be assured that I didn't select the topics in this series because I am equating homosexuals with murderers; nor am I suggesting that addicts or homeless people are to be seen the same as terrorists. It’s simply that the church has historically been unkind to these groups, and we believe it is time to make the statement that Jesus loves all people. In today’s text, we see it clearly: everyone has some kind of past, and everyone can be freed from sin. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
3/22/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Haters Matthew 5:43-46;Luke 9:51-56 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary One of the worst things to ever hear or say are the words "I hate you." And since Jesus is the One who God sent to show love to the world, how He handled haters is significant. Today we will explore and hopefully apply two important lessons. Hatred can flow in two directions: hatred towards you and hatred from you. Jesus shows us what to do about both. Get ready by turning to two passages: Matthew 5 and Luke 9. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
3/29/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Traitors Matthew 26 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a traitor as "one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty." On this Palm Sunday, I've chosen to consider in contrast the two traitors seen side by side in the New Testament accounts of the Passion of Christ. Though we may see some similarities in Judas and Peter, they are separated by one giant factor—the cross of Jesus Christ, the one thing that still offends most people. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
4/12/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Atheists John 18:28-38 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Yes, Jesus loves people who don't believe in Him or who aren't sure what they think about Him. Pontius Pilate was the cynical Roman governor of the district of Judea. He was unsympathetic to religious Jews and religion itself. He had no room for the superstitious claims of prophets, priests, or would-be messiahs. He was a secular pragmatist concerned about Roman order and personal advancement. Pilate also represents how Jesus loved and handled atheists—and how we should. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
4/19/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Prostitutes Luke 7:36-50 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary It was Blaise Pascal who noted, "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus." In our text today, we find a woman, the city prostitute who acutely felt the need to have the vacuum of her heart filled. She discovered that Jesus loved her with a wholesome love—the kind of love every woman is searching for. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
4/26/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Murderers Luke 23:33-34 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary A Jewish proverb reads, "Blood that has been shed does not rest." And yet there is rest that is possible for even the worst murderers of all time—those who killed Jesus Christ—if they would be willing to receive it. In two verses of Scripture, we will examine how Jesus loves murderers, even those who murdered Him. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
5/3/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Criminals Luke 23:33-43 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary A lengthy seventeen-year study in Washington, D.C. by psychiatrist Samuel Yochelson shows that crime cannot be traced to environment, poverty, or oppression but to people making wrong moral choices. Corresponding to that is another report showing that the lack of proper moral training by parents has a direct correlation to crime, especially to children in their formative years. But when parents and their offspring fail, Jesus can step in to rescue. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
5/17/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Terrorists Acts 9:1-16 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary One magazine noted that "religious terrorism is the communism of the 21st century, the most serious international threat to human rights." I am aware that the title of this sermon is a strange one, and it's even stranger to think we should be told to love terrorists. Today we consider the stark reality of terror in our world and what a proper biblical response to it is, and we see the conversion of a terrorist who became Christianity's most celebrated cleric. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
6/7/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves Addicts Luke 4; Matthew 11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary When a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that provides temporary pleasure and then such acts become compulsive and interfere with ordinary life responsibilities, he or she is said to be an addict. Addictive behavior is widespread and is one of the reasons many addicts turn to Christ for help. Jesus has a special message for them and a special plan to help them. As the body of Christ to our generation, shouldn’t the church be part of that plan? |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |
6/28/2015 completed
|
Jesus Loves People, BUT... Romans 2:1-11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary In this last message of our series Jesus Loves People, we want to bring equilibrium to the series itself. It’s true that God loves people. It’s equally true that He hates evil and the practice of it. Today we want to show how both the wrath of God and the love of God are integral parts of the nature of God Himself. This is crucial so that we don’t distort Him to the world and mislead people eternally. Let’s consider three requirements for representing the God who loves people. |
Message Trailer Watch Watch and take notes |
Listen - Mini Player Listen and Take Notes Listen in Spanish |
Outline Detailed Notes Study GuideTranscript |
Facebook |
Video (MP4) Audio (MP3) Spanish (MP3) |
Buy CD |