1. Do you want to get well? (1-9a)

The sick people around the pool of Bethesda are the very dichotomy of this sinful world. All are sick with sin with various kinds of symptoms. All want to get well. But they are blinded to think that they must go ahead of others. Will there be any other way than the survival of the fittest? Yes! Jesus met the worst among them, an invalid of 38 years. Jesus dearly wished to heal him. But he complained about those who did not help him. He was also hostile with jealousy toward those who outran him. He was invalid in spirit too. Jesus challenged him with a word, "Get up, pick up your mat and walk!" When he obeyed, he was healed! Now he could walk and work freely glorifying God. Jesus came to save us, the chronically sick people like the invalid.

2. Don't sin any more (9b-15)

The Pharisees did not mind at all the healing of the life-long invalid. They only wanted to accuse him of his Sabbath breaking. The man was scared and blamed the one who healed him. Later Jesus found him and warned, "Do not sin anymore!" But the man betrayed Jesus by reporting to the Pharisees. He became a worst sinner by not listening to Jesus' warning though his body was healed.