What Jesus Did! 'Doesn't Fit My Religious Agenda' — John 5:8-10

Monday, March 30, 2026

Jesus told [the sick man by the pool of Bethesda], "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected.
— John 5:8-10 NLT

Key Thought

God created the Sabbath to be a day of blessing, rest, and reverence. Isn't it strange how easily the rules of misplaced religion can ruin the blessings God longs to bring us? Because Jesus did something the Jewish leaders classified as unlawful on the Sabbath (rather than looking at God's intent in establishing the Sabbath), the Jewish leaders discounted the miracle, ignored the joy of the one healed, and criticized the one who provided the blessing. How often do we do the same sort of thing in our religious lives? Hmm... better move on; that's too convicting. Bottom line: Let's make sure our traditions and rules don't keep out God's blessings simply because they don't fit into our religious agenda.

Today's Prayer

God, forgive us for turning your blessings into hardships, your joy into drudgery, and your grace into a set of rules. Forgive me for not rejoicing more with those who rejoice and for not comforting those who have been wounded. Help me find the balance of Jesus in knowing your will about my religious life while responding to the needs of those around me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 5:8-10 NLT — "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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