John 5:1-16 | What's the lesson for me today?

As a pastor, I often read a lot of people's takes on different theological issues and the sort. It can be quite easy to get caught up in the weeds of theology and be largely informed by the popular consensus and simply go along with the theological status quo. Something that really stands out to me in this passage is that the majority did not share the same view with Jesus concerning the Sabbath. Rather, Jesus did not conform to their theology, but knew the Word Himself. It is a common thing to focus so heavily on not doing something that we become so restricted to the point that we will not effectively minister to people. Jesus runs into this issue regularly.

The reality is, Scripture is incredibly liberating. It is the enemy that wants us to focus upon how restricted we are in everything, but the Lord is so gracious to allow us to have what He does. We are not under the law or subjected to it. We are under grace. This does not mean that we are free to do whatever we want. Rather, we are free to walk in righteousness. This is what we see Jesus doing. I do not want to get so caught up in other's thoughts concerning what is right or wrong that I miss the point of the Scriptures. Rather, it is essential that I take Scripture myself and process through it that I may be an effective minister of the gospel of Christ.

If I am under grace, what does that enable me to do? I think of Titus 2 which says this,

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
-Titus 2:11-14

Grace teaches me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. So if I am walking according to grace as Christ did, I will not stray into sin. I can effectively minister without being constantly afraid of whether or not I will suddenly sin, or worry about whether or not those around me affirm of what I am doing. I can minister unto the Lord with a whole heart.

What lesson are you taking from this?