JESUS IS THE WELL-SPRING OF LIFE

Text:    John 5:1-15; James 1:17

Theme: Human compassion originated with God.

I. Jesus is the Well –Spring of Life. (vs.1-10)

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. John 14:6

A. The people of Christ’ day believed that an angel of the Lord occasionally stirred the water in the pool giving it supernatural power.

1. Superstitions are false beliefs that attribute special powers to inanimate objects.

B. Supernatural power can only come from one of two sources.

1. God is the ultimate source of power that seeks to bring goodness to mankind.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

2. Satan poses limited power and is subject to God.

3. Satan uses his power to destroy mankind.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:10-12

C. Human compassionate services have their capital in Jesus.

II. The man healed did not recognize first that Jesus was the one that healed him. (vs. 11-13)

A. Most people do not recognize that the blessings they receive originate with God.

1. For most, it is “I” or “good luck” that brought their blessing.

a. Satan seeks to deceive you and rob God of the glory due him.

b. Arrogance and false pride or the results of believing Satan’s lies.

III. There are a few that will give God the Glory. (vs.15)

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

A. Jesus is the only source of life.