Arise and Walk! A Theological Reflection on the Healing of the Lame Man at Bethesda in John 5:1-9c and Lessons for Nigeria

Abstract

Healing the sick is a sign of the messianic times which is seen manifested and fullled in Jesus Christ (cf. Is 35:5-6; 61:1; Lk. 4:18-19). The healing of the lame man in John 5:1-9c and the controversy and discourse that follow show Jesus' relationship with the Father and reveal what the Father does in and through him. This healing shows the power of God at work in and through him who was always moved with compassion to attend to the needs of the people. Jesus Christ, being the son of God does what he sees the father doing (cf. Jn 5:19). The paper does an exegetical and theological analysis of the text of John 5:1-9c; the governing exegetical method in this paper is, rstly, the New Literary Criticism which interprets the text exclusively within itself. Secondly, it is also a contextual study, taking into consideration the Nigerian and African present situation. The precarious situation in Nigeria as well as other African countries calls for serious attention and action. The paper concludes that the text of John 5:1-9c is relevant to the Nigerian situation and when used and applied well, it will increase the condence of Nigerians and Africans as a whole in achieving their potentials and proffer a path towards the attainment of growth and development.