John 5:8

Jesus saith, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk A strange command to be given to an impotent man, that had been long disabled; but this divine word was to be the vehicle of a divine power; it was a command to the disease to be gone, to nature to be strong. But it is expressed as a command to him to exert himself. He must rise and walk, that is, attempt to do so, and, in the essay, he shall receive strength. Thus the conversion of a sinner is the cure of a chronical disease, and is ordinarily effected by the word, a word of command; arise and walk; turn and live; make ye a new heart: but this no more supposes a power in us to obey such commands, without the grace of God, than these words of Christ supposed such a power in the impotent man. But if he had not attempted to help himself, he would not have been cured, but must have borne the blame of his continuing to be weak and helpless. Christ commanded him to take up his bed, 1st, That it might be evident a perfect cure was wrought, and that miraculously; for the man did not recover strength by degrees, but from the extremity of weakness, he suddenly stepped into the highest degree of bodily strength; so that he was able to carry as great a load as any porter, who had been as long used to carry burdens as he had been unaccustomed to any thing of the kind. 2d, Christ intended hereby to proclaim the cure, and make it public: for as it was the sabbath day, by carrying a burden through the streets he made himself very remarkable, and every one would inquire why he did it, by which means the notice of the miracle would spread, to the honour of God. 3d, Christ intended thus to witness against the traditions of the elders, who had stretched the law of the sabbath beyond its intention; and likewise to show, that he was Lord of the sabbath, and had power to make what alterations he pleased respecting it, and to overrule the law. The case may be such, that it may become a work of necessity, or mercy, to carry a bed on the sabbath day; but here it was more; it was a work of piety, being designed purely for the glory of God. 4th, He meant hereby to try the faith and obedience of his patient, who, by carrying his bed, would publicly expose himself to the censure of the ecclesiastical court, and become liable, at least, to be scourged in the synagogue. Now will he venture to subject himself to this reproach and suffering in obedience to Christ? Yes, he will. Those that have been healed by Christ's word, ought to be ruled by his word, whatever it may cost them.