Episode 273
John 5:10–12 — When Obedience Offends (Daily Devotional Podcast)
March 7th, 2026
6 mins 41 secs
Season 5
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About this Episode
We listen in as the healed man from the pool of Bethesda is confronted by religious leaders in John 5:10–12 (NLT). Instead of celebrating his healing, they criticize him for carrying his mat on the Sabbath.
🎯Today, we reflect on how easy it is to focus on rules and miss the miracle—and how obedience to Jesus sometimes offends the expectations of others.
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Transcript
Episode 66 — John 5:10–12 — When Obedience Offends
Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s an honor to be here with you today. Today is March 7. Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise. Let’s begin.
Slow Down Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him. You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Father, I’m here.” As you exhale, pray: “Speak to me.” Repeat this three times, then rest in His presence.
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Read so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded. (John 5:10–12, NLT)
Notice What catches your attention? Is it “You can’t work on the Sabbath,” the man’s simple reply, or the question, “Who said such a thing as that?” Let one phrase stay with you.
Reread Picture the healed man walking for the first time in years, still holding his mat, and then being confronted instead of celebrated. Meditate The man has just experienced a miracle—after decades of sickness, he’s walking. But the first response he gets from the religious leaders is not joy. It’s a rule: “You can’t work on the Sabbath.” They focus on the mat, not the miracle. On the violation, not the healing. They ask “Who said such a thing?” but not with curiosity—more with suspicion and accusation. The healed man’s answer is simple: “The man who healed me told me…” His obedience is rooted in trust. He’s doing what the One who changed his life told him to do. Sometimes obedience to Jesus won’t make sense to everyone around us. It may even offend people who are more focused on rules than on the life Jesus is bringing. Take a moment to reflect on this question: Where might Jesus be asking me to obey Him, even if others don’t fully understand?
Respond Jesus, thank You that Your word brings life. Forgive me for the times I’ve cared more about appearances and rules than about Your transforming work. Give me courage to obey You, even when others don’t “get it.”
Exercise The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits. Habit: Tell Someone What Jesus Has Done Today, look for an opportunity to tell someone one simple way Jesus has impacted your life recently. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—maybe how He’s given you peace, helped you forgive, or met you in Scripture. Keep it short, honest, and gentle, and silently pray: “Jesus, use this to point them toward You.”
Thank you so much for listening to the 2 Minute Disciple Podcast and for making this part of your time with Jesus. We are well into our yearlong journey through His life, and my prayer is that these moments are drawing you closer to Him. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, would you consider supporting it—either by becoming a VIP supporter or by leaving a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform? Your support helps others discover this journey with Jesus as well.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today. Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it. Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.