ACC ~ John 5 v6

JESUS’ MODESTY AND THE CITY’S CALLOUSNESS

AMPHILOCHIUS OF ICONIUM: Jesus asked, “Do you want to be made whole?” See his modesty here. He does not say, “Do you desire that I heal you,” for he did not want to make himself appear as someone great by making an announcement, as it were, of his miracles. And the [lame] man says, “I desire,” but “I do not have a man” [to help me]; for where there is no love, there is not even one person [to offer help]. And so, I also ask for this reason, [Jesus says]: not only so that you should know of my plan to make whole those who are sick, but also so that you might see the cruelty of those of the city who were well, because not only did no one give their hand to help you to the streams but they even treated you like an enemy when you asked [for help]. ORATION 9. [1]

[1] TLG 2112.10, 43-50.

JESUS’ QUESTION CONVEYS THE POWER TO HEAL

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: There is clear evidence of the great goodness of Christ in that he does not wait for entreaties from the sick but anticipates their request with his own loving kindness. See how he runs to the one who is lying down and how compassionate he is to one who was sick with no one to comfort him. But the inquiry as to whether he would like to be relieved from his infirmity was not that of one asking out of ignorance what was obvious, but of one stirring up an increased desire and diligent entreaty. The question as to whether he wanted to obtain what he longed for is huge. It has the kind of force and expression that conveys that Jesus has the power to give and is now ready to do so, only waiting for the request of the one who will receive this grace. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.5. [1]

[1] LF 43:237**.

Jn