Scripture: John 5:15 (ESV) – “The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.”
After Jesus reveals Himself to the man in the temple, the man goes back to the religious authorities to tell them who healed him—Jesus. This may seem like a small detail, but it carries important weight. The man’s testimony now has a name attached to it: Jesus is the one who brought healing.
Martin Luther viewed moments like these as crucial in the life of faith. Even if the man didn’t fully understand all of who Jesus was, he now knew enough to speak His name. The man moves from passive recipient to active witness, and that is what the gospel does—it turns healed sinners into heralds of grace.
Still, some have questioned the man’s motives: was he grateful or fearful? Was he defending Jesus or trying to distance himself from Him before the hostile authorities? While the text doesn’t fully clarify, what we do know is this: Jesus’ name was now made known, and the attention of the religious leaders would soon turn to Him with greater intensity.
What matters most is that the man could no longer stay silent. Whether out of conviction, curiosity, or even pressure, he speaks the truth: Jesus healed me. And that is the foundation of all Christian witness—naming the One who found us, changed us, and gave us life.
Reflection Questions:
- What do you think motivated the man to tell the authorities that Jesus healed him?
- How does this verse challenge you to name Jesus openly in your life when others ask about the hope or help you’ve received?
- Are there moments when you’ve hesitated to give Jesus the credit publicly? What keeps you from speaking His name?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the healing and grace You’ve given us—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Give us courage to speak Your name boldly, not hiding what You have done. Let our lives be open testimonies to Your mercy, and use our words to point others to You. May we never take credit for what only You can do. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on John 5:15 and informed by Martin Luther’s reflections on witness, grace, and Christian confession.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 