EP066: John 5:1-15: Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
The Divine Council Worldview Podcast
Release Date: 07/13/2025
The Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the latter part of John 6, taking on the themes of forgiveness, the identity of Jesus, and the implications of his teachings on communion (they understand the concept of eating Jesus' flesh to be metaphorical for internalizing his teachings and life). They explore the complexities of forgiveness, and how this issue often lacks clear biblical answers to our modern questions. The conclude by discussing the significance of Jesus' claims about himself, and the reactions of his followers, culminating in a pivotal moment where many disciples turn away (6:66)....
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss two miracles recorded in John 6:1-40 (the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus' walking on the water), recommending that many who wanted Jesus to be a king misunderstood his primary concern that his followers become truly human in thought and action. The motivations behind seeking Jesus are noted as being complex and often misguided, though Jesus' patience in motivating ultimate commitment and loyalty are always present. The conversation also touches on the metaphor of Jesus as the bread of life and the promise of resurrection, setting the stage for future...
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the significance of Jesus' actions and speeches in John 5. The text leads them to discuss some of the necessary complexities of the Trinity, especially the relationship between the Father and the Son. They also talk about the role of good works in faith, noticing that the early church did not fear good works as it related to being loyal to God and Jesus. The beginning of the episode includes an appreciation for the legacy of John MacArthur, who had recently passed away. Ronn had worked under Dr. MacArthur at The Master's University in Newhall, CA in the...
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
Mel sits down with Chris and Heather at the first DCW Conference in Indiana to discuss their journey and how Dr. Michael Heiser’s work has reshaped their understanding of Scripture. They reflect on the power of exploring divine council theology and cosmic geography to deepen faith and bring clarity to the biblical narrative.
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer six questions sent in by listeners: 1) Can a DCW track alongside Reformed theology? 2) What did “salvation” mean to an ancient reader of the OT? From what or whom or where were they were being “saved”? 3) If the Law of Moses was given as a concession for Israel to realign pagan practices towards Yahweh, why does David emphasize the Law in the Psalms (19, 119)? 4) Should we note any differences in meaning for the two words translated as “sin” in the Greek NT (hamartia & parabasis)? 5) Is worship at stake in Torah observance, or strict...
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) What was the relationship between the human Jesus and his mother Mary during his earthly ministry? 2) What is the best argument against the thought that the divine council does not actually exist but is just a divine accommodation? 3) How does the grammar and syntax in Genesis 1:1-3 make the gap theory improbable if not impossible? 4) Does salvation deal with what you call "sin management"? 5) How should we think of Jews who worship Yahweh, but don’t believe that Jesus is God? Are they worshipping Yahweh?
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Is it proper to say that Christians worship two beings? Or are Jesus and the Father considered the same being? 2) Is Filipino tradition possibly similar to Chinese tradition when it comes to the worship of ancestors? 3) What exactly happens to my moral sins through Jesus’ suffering and death? Are they "forgiven" or "atoned," or both? 4) How does Jesus’ view of Torah relate to Jesus’ view of the Temple? 5) What are possible views pertaining to Yahweh's initial disinheriting of the nations and how that relates to...
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this moving episode, Mel and Rich explore Rich’s powerful journey into prison ministry, shedding light on the challenges, faith, and transformation he encountered along the way. He and Mel discuss the role of faith, the value of vulnerable male relationships, and the deep need for community within and beyond prison walls. Listeners are inspired to reflect on their own callings and the impact they can make through mentorship and ministry.
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) What are some DCW topics that could benefit from further scholarly attention? 2) Was Jacob's vow in Genesis 28:20 unique? 3) Was the mal’ak of Yahweh in the OT the pre-incarnate Jesus? 4) How should we understand human decision-making and God's sovereignty playing out together? 5) Were some of Jesus’ miracles uniquely “messianic” in nature, proving that he was God's predicted messiah?
info_outlineThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
In this episode, Ronn Mike Chu discuss the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). They describe how this story ultimately illustrates loyalty to the correct deity, as this pool had traditionally been understood to be dedicated to Asclepius, the Roman god of healing. Thus when Jesus cautioned the man to “sin no more” (5:14) he was warning the man to never appeal to another god for healing from that day forward. The episode concludes with a discussion of the implications of the Sabbath, as well and Jesus’ authority in relation to contemporary faith practices.
info_outlineIn this episode, Ronn Mike Chu discuss the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). They describe how this story ultimately illustrates loyalty to the correct deity, as this pool had traditionally been understood to be dedicated to Asclepius, the Roman god of healing. Thus when Jesus cautioned the man to “sin no more” (5:14) he was warning the man to never appeal to another god for healing from that day forward. The episode concludes with a discussion of the implications of the Sabbath, as well and Jesus’ authority in relation to contemporary faith practices.