요한복음 5:1-18의 내러티브 읽기

A Narrative Reading of John 5:1-18 -Understanding the Identity of Jesus through the Characterization of the Crippled Man

The article explores the characterization of the crippled man in John 5:1-18. The portrayal or characterization of the crippled man is closely related to the overall plot of this healing narrative (John 5:1- 47). The article tries to investigate the sign of healing, the dialogue over the sign to understand the characterization of the crippled man in 5:1-18. The sign of healing is closely related to John's characterization of Jesus as God's divine agent to do God's work and that of the crippled man as a helpful clue to understand the identity of Jesus. The article focuses on the characterization of the crippled man by way of the dialogue with Jesus in the healing miracle (5:1-9). The man in some ways is identified with a representative or symbolic role as the Judeans. Furthermore, the man seems to reflect the disability of the suffering Judean multitude. The healing narrative will show his collaboration with the Judean authorities. Related to this man's characterization is the final vignette of the Sabbath controversy, which clearly demonstrates the disposition of the Judeans. The characterization of the man is negatively described. The article shows that although the man is now cured physically, he is not cured spiritually; his faith has not grown. Finally, the healing of the invalid man reflects God's involvement in this present world. To project the idea of Jesus' divinity, the man functions as a foil to demonstrate God's healing work on humanity. Jesus as the healer asks whether humanity is willing to be healthy, both directly and indirectly.