<![CDATA[This article conducts a narrative analysis of John 5:1–47, which describes the healing of the sick at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath and the conflict that arose between the Jewish leaders and Jesus regarding Sabbath regulations, which then expanded to address Jesus’ authority and identity. Through a narrative approach, the article identifies the text’s intratextual unity, literary design, setting, characters (including Jesus as the protagonist), plot, and main themes. The narrative analysis reveals three main themes: the supremacy of Jesus’ power, the true knowledge of Jesus, and the relationship between Jesus and the Father. It concludes that the healing of the sick man demonstrates that God’s work must continue through Jesus, and that Jesus is God Himself. The narrator guides readers to recognize Jesus’ divinity and to choose whether to believe in or reject Him. The novelty of this study lies in a comprehensive analysis of the narrative development of John 5:1–47 as a unified whole, leading to the revelation of Jesus’ authority and identity. Previous studies have tended to focus on specific, fragmented sections (vv. 18, 19, or 19–47). This study is a qualitative, literature-based research employing a narrative critical approach.]]>
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