Albert Barnes Commentary John 5:9

"And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day." — John 5:9 (ASV)

The Sabbath. To carry burdens on the Sabbath was forbidden in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 17:21; Nehemiah 13:15; Exodus 20:8–10).

If it is asked, then, why Jesus commanded a man to do on the Sabbath what was understood to be a violation of the day, it can be answered:

1. That the Son of man was Lord of the Sabbath, and had a right to declare what might be done, and even to dispense with a positive law of the Jews (Matthew 12:8; John 5:17).
2. This was a poor man, and Jesus directed him to secure his property.
3. The Jews extended the obligation of the Sabbath beyond what was intended by the appointment. They observed it superstitiously, and Jesus took every opportunity to convince them of their error, and to restore the day to its proper observance (Matthew 12:6–11; Luke 6:9; Luke 13:14; Luke 14:5). This method he took to show them what the law of God really permitted on that day, and that works of necessity and mercy were lawful.