We realize you may not be able to discuss Discussion Questions all the questions. Pick the ones you like. Read John 5:1-16

Small Group Questions The earliest manuscripts do not include verse 4. Some translations, “Do You Want to Get Well?” however, include verse 4, or have a footnote about verse 4, which John 5:1-16 details why the invalid was at the . Verse 4 reads: For an went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up Previous message summary: The story of the official the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. from who came to is a story of faith, trust and believing in Jesus. After the official heard Jesus 2. John gives very specific information about where the say, “Go; your son will live,” the official had the choice to pool of Bethesda was located and what it looked believe the words of Jesus and return home, or stay and like. What specific details does John include? beg Jesus to go with him. The official trusted Jesus and a. What has archaeology uncovered about this took that first step towards home. Even though he had not pool? How does John’s specific detail about seen evidence of God at work, he believed what Jesus this pool speak to the accuracy of the ? told him, and as a result of his faith, all of his household b. What does the word Bethesda mean? believed. 3. Would a good Jew be found at this pool with the What we learned: When hardships and trials come into invalids? Why or why not? What does the fact that our lives, we have the opportunity to learn and grow close Jesus was at the pool talking with an invalid tell you to God through them. As we pray for relief and about the priorities of Jesus? deliverance from our trials, our faith in God helps us a. What do you know about the invalid man who understand that true belief is rooted in the fact that God is Jesus found laying by the pool? love, regardless of whether we are delivered from our trial b. What did the man know about Jesus? Did he or not. ask Jesus to heal him? Introduction 4. What did Jesus ask the man? Was this a silly question? What was Jesus’ purpose in asking this 1. What pleases God more? Which is easier? specific question? a. Loving people and showing mercy and grace to a. How did the man answer Jesus’ question? Do people in need, OR following a strict list of you think the man really wanted to be healed? man-made rules and regulations? b. If the man did want to be healed, how would b. Forgiving and loving those who have caused his healing affect his life? What kind of us hurt and pain, OR making sure that people changes would he have to make as a result of pay the price for the things they have done to being healed? cause us pain and grief? c. Do you know people who do not want to be c. Celebrating God’s work among us, OR healed or make difficult changes in their life? condemning those who break the rules? What would you tell them about the benefit of being healed and making changes? 5. What three commands does Jesus give this man as 9. Were the religious leaders of the first century more he heals him? Did the invalid man have a choice in concerned with legalistic rule keeping or seeing the the healing? work of God accomplished? Can this be a danger for st 6. What day of the week does this healing take place? us in the 21 century? Read verse 9b. What is the reaction of the “Jews” Challenge: This week look for opportunities to celebrate who are in the temple when they see this invalid of the work of God as it shows up in your life (family, friends, 38 years walking about? How would you have neighbors, co-workers, etc.). Don’t miss out on what God reacted? is doing because of a focus on man-made rules and ideas a. When the “Jews” confront the man and remind about what God can and can’t do. him that he is breaking law, what is his Action: Pray that God would lead you to invite someone reaction? Who does he shift the blame to? who needs to know the love of Jesus to be a part of our b. Does the man even know who had healed Easter celebration at Eagle Christian. Pray that you would him? Is this surprising or startling to you? be used by God to help someone answer the question, “Do you want to get well?” 7. When Jesus sees the man in the Temple, what does he say to the man? (Verse 14) Does Jesus indicate that the man’s infirmity was a result of sin? Next Steps: a. Is there something that is worse than living with G I will demonstrate a spirit of gratitude and a disease or infirmity? Read Matt 5:29-30. thankfulness for what God has done for me through b. When the healing takes place, does the man Jesus Christ. respond with belief in Jesus, or thank Jesus, or G Rather than playing with religion (legalistic law- praise to God? keeping), I will demonstrate Christ-like compassion. c. How does the man respond when he learns G I fully realize that I can not do “life” on my own, I that Jesus is the one who had healed him? need Jesus. (Verse 15) 8. When the man was healed, did the temple authorities (Jews) respond with celebration for the miracle that had been performed? How do the “Jews” respond to the miracle? a. Did Jesus actually break the law? What does the Old Testament teach about the Sabbath? Read Exodus 210:8-11; 31:12-17; Leviticus 23:3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15. b. What did Jesus teach about the Sabbath? (Mark 2:27-28) Did the Jewish religious leaders appreciate Jesus’ teaching about the Sabbath?