Tuesday, March 3, 2009

John 5:1-18

Link to text: John 5:1-18

Crushed Ice
1. When you are sick, what are you like? Oscar the Grouch? Superman? Rip Van Winkle?

Discussion
v. 1-6
1. Describe what it must be like to suffer with a problem or illness for 38 years? What sort of outlook would someone like that have?
2. Why did Jesus have compassion for this man?
3. In what ways does the suffering man represent all of humanity?
4. Why does Jesus ask him, “Do you want to get well?” How is this question relevant for anyone suffering with a problem or issue?
5. What did the man hope Jesus might do?
6. Describe a time when you would have (or know someone who would have) said “Yes” or “No” in response to the question Jesus asked.

v. 7-11
7. What was the man’s response to Jesus’ question? How does that compare to the types of answers or excuses we give when we have problems?
8. Jesus tells him do 3 three things: “Get up,” “pick up your mat,” and “walk.” Discuss the relevance of each in a physical restoration (ie. physical healing), emotional restoration, and a spiritual restoration?
9. Right away the man meets opposition (v 10). Again, how is this relevant to physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration?
10. Why does God allow opposition into our lives when we are trying to do the right thing?
11. What is the Sabbath and for whose benefit is it? (see Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13-14; Mark 2:27)
12. Was the man really breaking the Commandment about keeping the Sabbath when he was carrying his mat?
13. Why was the Jewish interpretation more specific and legalistic than what the Bible actually says?

v. 12-15
14. The man admits he did not know who had healed him. Why did Jesus not reveal himself to the man and instead “slip away into the crowd?”
15. The man had faith even though he did not fully have a complete knowledge of Jesus. What can we learn from that as we consider faith in Jesus or know others who are considering faith?
16. What can you infer in knowing that Jesus found the man?
17. Why was Jesus looking for the man?
18. What can you assume in knowing that Jesus found him at the temple?
19. When Jesus told the man, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you,” was he threatening him?
20. How do you think the leaders responded to the healed man’s testimony (v 15)?

v. 16-18
21. Seven times Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Why would he do that if he knew he would get in trouble with the Jews?
22. Was Jesus violating the law by healing on the Sabbath? If so, how can Jesus get away with that and still claim he fulfilled the law and didn’t sin?
23. What is the “work” Jesus refers to that he and his Father are doing? (v. 17)
24. When you boil down all the 10 Commandments, what is the summary? (Luke 10:27)

Bottom Line Point(s):
1. New faith does not require a complete knowledge of Jesus.
2. Steps to active restoration: Start. Take responsibility for what is yours. Move forward.
3. The Sabbath is not a legalistic rule to please God, but a loving commandment designed to help you honor your own well-being, your family, and God.
4. Sabbath: Uncluttered time and space to distance ourselves from the frenzy of our own activities so we can see what God has been and is doing. If we do not quit work for one day a week we take ourselves far too seriously. Sabbath-keeping: Quieting the internal noise so we hear the still small voice of our Lord. Removing the distractions of pride so we discern the presence of Christ. -- EUGENE PETERSON

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?
1. What ailments (physical or spiritual) do you need Jesus to treat in your life? Are you trying to be “healed” without Christ? What responsibility are you willing to carry to prove your willingness?
2. If Jesus were to drop in on you today, what would he ask you?
a. “Do you want to get well?”
b. “What are you doing with your life?”
c. “Are you satisfied with your life?”
d. “Are you looking for the real thing?”
e. “When will you quit complaining and be content?”
3. Do you have Jesus’ compassion so that you deliberately seek out lonely, helpless, suffering people and offer his healing to them?
4. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
5. What are some ways you can observe a day of rest in keeping with the spirit of God’s commandment?
6. Whether you are the person with a problem, or are in a position to help someone, the first step is to take action.
7. On the Sabbath, ask yourself: “When I work, am I working for God? When I rest, am I resting for God? Does my resting refresh me for work? How does my time of rest include devotion to God? How well do I understand that one person’s work is another person’s rest?” (example: gardening)

Bibliography
1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"
2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"
3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"
4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”
5. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”

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