GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: We all need some kind of healing, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. But how do we get it? The strategies we try often don’t work, or at least they don’t work long-term. In this story of Jesus healing a disabled man, we see three significant truths about finding healing, and we get a taste of God’s long term plans to make everything new.
Main Points:
Jesus is attentive and compassionate towards our needs (1-5).
Jesus has authority to heal us and invites a faith response (6-9a).
Jesus is ultra-clear that his mission is to reconcile us to God (9-15).
On-Ramps:
Be honest. Are the ways that you’re trying to get better going to work long term?
Get humble. Are you willing to ask God to help?
Take courage. What is the next active faith step for you?
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Re-read the three things Jesus says in this passage (v6, 8, 14). What do these things reveal about Jesus’ intentions?
We also see the man saying a number of things (v7, 11, 15). What do these things reveal about the man’s perspective?
Name a number of ways that people in our society search for “healing,” whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Consider different examples of (1) religion / following the rules, (2) superstition / mystical experiences, (3) independence / freedom / rebellion. As you consider specific examples, what are some ways that these pursuits “work”? What are ways that they fall short?
How do you think communities of followers of Jesus could be more effective in caring for the sick, whether through medical or supernatural ways?
Do you have any positive stories of God’s healing in your life or the life of someone you care about? What about stories where God has not brought healing, but you have seen good things come out of difficult times? How do these experiences affect your perspective on the topic of healing?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: John 5:16-47
