Get Up and Walk
Introduction
Life can leave us feeling weary, discouraged, and searching for hope. In John 5, we see that Jesus meets us in our brokenness, sees us with compassion, and offers the healing and hope only He can give. Discover the encouragement found in trusting Christ and walking in the new life He desires for each of us.
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. Jesus Sees the Forgotten. John 5:1-5
· If we want to see Jesus, we need to stop looking at the pool of our false beliefs and look up to the one standing at our side.
II. Jesus Restores the Willing. John 5:6-9
· Jesus can only bring healing into your life if you are willing to obey.
III. Jesus Confronts the Hardened. John 5:10-17
· When we become victims of our own victimhood, we will begin to replace the truth of God with something else.
Study Questions
1. What is a family superstition or "old wives' tale" you grew up hearing, and how old were you when you realized it wasn't actually true?
2. Read John 5:1–5. What stands out to you about the setting around the pool? How does the raw desperation of the people there help us understand the specific man Jesus notices?
3. Read John 5:6–9. Why do you think Jesus asks the question, “Do you want to get well?” before doing anything else? What does the man’s indirect answer reveal about his heart?
4. The man did three important things when Jesus spoke to him: He responded. He confessed. And he obeyed. Which of those three is hardest for you to do when you are discouraged, frustrated, or spiritually stuck?
5. Read Mark 9:23–24. The man at the pool "trauma dumps" his despair instead of giving a perfect answer, much like the father who cries, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” Why is honesty before God so important to the healing process? How does God meet us where we are, even in our unbelief?
6. Read John 5:10-17. Why did the religious leaders have such hardened hearts? What are some practical warning signs that religion, control, criticism, or past trauma have hardened us from seeing work of God?
7. CALL TO ACTION: Memorize: John 5:8. Share with a trusted friend or your small group the specific "pool" of false beliefs you have been staring at instead of looking up at Jesus. Identify one area where you have been waiting around for circumstances to change and take a step of obedience to "get up and walk."