The Paralytic

Questions for Reflection

John 5

1. Where would you like to be made healthy and well (physically, emotionally, intellectually, relationally, etc.)?  What area might you need a miraculous healing?
2. How does the man feel his community has failed him (vs. 7)?  How might the five books of Moses, represented by the five columns, have fail the paralyzed man, just like the pool of water has?  What emotions rise up in us when we feel close to a fresh start and yet not be able to achieve it?  
3. How do the Jewish leaders respond to the healing (vs. 10-11, 16)?  What does this say about their priorities?  Are you like them in any way?
4. How did the man respond to Jesus’ healing (vs. 8-9, 15)?  What does this say about his trust in Jesus?  Can you be like him in any way?
5. The sabbath rest is still a command for us today.  What is the purpose of a sabbath?  What work do you need to rest from?  What “work” might you still do need to do on a sabbath?  Whom can you invite to hold you accountable to rest?