[d]Group questions

1. Read John 5:1-15 as a group.

2. “Would you like to get well?” is a deep question Jesus asks in John 5. What does that question stir in you personally? Is there an area of your life where you’ve been stuck—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

3. Sometimes healing requires obedience before we feel ready. Can you think of a time when you had to obey God before you felt different? What was the result? What holds you back from that kind of step now?

4. The man at the pool gave excuses instead of answering Jesus directly. Where are you tempted to point to your circumstances—or someone else—as the reason you’re not healed or growing?

5. Jesus tells the man to pick up his mat and walk—no out clause, no turning back. What would it look like for you to “pick up your mat” and move forward in faith? Is there something you’ve been holding onto as a backup plan?

6. Some people are more comfortable with your brokenness than your healing. Have you experienced resistance from others when you began walking in freedom or obedience? How did that affect you, and how did you respond?