READ TOGETHER:

John 5:1-15

DISCUSS:

• Who are some of the hardest types of people for you to love, reach out to, and care for? Why?
• Why did Jesus ask the man if he wanted to be healed? Do you think the man wanted to be healed? Did this man's healing depend on any effort or desire on his part?
• Why did the Jewish religious leaders (Pharisees) scold the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath? Did the man actually break the Sabbath law? Whose law had the man really broken?
• For what possible reasons did Jesus tell the man to carry his mat? How was the negative reaction from the Pharisees the beginning of the movement that would end with Jesus' death on the cross?
• Discuss how this passage is a picture of the Gospel. How does this passage encourage you to declare and demonstrate the gospel in your community and spheres of influence?

PRAY:

• Pray that you show someone the practical love of Jesus.
• Pray for The Ridge and our community for increased trust and belief in the transforming power of Christ.

PRACTICE (on your own):

Below are some practical ways to move toward a stronger faith.

1. Have confidence that Jesus can heal both physically and spiritually.
2. Show compassion by identifying ways you can minister to others who are lost and suffering.

DIVE DEEPER (on your own):

• Why did Jesus care for the lame man's physical need before his spiritual need?
• Read Matthew 25:40-45, James 1:26-27, Zechariah 7:8-14, and Psalm 146:5-10.

Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!