WEEK 13.7: Discussion questions below.
Faith Beyond Signs: The Second and Third Miracles of Jesus
In this episode, Nick and Jamie explore the second and third signs recorded in John's Gospel - the healing of the royal official's son (John 4:43-54) and the healing of the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). They discuss the contrast between the Samaritans (who believed without miracles) and the Galileans (who required signs to believe), highlighting how mature faith takes Jesus at his word rather than demanding proof. Key themes include: God's partnership with humanity where our small part unlocks His power, Jesus's restoration of wholeness beyond physical healing, and the development of listening practices that help us recognize God's guidance. The hosts also address the reality of chronic suffering, emphasizing that while God doesn't always heal in the way we expect, His presence remains with us in our pain. Next week's episode will examine the aftermath of Jesus healing on the Sabbath.
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:28 Miracles and Belief
01:11 Faith Without Signs
03:00 Jesus in Galilee
08:41 The Royal Official's Faith
14:43 Trusting Jesus' Word
23:57 Contemplative Practices and Faith
27:26 The Transformative Power of God's Presence
28:32 The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
29:39 The Man's Despair and Jesus' Compassion
30:47 The Missing Verse and Local Superstitions
32:36 Faith, Healing, and God's Grace
37:07 Jesus' Question and the Man's Response
40:28 The Gift of Faith and Healing
49:02 Listening to and Obeying Jesus
51:24 Final Takeaways and Encouragement
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JOURNAL PROMPTS / SMALL GROUP GUIDE
Read through John 4:43-5:9. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss some or all of the following questions:
- Nick and Jamie contrast the faith of the Samaritans (who believed without miracles) with the Galileans (who needed signs to believe). Where do you fall on this spectrum in your own spiritual journey? Do you tend to require "confirmations" before trusting God, or can you step out in faith on his word alone?
- The royal official had to choose between insisting Jesus come to his home or simply taking Jesus at his word that his son was healed. What situation in your life right now is asking you to trust Jesus' word rather than demanding visible proof before moving forward?
- The man at the pool had been stuck in his condition for 38 years and could only imagine one solution. Where might you be limiting God by insisting on your own solution rather than being open to his unexpected ways of working?
- Nick and Jamie discuss how all healing originates from God - whether through medicine, miraculous intervention, or other means. How have you experienced God's healing (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in your life, and how did that experience shape your faith?
- Jesus asks the man, "Do you want to get well?" - a question that goes deeper than physical healing to restoration of identity and purpose. What areas of your life might Jesus be asking this same question about, and what would genuine wholeness look like beyond just fixing the immediate problem?
End your time by taking a minute to listen to the Holy Spirit and prayerfully choose an “I will…” intention. One small, practical step you’ll take this week to put your learning into practice.
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SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways.
Bibliography
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All Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012) unless otherwise noted.
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