Sermon Discussion Guide 7-20-25

Sermon Discussion Guide
The Gospel of John | John 5:1-47

Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Read John 5:1-47 (you might want to break this up for multiple readers)

To believe Jesus is to believe he is the Son of God

• In verses 17–23, Jesus claims unity with the Father. Why do you think that was so provocative?
• Why is it so tempting to reduce Jesus to a good moral teacher or spiritual coach?
• The sermon mentioned a “direct” and “indirect” attack on Jesus’ divinity. Where do you see either happening today?

To believe Jesus is to believe he brings eternal life

• Read verse 24 again. What does it mean to have already “crossed over from death to life”?
• How does the healing at Bethesda serve as a sign of this deeper spiritual truth?
• Where in your own life have you experienced (or are you longing to experience) that kind of new life?

To believe Jesus is to surrender to him

• Contrast the healed man and the religious leaders. What do they each believe about Jesus?
• How can religious habits or rule-keeping blind us to Jesus today?
• What are some ways we try to stay in control—rather than surrendering to Jesus?
• Where is Jesus inviting you to surrender to him and trust him more deeply?

Closing Prayer