Summary
In this powerful exploration of John 5, we encounter a man who has been disabled for 38 years, waiting by the Pool of Bethesda for healing. This story challenges us to examine where we place our hope. Are we, like this man, putting our trust in others, religious rituals, or ourselves? These ‘false hopes’ often lead to disappointment. Instead, we’re called to place our hope in Jesus Christ, who offers true healing and wholeness. The passage reminds us that sometimes we grow comfortable in our brokenness, but Jesus invites us to ‘get up, pick up our mat, and walk.’ This isn’t just about physical healing, but about spiritual transformation and stepping into the new life Christ offers us. As we reflect on this, we’re challenged to consider: Where are we settling for less than God’s best in our lives? How can we move from merely coping with our struggles to truly overcoming them through Christ?
Icebreaker
Share a time when you put your hope in something or someone that ultimately disappointed you. How did that experience affect you?
Key Scripture
John 5:1-14
Key Takeaways from Sermon
Jesus seeks out those who are broken and offers healing and wholeness.
We often place our hope in false sources: others, religious rituals, or ourselves.
True hope and healing come from a relationship with Jesus, not from external factors.
The church is God’s strategy for helping hurting people.
Brokenness can teach us, but we’re not meant to stay there permanently.
Discussion Questions
The man in the story had been disabled for 38 years. What areas of your life have you grown accustomed to being “broken”?
Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to get well?” Why do you think Jesus asked this question? In what areas of your life might Jesus be asking you the same question?
The sermon mentioned three false hopes: others, religious rituals, and self. Which of these do you find yourself most often relying on instead of Jesus?
How can we as a church better embody being the “house of mercy” for those who are hurting in our community?
The pastor said, “Brokenness is a great place to visit. It’s not a great place to live.” How can we find the balance between learning from our brokenness and not getting stuck in it?
Like the Pharisees, are there any areas where you or others tend to look at the “letter of the law” instead of “the spirit of the law”?
Reflect on Romans 5:1-5. How does this passage encourage you in times of difficulty or disappointment?
Practical Applications
Identify an area of brokenness in your life where you’ve become complacent. Commit to praying daily this week for God’s healing and transformation in that area.
Write down three ways you can be a “house of mercy” to someone in need this week. Choose one to act on.
Memorize Romans 5:5: “This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any false hopes you’re clinging to. Ask for the strength to release those and put your hope fully in Jesus.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank you for being our true source of hope. Help us to recognize the areas where we’ve placed our trust in false hopes. Give us the courage to “get up, pick up our mat, and walk” in the new life you offer. Use us as your church to bring your mercy and healing to a hurting world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Verses
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for key themes:
Explicitly Mentioned:
- John 5:1-14 (main passage)
- Nehemiah (general reference to the walls of Jerusalem)
- Romans 10:9-10 (alluded to when discussing confession)
- Romans 5:1-5
Alluded to:
- Job (general reference to Job’s story)
- John 9:1-3 (Jesus healing the blind man)
- Ephesians 5:8 (walking as children of light)
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation)
Relevant verses for themes discussed:
- Psalm 121:1-2 (Where does my help come from?)
- Jeremiah 17:7 (Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord)
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart)
- Hebrews 13:8 (Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever)
- Isaiah 40:31 (Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength)
- Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)
- Matthew 11:28-30 (Come to me all who are weary)
- 1 Peter 5:7 (Cast all your anxieties on him)
- Psalm 46:1 (God is our refuge and strength)
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (God of all comfort)