Are you ready to be made new?

KEY VERSES

John 5:1-9 (NASB)

After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.

UNDERSTANDING

• Try to imagine the area around this pool. How do you think it would have looked, sounded, and smelled? Why did people come to this pool, day in and day out?

• If such a place existed today, what would make you want to go? What would make you want to take another person to a pool like this?

• In what sense do you have to come to Jesus with the same sort of mindset as the people who came to this pool, if you want to be made new? Why is that hard for many people?

• What does verse 5 tell you about this man? What are some reasons why God might let us sit in difficult circumstances far longer than we think we ought?

• What does it tell you about Jesus that He chose to go to the pool where many sick, desperate, and possibly misguided people hung out?

• Imagine you were at this pool and Jesus showed up. What would you ask Him to “fix” in your life? How do you think He would respond?

• Re-read the man’s response in verse 7. What does it tell us about his attitude?

• What does the fact that the man didn’t know who Jesus was before this encounter teach you about Jesus’ offer to make you completely new?

• What does this passage teach you about your ability to enact real, lasting change in your life?

• As pointed out in this week’s message, “Jesus meets us where we are, not where we wish we were...so that He gets all the glory.” In what situation does this truth encourage you personally? Why?

• Considering the fact that this pool was located next to the temple complex where worshipers came for all 38 years that this man needed help, how do you explain verse 7

• Read Matthew 5:16. How should Jesus change the life of every person who turns in faith to Him?

APPLICATION

• What needs to change in your life this week for you to live as one who Jesus has made completely new?

• What steps can you take to apply the changes Jesus has made in you—through His sacrifice on the cross—so that you do not go through life with your head down, but looking to help others change their lives?

• What do our corporate prayers as a group say about what types of changes we most want Jesus to make in us? In our prayers, how can we better reflect a desire for Jesus not to primarily change our circumstances, but to change us?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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