THAT TIME JESUS CHOSE TO BE ANONYMOUS (the Miracle) John 5:1-15 THREE STUNNING CHARACTERISTICS OF JESUS (the Meaning) -> that rescues us from a world of powerlessness John 5:1-9a Feeling powerless against… The lottery of The places we feel -> that liberates us from religious legalism John 5:9b-13 Legalism like… Oppressive Neglected -> that redirects us into a new life with Him John 5:14-15 Grace for… When we are When we are Questions for Further Reflection & Discussion Have you ever been helped by someone who didn’t know who you were or by someone you didn’t recognize at first? What happened? Did you ever find out who they were? Read John 5:1-9. Jesus sees a man who has been disabled for 38 years. What stands out to you about Jesus’ approach to him? What surprises you? Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?” (v. 6). Why might Jesus ask a question with such an obvious answer? What might the question reveal about the man ... or about us? Jesus heals one person among many who were suffering (vv. 3-9). What does this encounter reveal about Jesus’ compassion? How do you respond when God seems to help someone else while your own situation remains unchanged? When the religious leaders confront the man about carrying his mat on the Sabbath (vv. 9-13), they focus on the rule rather than the miracle. When can following rules or maintaining our religious routines cause us to miss what God is doing? Jesus later finds the man at the temple (vv. 14-15). Why do you think Jesus seeks him out after the healing? What might it mean that Jesus wants more for this man than physical healing alone? Where do you feel stuck right now (a circumstance, a habit, or a situation you can’t seem to change)? What would it look like for you to recognize Jesus meeting you in that place? Jesus was initially anonymous to the man, yet Jesus saw him. How does that truth encourage you when God seems quiet or you can’t see what He’s doing? What is one step of trust you could take this week? Take a few minutes to share prayer requests. As you pray for one another. And pray not only for changed circumstances, but also for a deeper trust in the One who sees us, meets us, and calls us into new life.