Watch
Before you watch the episode, ask folks to offer up highlights from Episode Three.
Discuss
To start your time of discussion, take a moment to read the Gospel passage at the heart of this episode: John 5:1-9.[BL1]
1. So often our first inclination is to look to some “pool” for healing—a person, a place, or even a thing. What are some “pools” you’ve looked to, and how have they failed you?
2. What are the “pools” of wider culture, and how do they fail us?
3. When you’ve looked to something other than Jesus for healing, what did it take for you to turn your eyes from that “pool” and lock them on Jesus? Was it a word from someone? A life-altering event of some type? A sermon or lesson?
4. Despite the healing you experience in Jesus, the temptation to look back to “pools” the next time you need healing is strong. How do you keep your eyes locked on Jesus?
5. People, places, and things that promise healing but never deliver it are always “calling” to us. Where do you see them calling to you each day, throughout your day, and what are some practical ways you can quiet—even silence—their call?
Pray
See the Discussion Guide for Season 2, Episode One for notes on our suggested approach to group prayer.[BL2]
Closing Question #1
If you were to offer a word of thanks to God for something that comforted you in this episode, what would it be?
Closing Question #2
If you were to ask God’s help in living life in a new way in light of this episode, how would you sum up this new way of life?