Small Group Discussion Guide
Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda
Season 2 · Episode 4 - 6:33
How to introduce this clip
“In John 5, we meet a man who has been partially paralyzed for thirty-eight years. It surely goes without saying, but: he longed to be well. In the earliest years of his condition, perhaps he’d had family members or friends carry him from doctor to doctor, looking for healing. But—nothing. And then he heard of a mysterious pool down by the old Sheep Gate in Jerusalem. On occasion the waters would be stirred, and supposedly the first person to wade their way in would be healed. So, to the pool he was carried, and life everyday would have been as follows: eyes on the water; wait for movement; hope for healing. But—nothing. And then one day, suddenly, he finds himself laying in the shadow of Jesus, who now pointedly stands between him and the pool. Let’s watch this clip from The Chosen to see what happens next…”
*If your church does not know about The Chosen, before you show the clip, you might also want to tell them the following: “The Chosen is a television show that tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of the people who knew him.”
Discussion Questions
1. In the opening few seconds of the clip, the paralyzed man is surprised that Jesus is greeting him. He has been disregarded for so long that he is in disbelief when someone finally speaks to him. In what ways have you felt ignored?
2. This man has a long list of hurts and frustrations. Assuming you have experienced similar hurts, how would you feel if someone asked you, “Do you want to get well?” (Follow-up question: do you think it is cold or kind of Jesus to ask this question, and why?)
3. Assuming you have experienced similar hurts, how would you feel if someone offered an immediate solution to your troubles?
4. How have you been looking for answers, fulfillment, or even happiness in places other than Jesus?
5. Jesus asks this man to look directly in his eyes and tells him the pool means nothing. What unhelpful practices or habits do you return to because they are comfortable?
6. Simon Peter says to the man, “Everything changes now.” That is, Jesus makes everything different. In what ways are you still living in your old life? What steps can you take to eliminate old habits and turn completely to Jesus?