John 5 marks the start of a new section of stories, but John continues to point us to Jesus as Messiah. In this passage, we see Jesus talking about the Sabbath, but even more so: how He and the Father are one. It can be confusing and hard to understand, but the heart of Jesus’ words again point us to this: Jesus is True. Jesus is God. And He came bring to life.
For more information on this Bible study, go to FeastingOnTruth.com/biblestudy.
This week, I mentioned Stacey Thacker’s new book which released this week! I cannot say enough about this book. It combines two of my favorite things: God’s Word and prayer. Go to staceythacker.com/threadbare-prayer for more information.
If you’d like to purchase a study journal to go along with your study, they are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GVGCM12/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_iRiDFbVN55GTS
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GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What does this passage say?
What characteristics of God are displayed in this passage?
What did God draw your attention to this week?
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTER 5:
Read Matthew 11:25-30, 12:14 - What is this rest Jesus is talking about here? How is Jesus the Lord of the Sabbath? How does His coming redefine Sabbath? How should we treat Sabbath?
To help: Jesus is releasing them from the ritual and law of Sabbath - true rest for our souls is found in knowing our eternity is secure in Him - not in a works-based faith, but in grace and forgiveness. We do not have to carry that burden anymore. That then should affect how we Sabbath, why we Sabbath, and how we walk this out in day-to-day trust of Him.
Jesus continually puts people (healing people, reconciling people) over tradition and ritual. Where do we tend to put tradition (things that are religious in nature but not in scripture) over caring for and reconciling people to Him? Or what do we prioritize over God Himself?
Read Hebrews 2:1 - What is the difference between His Word abiding in us and us drifting? How do we protect ourselves from this happening?
WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE?
Our response isn’t always a “to do” - How is God calling you to respond to these truths this week?
Because God (or Jesus) is __________, I can _________.