YOUR NOVEMBER 2023 SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES

Free Subscribers can access their study directly below. Paid subscribers — scroll down the page to access the entire month’s studies. There are four studies this month.

November 2023 Study #1

Small Group Bible Study: John 5:1-14

Open It:

Icebreaker Question: Have you ever experienced a sudden change that you couldn't fully explain to others? How did people react?

Dig Into It:

1. How does the inclusion of verse 15, where the man identifies Jesus as his healer to the Jewish leaders, change or deepen our understanding of the narrative? How does this relate to other biblical stories where people were questioned after a miracle, such as the blind man in John 9?

2. Why is the man's immediate obedience to "pick up your mat and walk" (v. 8) significant? Are there other instances where immediate obedience resulted in miracles, like Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:28-33?

3. Jesus heals this man on the Sabbath. What message is Jesus sending about the nature of the Sabbath, and how does this correlate with other Sabbath healings like the one in Mark 3:1-6?

4. Verse 14 suggests that sin may have played a role in the man's condition. How should we understand the relationship between sin and suffering, especially in light of passages like James 5:14-16?

5. Jesus performs this miracle during a Jewish feast (v. 1). What's the significance of the timing, and are there other instances where Jesus performs signs during Jewish feasts, like in John 2:13-22?

Reflect On It:

1. How would you react if you were questioned about a personal, transformative experience with God? Would you be as bold as the healed man in proclaiming Jesus?

2. Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to immediate obedience? What's holding you back?

3. How does your understanding of the Sabbath align with the merciful and compassionate character of God displayed in this story?

4. Do you find it challenging to discuss the relationship between sin and suffering in a sensitive and theologically sound manner?

5. Are there specific times or settings where you are particularly open to witnessing God's miraculous work?

Pray About It:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word that continually challenges and enriches us. Grant us the courage to be bold in our testimony, the wisdom to understand Your teachings, and the faith to obey immediately when You call. May we always be open to Your miraculous works, irrespective of time or place. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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