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Second Feast in Jerusalem, ch. 5

After these things was a festival day of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem a pond, called Probatica, which in Hebrew is named Bethsaida, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered; waiting for the moving of the water. And an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water, was made whole, of whatsoever infirmity he lay under. And there was a certain man there, that had been eight and thirty years under his infirmity. Him when Jesus had seen lying, and knew that he had been now a long time, he saith to him: Wilt thou be made whole? The infirm man answered him: Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pond. For whilst I am coming, another goeth down before me. Jesus saith to him: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole: and he took up his bed, and walked. And it was the sabbath that day. The Jews therefore said to him that was healed: It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed. He answered them: He that made me whole, he said to me, Take up thy bed, and walk. They asked him therefore: Who is that man who said to thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? But he who was healed, knew not who it was; for Jesus went aside from the multitude standing in the place. Afterwards, Jesus findeth him in the temple, and saith to him: Behold thou art made whole: sin no more, lest some worse thing happen to thee. The man went his way, and told the Jews, that it was Jesus who had made him whole. Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath.

Looking into the Scripture

  1. Do you think the paralytic was really sick or playing sick?
    1. He was really sick
    2. He thought he was sick
    3. He was sick to avoid taking responsibility for his life
    4. He was sick, but it was in his mind
  2. Who do you think brought this man to the pool each morning?
    1. family and friends
    2. wife/children
    3. community volunteers
    4. people who felt sorry for him
  3. Why do you think this man wanted to go to the pool?
    1. to meet his buddies
    2. to be in a place of healing
    3. to be healed
    4. to get away from responsibility
  4. When Jesus asked him the question, Do you want to get well?, how would you paraphrase his answer?
    1. are you crazy? Would I be lying here for 38 years if I could walk?
    2. Oh, poor me! I'm really so helpless.
    3. Others that I rely on have failed me.
    4. I've been sick for so long that I don't think I can accept responsibility for my life.
  5. How would you paraphrase Jesus' reply?
    1. if you really want to get well, you can.
    2. Don't blame others for your problems
    3. I'm sick of your whining. Move it!
    4. Getting well may cost you your excuses. Are you willing to risk it?
  6. Do you think Jesus was being harsh or cruel with this man?
    1. yes
    2. no

My own Story

  1. Honestly, how many years have you been lying next to your healing place while manipulating others with your problems?
    1. now, wait a minute. I don't do that.
    2. not sure what you mean.
    3. I don't know how to get over my paralysis
    4. Quite a few
  2. What is your favourite excuse for avoiding responsibility in your life?
    1. I've got an inferiority complex
    2. My parents over protected me.
    3. I never get any breaks
    4. I've had a bad year
    5. The last time I tried, I failed.
    6. I don't have any support at home
    7. My church isn't going anywhere
    8. Nobody else will join me.
  3. If Jesus were to pass by your pool today, what would he say or do if he knew your deepest need at the moment?
    1. Stop and be with me.
    2. Ask me what's going on?
    3. Assure me that it's OK
    4. Put his arms around me.
    5. Tell me to get off my duff.
    6. Get me started in his 'Word'
    7. Lift me into the healing pool.
    8. Remove the thing that is crippling me.
    9. Help me to deal with the thing that is crippling me.
    10. Get me out of the situation I am in.
    11. Crack a few jokes.
    12. Throw away my crutches.
    13. Tell me he's proud to have me on his team.
    14. Pass on without saying a word.
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