If you’re short on prep time or just looking for some extra guidance, our weekly Leader Training is designed to help you lead your students through the week’s lesson.
This is the Leader Training for Session 7 of our Winter 2023 study of the Gospel of John, chapters 1–11 (suggested use date: January 15, 2023).
You can also download this week’s leader training in PDF format here.
Session 7: Lord over Sickness
Key Text: John 5:5-16
Central Truth:
Sometimes we can become so focused on the rules that we completely miss the One who made the rules. When Jesus miraculously healed a man who’d been paralyzed for decades, those who were present didn’t rejoice. They cared about the appearance of rule-keeping more than they cared about people. However, Jesus has compassion for the sick and authority over sickness.
Key Question:
What does it reveal about the Jews that they were more interested in this man’s “work” than in his healing?
The Sabbath was designed to be life-giving, so the healing Jesus offered on the Sabbath is completely consistent with God’s law. But the people missed it, choosing to care more about their interpretation of the law than a life-giving act of God. They thought they knew God because they’d studied God’s law, but they actually completely misunderstood His character. Unfortunately, we, too, are prone to care more about looking perfect than about people.
Keep in Mind:
— This passage describes a man who was disabled. Some may find this term offensive, because in today’s culture, we try to use words that celebrate what a person can do rather than label them by what they can’t. Try to find a way to exude compassion on this subject without downplaying the wonder of this miracle. This man needed healing, and Jesus offered it!
— Today’s text contains some evidence that the man who was healed did not believe in Jesus. This could open the door to some big questions, particularly as it relates to spiritual healing. It’s okay to engage with these questions, but you can also invite students to remember core truths we learned in John, such as in John 3:16-18, which makes it clear that eternal life is given to those who believe, not those who do not believe.
Application:
How have you seen legalism—depending on strict obedience to rules for salvation—hurt people?
The Win:
FOR THE STUDENT: Students can begin to explore what it looks like to cherish God’s law without overlooking God’s character. They can meditate primarily on who God is and let this inform how they live God’s law.
FOR THE LEADER: Be on the lookout for legalism within yourself, your church, your student ministry, and your students. Just like other sins, this will hurt people. What can you do to be an agent of healing?
Additional Helps:
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Listen to the weekly Lifeway Student Ministry Podcast for fresh perspectives on student ministry in today’s world. Hosted by Ben Trueblood, Director of Student Ministry at Lifeway, and produced by Nathan Howard, Project Coordinator for Lifeway Students.
Read our guide to creating a safer, more engaging environment for online Bible study.
Watch replays of our webinars for group leaders and teachers, hosted by Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s Director of Sunday School. These webinars are designed to help leaders build their confidence, strengthen their groups, and enhance their Bible studies.