NT Fire Starters – Day 130: John 5:1-30

READ: John 5:1-30

THINK: A lot of people today talk about relating to God, but people cannot relate to God without receiving His Son, Jesus, who is himself God. The Father has entrusted all life, authority and judgment to His Son. If a person does not respond and relate to Jesus as the Forgiver of their sins and Leader of their life, it doesn’t matter what else they think or believe about God. According to His Word, no one can connect with God and experience eternal life apart from Jesus.

RESPOND: How is the account of Jesus healing the man at the pool encouraging? (See 5:5 note.) What can you learn about healing and faith from this situation? (See 5:9 note.) How will true followers of Jesus view the issue of sin in their own lives? (See 5:14 note.) Why did the religious leaders oppose, persecute and even seek to kill Jesus? (See 5:16 note.) What can you learn from Jesus’ example of dependence on His Father (v. 19)? What claims does Jesus make in verses 18-27 that show how He relates to and is equal with God the Father? (See 5:18-24 note.) What does it mean to truly “hear” and “believe” God’s Word? (See 5:24 note.) In what ways must a Christian continue to hear and believe? What does it mean that those who have eternal life will not be condemned? (See 5:24 note.) In what ways will they still be held accountable? What is the basis of God’s judgment of all people? (See 5:29 note.) Though our own efforts and works cannot save us spiritually, why are good works still important? What does it mean that Jesus has “life in himself,” and how does this relate to people experiencing real and eternal life? (See 5:26 note.) In what ways do people condemn themselves in how they relate to or respond to God? (See 5:29 note.)

PRAY: Pray for the healing of someone who has been ill or impaired for a long time. Ask God to expose any persistent sin in your life and to help you remove it promptly. Pray that you stay dependent on God for wisdom, guidance and strength in every aspect of life. Praise Jesus for His righteous life and judgment and for the fact that He is God.

ACT: Visit or contact the person you just prayed for, simply to see how they’re doing and to have casual conversation. Encourage them and let them know that you’re praying. Pray during your conversation if the individual is open to that.