Dive into this John 5 Bible study and discover what itโs like to meet Jesus by the pool. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unpack this story of Jesus healing a man by the pool. Listen for the questions Jesus may ask you through this story that reveal something deeper about yourself. You can complete this Bible study individually or with a group.
John 5 Bible Study
Read through John 5:1-15 once before going deeper into each section of this Scripture.
Pool of Bethesda
Read John 5:1-5 and then answer the reflection questions below.
- What do we learn from these verses about when and where this scene took place?
- Describe this community pool scene in your own words. Imagine with your senses what this scene would have been like: sights, sounds, smells, etc.
- When in your life have you felt stuck and can relate to this man who has been waiting for his life to change for 38 years?
Dive Deeper: Read Nehemiah 3:1 about the rebuilding of the Sheep Gate. Also, depending on your Bible translation, there may be a note for John 5:4 that gives more details about the pool of Bethesda. Use a Bible dictionary or commentary for more background info about Bethesda and this pool that may give you deeper insight into this story from John 5.
Jesus Heals the Man by the Pool
Read John 5:6-8 and then answer the reflection questions below.
- What does verse 6 say about Jesusโ reasoning for His question before healing the man by the pool?
- How does the man respond to Jesusโ question and then what happens in verse 8?
- What words or phrases does the Holy Spirit highlight for you in these verses?
- Imagine yourself by the pool. Jesus approaches you and asks, โDo you want to live fully?โ As this conversation between you and Jesus continues, are there other questions He asks you? What do your answers to these questions reveal? Use this conversation as a starting point for prayer.
Dive Deeper: Read John 10:10-15 and Psalm 23. Explore how The Good Shepherd invites you into abundant living.
Who is this Healer by the Pool in John 5?
Read John 5:9-15 and then answer the reflection questions below.
- What was significant about the day on which this miracle took place and how did this impact the man by the pool who was healed?
- How does the healed manโs response to the religious leaders reveal who/what he is more apt to follow?
Dive Deeper: Read Luke 5:17-26 and compare these two scenes. What do you notice about the conversations Jesus had with the religious leaders alongside these healings? What insight do you discover when you hold both of these stories?
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He is still a healer and he really wants our best. Thank you Lord
Why does Jesus ask? What do you want, knowing that he wanted to be healed. And does he ask us the same question. What do you want me to do?
In John 5:14, Jesus tells the healed man not to sin anymore so that something worse doesnโt happen to him. Is this implying that sin put him into his previous state?