Wednesday Bible Study - John 5

 This study reminds us that healing, faith, and understanding God’s Word require both willingness and an open heart to receive what God offers.

Bible Study Recap – Wednesday, March 11

Text: John 5
Division of the Text:

1. The Healing at Bethesda (John 5:1–15)

2. Jesus’ Authority and Unity with the Father (John 5:16–30)

3. The Four Witnesses About Jesus (John 5:31–47)

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1. The Healing at Bethesda (John 5:1–15)

We discussed why Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be made well?” before performing the miracle. This question shows that faith and willingness are essential for healing. Not everyone receives miracles in the same way, and Jesus works uniquely in each situation.

We described the man’s whole situation—his illness, isolation, and long-term paralysis—which helped us understand the depth of Jesus’ compassion and the significance of personal response to God’s intervention.

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2. Jesus’ Authority and Unity with the Father (John 5:16–30)

In this section, Jesus claims His authority to:

• Give eternal life (John 5:21)

• Raise the dead (John 5:28–29)

• Judge humanity (John 5:22, 27)

We explored how Jesus’ authority demonstrates His unity with the Father and the divine mission He carries out. This emphasizes that believing in Jesus is not just about miracles, but about trusting His authority over life and eternity.

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3. The Four Witnesses About Jesus (John 5:31–47)

Jesus points to four witnesses that testify about Him:

1. John the Baptist – testified of Jesus’ identity (John 5:33–35)

2. Jesus’ Works – the miracles and signs reveal God’s power (John 5:36)

3. The Father – God Himself bears witness (John 5:37)

4. The Scriptures – the Hebrew Scriptures point to Jesus (John 5:39–40)

Bible references for these witnesses:

• John 5:33–35 (John the Baptist)

• John 5:36 (Jesus’ Works)

• John 5:37 (The Father)

• John 5:39–47 (The Scriptures)

We emphasized the importance of trusting these testimonies as the foundation for faith in Jesus.

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Additional Reflections

• We discussed “old wine and new wine” in the Bible. The Pharisees represented the old skin unable to receive Jesus’ new teaching (doctrine). To receive what God offers, we need a transformed mind and heart, open to faith and new understanding.

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Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas of my life where I am comfortable in my “paralysis” instead of seeking healing from Jesus?

2. Do I rely more on religious rules, or do I have a living relationship with Jesus?

3. Do I truly trust the testimony of Scripture about Jesus?

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This study reminds us that healing, faith, and understanding God’s Word require both willingness and an open heart to receive what God offers.

By Rev. Marvel Souza

Next Bible Study

Our next Bible study will be on Wednesday at 5:00 PM in the Disciple Room at Jason Lee Memorial UMC. We hope to see you there as we continue to explore God’s Word together!