START HERE
(Table leaders: choose 1–2)
- What stood out to you from tonight?
- What was your gut reaction to Jesus asking a sick man, "do you want to get well?"
- Where have you seen someone hold onto an excuse longer than the situation actually required?
- What's something from this passage you'd want to know more about?
GO DEEPER
(Table leaders: choose 1–2 if time allows)
- Why do you think Jesus asked the question instead of just healing him right away?
- What do you make of the man's answer — he explained his situation instead of just saying yes?
- What's the difference between wanting something to change and actually wanting it to change?
- The religious leaders were more concerned about the Sabbath rule than the man's healing. Where have you seen people miss something important because they were focused on the wrong detail?
- What about this passage is easy for you to believe... and what's harder? (A man healed instantly after thirty-eight years is a big claim — what's your honest reaction to that part of the story?)
- If Jesus asked you that same question tonight — about something specific in your life — what would your honest answer be?
NEXT STEP
(Table leaders: choose 1 before you end)
- What's one thing you've been explaining instead of actually changing?
- Is there a "system" you've been relying on that hasn't actually worked, that you could let go of?
- Is there anything from tonight you want to keep thinking about this week?
Optional: "Before you leave, is there anything your table can pray with you about?"