Sabbath Freedom Story in John 5

Story Walkthrough

Healing Pool (1-4) – Jesus visited a pool in Jerusalem where a local legend said an angel would touch the water, and whoever got to the water first was healed.

Drawings: The handicapped gathered at a pool (water) said to be blessed with divine healing powers (angel).

Simple Question (5-7) – Jesus asked a man who was sick for 38 years, “Do you want to get well?” The man didn’t answer his question, he just made up excuses.

Drawings: The sick man (man & mat) told Jesus (man & cross) that he never got to the water fast enough.

Sabbath Miracle (8-10) – Jesus told him to stand up, pick up his mat, and walk. He did! Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. The Law forbade any work on that day.

Drawings: Jesus told the man to stand up and walk (man, mat). He did! He was healed! (light & faith).

Greater Authority (11-15) – The local leaders rebuked the man for breaking the Law. They were angry at Jesus for performing a miracle on the Sabbath Day.

Drawings: Jesus (man & cross) proved he had greater authority (crown & staff) than the priests (leader).

Discipleship Activities

• Pray. Listen to the story. Draw the story.
• Practice telling the story with the drawings.
• Create your own drawings to illustrate the story.
• Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal his wisdom.
• Pray. What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do next?
• Go and tell the story to someone. Discuss the story.
• Make disciples. Teach others how to hear the Spirit.

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