Transforming Misery to Mercy

Sermon Recap

This week, Benton preached from John 5:1-15, where we will see misery transformed into a place for Gods mercy.

Part 1: His compassionate mercy moves to places of misery (John 5:1–7)

SEE IT (what is God saying?)

Why does Jesus love to help those who can’t help themselves?

• How do you see Jesus move toward someone in misery in this passage—not away from them like the religious leaders?

• Where in your own life have you experienced Jesus move toward you in your place of pain, weakness, or disappointment? What was that experience like?

BE IT (what is he calling you to do about it?)

• What is one “place of misery” in your life (internal or external) where you need to let Jesus come close instead of keeping Him at a distance?

• What would it look like for a community of believers to become a house of mercy for those in misery?

Part 2: Transformation comes when Jesus becomes your ultimate joy & reward (John 5:7–9)

SEE IT (what is God saying?):

• How does the man’s focus on the pool and people show he sees Jesus as a means, not the end?

• What are examples of reasons people come to church as a means to an end?

BE IT (what is he calling you to do about it?):

• What is one area where you have been asking Jesus to give you something, instead of asking Him to be your everything?

• What would it look like this week to seek Jesus as your joy, not just your means?

Part 3: Transforming misery into mercy means making Jesus not only Savior but Lord (John 5:10–15)

SEE IT (what is God saying?):

• After the healing, how does Jesus call the man into a new way of life, not just a new moment and what does that have to do with the Sabbath?

• What difference do you see between being saved and actually following?

• How does Jesus being Lord and your true rest begin to remove misery?

BE IT (what is he calling you to do about it?):

• What is one specific place you need to obey Jesus as Lord and not just Savior?

• What step of discipleship (action, trust, surrender) is Jesus inviting you into this week to create places of mercy where there was once misery?