Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 5:30-47), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [40] “You refuse to come to me that you may have life.” Jesus is speaking to very “religious” people, but these words apply to a much broader audience: anyone who has a fundamental commitment to resist Jesus. Why do we resist clear testimony about Jesus? Do you know anyone in particular who obviously doesn’t believe in Christ because they refuse to believe? How do you engage with these people? How is Jesus engaging with these people in this passage?

• [37-40] The Scriptures are the Father’s testimony about the Son (through the Spirit’s inspiration of the biblical writers). Apparently it’s quite possible to be serious students of the Scriptures, yet not hear God’s voice in them. Does this concern you? Why do you read the Bible? Why should you read the Bible? How should you pray as you read the Bible?

• [30, 41] Jesus is submissive and deferential, which means that we are to understand both divine and human nature to be submissive and deferential. How does that make you feel about him? About yourself? About eternity? About your present relationships? What does it mean to come to this Jesus for life?