Baptism Sunday

Preacher: Justin Matthews

Worship:
This week, listen to “None But Jesus” by Hillsong UNITED. This song expresses that in all that we face, there is no one who is for us in the way that Jesus is. As you listen, reflect on how Jesus meets you where you are, as well as provides all that you may need and more.

Check-in:
This past Baptism Sunday, we celebrated many people who publicly declared their love for Jesus. What was something that encouraged you from all of the stories of life change that were shared during the service?

Synopsis of message:
This week’s message was centered around how baptism represents a significant step in a person’s discipleship journey with Jesus. The message centers on John 5:1–9, where Jesus heals a man who had been paralysed for 38 years by the pool of Bethesda. This story serves as the foundation for three spiritual truths that are applicable to everyone:

1. Jesus meets you where you are:
   • Jesus approaches the man instead of waiting for the man to come to Him. Similarly, Jesus meets us in our struggles, brokenness and helplessness.
   • We don’t need to fix ourselves before Jesus is willing to meet us. He comes to us first.
2. Jesus answers more than the prayers we pray:
   • The man hoped only to get into the pool for healing, but Jesus offered something far greater. In the same way, sometimes our prayers are limited by our understanding or disappointments.
   • Jesus knows what we truly need and often exceeds our expectations.
3. Jesus gives you purpose:
   • Jesus not only heals the man but tells him to stand, pick up his mat and walk – signifying a new direction and purpose.
   • Baptism is not the end but the beginning of a new life with Jesus; it is a declaration of transformation and the start of a purposeful journey.

Discussion Questions:

1. Jesus meets you where you are:
   • Can you share a time when you felt Jesus met you exactly where you were, even in a difficult place?
   • Why do you think it’s hard for us to believe that Jesus wants to meet us in our brokenness, not after we’ve “fixed” ourselves?
   • What are some “pools” (false hopes or temporary fixes) people turn to today when they feel stuck? Have you relied on any of these before?
2. Jesus answers more than the prayers we pray:
   • Have you ever prayed for something and felt like God didn’t answer – only to later realise that He had a better plan? Share this experience with the group.
   • What’s the difference between praying out of desperation versus praying with hope? Which one are you closer to right now?
   • How do you personally cultivate your trust in God when your specific prayers seem unanswered?
3. Jesus gives you purpose:
   • What does living with purpose look like for you right now? Are there areas where you’re still waiting for clarity or healing?
4. Living it out:
   • Imagine that Jesus asked you today, “Do you want to get well?” How would you respond?

Check-out:
Is there anything holding you back from fully responding to Jesus’ invitation? What step could you take this week toward healing, purpose or faith?

Additional Resources:

• Read: Romans 5:6, 8; 2 Corinthians 5:17–18
• Optional devotional: “Made For More: Finding Freedom In Christ” (YouVersion)