What is a good life (part 1)?
How would you describe a good life? Ask anyone in the world and they would have an answer that usually depends on things like money, comfort, accessibility, opportunities and/or love. But, what is the definitive answer? While the world can’t provide us with a definitive answer, the Bible shows us what a good life looks like based on the passage in John 5:1-15. What defines a good life?
A good life doesn’t come from our efforts (verses 1-5)
At that time, people living with disabilities were seen as social outcasts. They weren’t able to work like others or provide for their respective families, and it was considered a tremendous shame to be someone living with a disability. In an attempt to buck this shame, the invalid (like many others with physical ailments) came to Bethseda. They did so because of a rumour that the pool contained healing properties. However, for as long as the invalid had been coming to the pool, he couldn’t enter in on his own effort. Similarly, a good life is not because of our own efforts. Like the man experienced, it isn’t until Jesus enters the picture that we can have a taste of this good life.'
Questions:
What do you think a good life looks like?
Has there been a time in your life where you tried to set up a "good life" for yourself? If so, did it successfully lead to a satisfying outcome?
A good life comes from Him (verses 6-9)
Upon seeing the man, Jesus asks him the question, “Do you want to get well?” Instead of answering with a simple ‘yes’, the man tells Jesus why after all these years he hasn’t been able to get well. His fixation on the pool meant he was missing the point of Jesus’ question. Yet, Jesus went ahead and brought physical healing to this man, advising him to get up and walk. We see then that the man is finally able to get a taste of the good life- healing, restoration and transformation- independent of the pool. Instead, the taste of the good life is fully dependent on Jesus. What is impossible on our own, is possible with God and so we must acknowledge our limited understanding of a “good life” and be willing to submit to God’s definition of a good life. The good life can only come from him.
Questions:
What do you think the statement, "Jesus leads us to a good life" means?
Share a time when you were conflicted between doing what you wanted to do vs doing what God wanted you to do.
A good life doesn’t lead to regression but progression (verses 10-15)
When we trust in God’s vision for good, then we can truly lead a good life. However, the good life that God offers should lead to spiritual, emotional, and mental progress. The man was healed from his physical ailment but when questioned about picking up his mat on the Sabbath, he quickly went to defend himself and throw Jesus under the bus. Knowing this, Jesus warns him, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” Instead of progressing like we’d seen others do (for example, the blind man who had been healed by Jesus stood up for him against the Pharisees); the man regressed. While he experienced physical transformation, he didn’t experience a spiritual transformation within his heart. Whether we’re physically or spiritually healed by God, we can’t become complacent and fall back into sin. Hebrews 10:19-22 tells us,
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.
Are you living God’s definition of a good life? Have you so far been living up to your own definition of a good life? For those who have received God’s gift of spiritual and/or physical healing, let’s not abuse this gift. Let’s use it as the push we need towards faithfulness and holiness.
Questions:
How have you been complacent with your faith recently?
What are some ways you can progress in obedience this week?