What in the message most stood out to you? What do you think God is telling you through this message?
What are the things you usually do or plan to do on holidays?
How do you describe your ideal rest day?
WORD
“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?””- John 5:6 ESV (Read John 5:1-17 for context)
Jesus asked this to point to the man’s hope. Sabbath is putting your hope in God. True rest comes when you hope in God.
This healing also occurred on a sabbath. In those days Jews strictly held the sabbath. These men attained sabbath through religiosity and works. But Jesus comes and heals the man and tells him to pick up his mat.
Real rest comes when we allow God to work. We must stop performing and stop working.
APPLICATION
Was there a time when “tradition” or “religion” kept you from seeing Jesus? What instance led you to trust Jesus?
What areas in your life do you need to stop working on? What promises of God are you resting on today?
PRAYER
Thank God for giving us real rest and giving us victory through the finished work of Jesus at the cross. Pray for a heart that rests in Him in every circumstance.
Intercede for your family members and friends who have not received Christ as their Lord and Savior. Pray for opportunities to present the gospel to them, even this week.