Through the Year with The Urantia Book: Week 7 of Year 5 "The Pool of Bethesda"

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For adult study: "The Pool of Bethesda"

The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, titled Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.

Paper 147:3
The Urantia Book

Waiting for the moving of the water

Students may read Paper 147:3

When Jesus was in Jerusalem, he went to the pool of Bethesda, which had five porches around it. There he saw the many sick and afflicted people who waited next to the pool. They believed that when the water in the pool stirred and bubbled, the first one who entered the pool would be healed. One man had lain by the pool for many years. That day, however, he listened intently when Jesus spoke. In response, he took up his bed and walked. This happened on the Sabbath day.

Discussion Questions

When Jesus healed someone, he often said, “Your faith has made you whole.” What does the phrase, “Take up your bed and walk,” tell us about healing? When people heard Jesus teach about God, they felt better in mind and body. Why?

For Teachers

Procedure for using the PDF handouts with a class of children, ages 8-12

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Additional reading:

Paper 91:9

Read about effective prayer and consider how points 1 and 2 relate to the Pool of Bethesda story.

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Re: Duty

130:6.4 ... Arise, young man! Say farewell to the life of cringing fear and fleeing cowardice. Hasten back to duty and live your life in the flesh as a son of God, ...

149:5.3 ... Although men owe a duty to themselves to make the best of their lives on earth, having thus sincerely exerted themselves, they should cheerfully accept their lot and exercise ingenuity in making the most of that which has fallen to their hands. ...

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John 5:1-9

New Testament reference

Easter 6C

Revised Common Lectionary

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Treasure-House of the Living Religions

Chapter 33—Duty—p.176

Perform all thy duties with thy hands.
But let thy heart be with God. (Sikhism)

Thus you will keep a sound body and a sound mind.

Fulfill your duties,
and work out your alloted span. (Taoism)

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