Group Guide
This Week's City 7
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
Ice-Breaker
What was the last how-to video you looked up on YouTube? What's the last skill you picked up?
Discussion Questions
- In Chapter 9 we see a passing of the torch from Jesus to the 12. Obviously the One who created the universe in six days could have continued to minister effectively on his own. Instead, Jesus chose to multiply his ministry by using the 12 men whom he had called to be apostles. This basically became an internship that would prepare them to minister later on when he was gone. Practically speaking, we could all stand to learn something from this simple principle of passing the torch. When it comes to your children or employees or someone you have influence over, what are some things you can start to impart to them? What skill or value can you pass to someone else?
- Jesus sent out the 12, but he told them to take nothing with them. This was going to be a multiple day trip through several different villages, and they weren't to take food or a walking stick or even a change of clothes. Instead, they were to completely rely on God for everything they might need. Think about how scary that would be. We tend to figure things out on our own. We plan and prepare, and when things go sideways we try to fix it. But what if we, instead, prayed and trusted God? Talk about a time in your life when you trusted him in a situation and he totally came through.
- To KNOW Jesus is to FOLLOW Jesus. And to be a true follower, it means surrender. It means take up your cross and follow him. It's not a casual thing that happens once a week. It's not an addition to our lives. Really it's not even just a matter of priorities. It's your whole life. When it comes to where Jesus falls in YOUR life, is he somewhere in your list of priorities? Or is he the page that your list is written on? Describe the difference.
- To KNOW Jesus is to get UNCOMFORTABLE. Somehow we've gotten this idea that God wants us to be comfortable. He wants us to be wealthy and healthy and blessed. Of course! The problem is, you just don't see that in Scripture. In fact, every single faithful follower of Jesus suffered. Like a lot. God doesn't care about your comfort, he cares about your heart. The top two reasons kids decide not to go the mission fields to minister to unreached people groups are debt and PARENTS. Parents would rather their kids be comfortable and "successful" than be obedient to God's call on their lives. Our need for comfort is keeping the nations from hearing the Gospel. Talk a little about God not being concerned with our comfort. How does this differ from what you've been taught growing up? If your child came up to you and told you they thought God might be calling them to go minister somewhere in the Middle East, would you try to talk them out of it?
- To KNOW Jesus is the make Jesus KNOWN. In chapter 8 after Jesus delivered the man that was tormented with demons, the man desperately wanted to stay with Jesus. But Jesus sent the man away and told him to return to his home and tell people what had happened. The woman at the well ran into the village into a group of people that despised her and told them to come and see the one, true Messiah. Many are intimidated when it comes to sharing their faith. I think we can be encouraged by the disciples. Even though they had spent three years with Jesus, and 18 months being trained in ministry, they all abandoned Jesus in his time of need. They cowered in fear as he hung on the cross. But then these 12 regular guys, with no qualifications, turned the world upside down amidst intense persecution and opposition at every turn. What happened? The Holy Spirit. They were empowered and emboldened by the Spirit of God. That same Spirit is in us! How willing are you to share your faith with someone in your life? When was the last time? And who in your life right now needs what you have?
Prayer Topics
- That we would learn to trust God for all our needs.
- That we would live in total surrender.
- That we would be willing to be uncomfortable for Jesus.
- That we would be ready and willing to share Jesus wherever we go.
2 Comments
Amen! Thank you Lord!!!
Great bible study group! Thanks!