These questions are connected to the message, “Goodbye to Label Makers” from Oct. 10, 2021. You can watch it here.
Dive In: Read this passage slowly (Luke 7:36-50) in an unfamiliar translation of the Bible (e.g. New Living Translation or The Message). When you soak in this passage, what stands out to you? What emotions arise within you? Is there a phrase or comment that strikes you?
- Daniel began the message by asking: “Who are you?” It’s an identity question. Do you, like so many of us, identify yourself with what you do — your vocation? Have you ever had a kind of ‘crisis of identity’ when your role has changed?
- Are you still living with a label or haunted by words that were spoken, even inadvertently, over you from a long time ago? How has growing in Jesus helped you to overcome that?
- Have you ever witnessed an expression of worship or praise that made you feel uncomfortable? Or have you/do you engage in a form of worship/prayer that you think is outside the box and might not be accepted or understood by others? Discuss.
- In this story, do you identify more with the woman or Simon? Do you feel undone by the forgiveness and acceptance you’ve received or do you struggle to recognize genuine worship from people outside the ‘behaviour box’ or the belief system? Discuss if you’re comfortable.
- In your experience, what are the labels that Christians or the Church place on others? How have you navigated this?
- Discuss: “The ‘sinner’ fulfilled what the righteous person failed to do.”
- What does this passage teach you about what God is like if God is like Jesus?