These questions are connected to the message, “Unexpected Jesus: Who is this man, really (and why it matters)?” from Nov. 14, 2021. You can watch it here.
Dive In: Read this passage (Luke 9:1-9) slowly, a couple of times, in an unfamiliar translation of the Bible (e.g. New Living Translation, Contemporary English Version, Amplified Bible, or The Message), imagining yourself in the story as one of the disciples.
Reflect:
- What are you thinking or feeling as Jesus sends you out to strange villages, into strangers’ homes, to heal and share God’s good story? Have you ever had an experience where you felt Jesus was calling you out of your comfort zone? Share what that was like.
- How does this story challenge you?
- If someone asked you to explain or describe God’s good news, or asked who Jesus is and what difference he makes, how might you answer that?
- In this season of your life, what is God calling you to? How are you able to “be Christ’s story” to others?
- How does this account challenge our understanding of what “qualifies” a follower of Jesus to serve? What seems to be the key qualifier for empowerment?
- How do you think the church today in North America does or doesn’t model God’s concept of power in weakness?
- What are some of your boundaries or assumptions that are being challenged through this study of Luke?
Digging Deeper:
- What has “the church” been tempted to rely on more than the power and presence of Jesus in recent history?
- This “preaching tour” was and wasn’t to be a model for the church. Nowhere do we read that the early church acted like this. However, there are principles that were applied and that we can apply today. Discuss those. (See also Acts 4:32-34 and how this is lived out in the early Jerusalem community).
- Brainstorm ways that we can go to people rather than relying on bringing them to us (i.e. inviting them to church)?
Act on it:
- With your group, pray for the empowering of the Holy Spirit for the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25), for the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), and for the courage of the Spirit (2 Timothy 1:5-7).