Friday, November 7th

Dan Brannon came and told us a story. Here is the story:

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him, Jesus, to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to(AV) inherit eternal life?"

He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?"

And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

And he said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two [days wages] and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?"

He said, "The one who showed him mercy."

And Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise."
(Taken from Luke 10:25-37, English Standard Version)

Read the story a couple times to yourself and tell it to someone or yourself. What is the difference between the Samaritan and the other 2 (a priest and a Levite) in the story? How does this story relate to today? Are there people who are wounded around you that you can show compassion to?

Friday, October 24th

Topic: Faith

Discussion Questions:
1) What is faith? And what are some other words for faith?
2) Can you think of some examples of faith?
3) Who or what do we usually put our faith in?
4) What do you think the following verses teach about faith?

Matthew 17:20
If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, it is enough. You can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there.” And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Hebrews 11:1,6
Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. Without faith it’s impossible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that He exists. And they must believe that He rewards those who look to Him.

5) What are some of the results of faith, according to the following verses?

Romans 3:22
We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. That happens to all who believe.

Romans 5:1
We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with Him because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8,9
God's grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn't come from anything you do. It is God's gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it.

1 John 5:4
Everyone who is a child of God has won the battle over the world. Our faith has won the battle for us.

6) What difference does it make if we put our faith in Jesus?

Friday, October 17th

Opening Question: What do you hope for in the next 5 years?

Read the following verses, and go over any difficult words or phrases:

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"I know the plans I have for you," announces the Lord. "I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. Then you will call out to Me. You will come and pray to Me. And I will listen to you. When you look for Me with all your heart, you will find Me."

Psalm 42:5
My spirit, why are you so sad? Why are you so upset deep down inside me? Put your hope in God. Once again I will have reason to praise him. He is my Savior and my God.

Psalm 62:5
I will find my rest in God alone. He is the One who gives me hope.

Psalm 119:74
May those who have respect for You be filled with joy when they see me. I have put my hope in Your word.

Psalm 147:11
The Lord takes delight in those who have respect for Him. They put their hope in His faithful love.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak.

1 Timothy 6:17
Command people who are rich in this world not to be proud. Tell them not to put their hope in riches. Wealth is so uncertain. Command those who are rich to put their hope in God. He richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Hebrews 6:19
Our hope is certain. It is something for the soul to hold on to. It is strong and secure.

Hebrews 11:1
Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.

Discuss the following questions:
1. What is hope?
2. What are people you know putting their hope in?
3. How is God described in the verses above?
4. What are some ways we can put our hope in God, according to these verses?
5. What are some of the benefits of putting our hope in God?
6. If you personally put your hope in God, how does that help your daily life?

Friday, October 10th

Discuss the following:
1. How does the U.S. economy make you feel these days?
2. What have been some of your greatest fears in life?
3. Why do we spend so much of our energy worrying?
4. Do we usually have a good reason to worry, or not?
5. Discuss what the Bible says about fighting worry and fear:

Psalm 56:3, 4
3 When I'm afraid, I will trust in you. 4 I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can people do to me?

Isaiah 41:10
Do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. My powerful right hand will take good care of you. I always do what is right.

Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good. When people are in trouble, they can go to him for safety. He takes good care of those who trust in him.

Philippians 4:6, 7
6 Don't worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything. Ask and pray. Give thanks to him. 7 Then God's peace will watch over your hearts and your minds, because you belong to Christ Jesus. God's peace can never be completely understood.

1 Peter 5:7
Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you.

6. How would you summarize all of the verses above?

Close in prayer.

Friday, September 19th

Opening Question: In your culture, how do people feel about paying a lot of taxes?

Read Luke 19:1-10 as a group, and again by yourselves.
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man named Zacchaeus lived there. He was a chief tax collector and was very rich. 3 Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. But he was a short man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree. He wanted to see Jesus, who was coming that way. 5 Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was. He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down at once. I must stay at your house today." 6 So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this. They began to whisper among themselves. They said, "Jesus has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " 8 But Zacchaeus stood up. He said, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of what I own to those who are poor. And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay it back. I will pay back four times the amount I took." 9 Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Today salvation has come to your house. You are a member of Abraham's family line. 10 The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them."

Word List:
Jericho – a city in modern day Jordan.
tax collector – someone who worked for the Roman government, which was hated by the Jews.
sinner – tax collectors were considered by the Jews to be sinners, because they collected more money than they were supposed to, and kept it for themselves.
salvation – being forgiven by God for our sins, and brought into a right relationship with Him.
the lost – people who don’t have a personal relationship with God through Jesus.
Abraham – the father of the Jewish people group.

Discussion Questions:
1. How would you re-tell this story in your own words?
2. Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to meet Jesus so badly?
3. How did Jesus seem to know Zacchaeus so well?
4. Why did Zacchaeus want to give so much of his money away after meeting Jesus?
5. What does verse 10 mean to you?
6. Has salvation come to you yet? If so, share with the group how it came, and how it is helping you.

Friday, September 12th

Opening Question: If you had to give up one thing you really loved, what would it be?

Read Luke 18:18-30 out loud as a group, and again silently by yourselves, circling words you don’t know.

Word List:

camel – large animal that lives in the desert.
adultery – sex outside of marriage.
false witness – lying.
treasure – wealth, riches.
God’s kingdom – when heaven comes down to earth in the future, and Jesus rules as King of kings.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is eternal life? (See John 17:3 for a definition of eternal life, given by Jesus himself)
2. What did Jesus tell the ruler in verse 22, and why?
3. Can you think of anything that’s hard to “give up” for people these days?
4. Do you want to give up everything to follow Jesus? If so, please explain why.
5. What are the rewards of following Jesus?
6. How can we enter God’s kingdom and have eternal life?

Friday, September 5th

Opening Question: What do you usually pray about?

Read Luke 18:1-8
1 Jesus told his disciples a story. He wanted to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said, "In a certain town there was a judge. He didn't have any respect for God or care about people. 3 A widow lived in that town. She came to the judge again and again. She kept begging him, 'Make things right for me. Someone is doing me wrong.' 4 For some time the judge refused. But finally he said to himself, 'I don't have any respect for God. I don't care about people. 5 But this widow keeps bothering me. So I will see that things are made right for her. If I don't, she will wear me out by coming again and again!' "6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unfair judge says. 7 God's chosen people cry out to him day and night. Won't he make things right for them? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, God will see that things are made right for them. He will make sure it happens quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find people on earth who have faith?"

Word List:
Widow – a woman whose husband has died.
Begging – asking with a lot of emotion.
Son of Man – the favorite title that Jesus gave himself.

Discussion Questions:
1. What’s going on in this story?
2. How would you describe the judge?
3. How does the judge compare with what you know about God?
4. Do you think God always answers prayer?
5. What will the Son of Man (Jesus) want from people on earth when He comes back?
6. Where does faith in God come from, and how can our faith in Him grow?

Friday, August 28th

Opening Question: Do you believe in life after death?

Read Luke 16:19-31 together as a group, and then again silently.

Word List:
Lazarus – a name which means GOD IS MY HELP.
beggar – someone who asks strangers for help.
angels – messengers of God.
Abraham’s side – another way of saying HEAVEN, where Abraham is.
Father Abraham – the father of the Jewish people group.
have pity – to feel sorry (and maybe do something) for someone who’s suffering.
hell – a permanent place far away from God’s presence, also described in the Bible as THE LAKE OF FIRE.
wide space – a great separation.
Moses and the Prophets – the words of THE BIBLE that talk about Jesus.
sins – all the selfish things that people think, say, do, etc.

Discussion Questions:
1. What’s happening in this story that Jesus tells?
2. According to this story, what is heaven like? And hell?
3. Why was there a “wide space” between the rich man (in hell) and Abraham (in heaven)?
4. Who should the rich man’s brothers have listened to, and why?
5. What should the rich man have done while he was still alive?
6. How can we escape hell and enter heaven, and help our families and friends do the same?

Friday, August 22nd

Opening Question: Did you ever want to run away from home when you were young?

Read Luke 15:11-24 out loud as a group, and again silently by yourselves.

Word List:
family property – the things children get when their parents die.
sin – living independently from God.
fit – deserving.
tender – gentle, sensitive.
calf – a young cow.


Discussion Questions:
1. How would you describe the son? And the father?
2. Why do you think the son wanted to leave home?
3. What does “wild living” mean? Can you think of some modern-day examples?
4. What do you think the words in verse 24 mean?
5. How is the human father in the story like our heavenly Father?
6. Does God seem a long way off or near to you? Explain.
7. What steps do we have to take to return to God?

Friday, August 15th

Opening question: What is the most costly thing you have ever purchased?

Read Luke 14:25-35 as a group, and then again by yourselves.

Word list:
disciples – followers.
cross – the way they killed criminals during the days of the Roman Empire.
tower – a tall building, or an extra-tall part of a building.
salt – for preserving meat (before refrigeration was invented), or for flavoring food.

Discussion Questions:
1. Who is Jesus talking to, and what is he talking about?
2. How can Jesus ask people to “hate” their family members?
3. What does it mean to “carry our cross”?
4. What’s the hardest thing in life to give up for Jesus?
5. What do you think is the cost of following Jesus in your culture?
6. Have you decided to follow Jesus? If so, what is, or has been, the cost for you?

Friday, August 8th

Opening Question: Do you ever make excuses when you don’t want to do something?

Read Luke 14:15-24 as a group, and again by yourselves.

Word list:
God’s kingdom – heaven, where God rules
oxen – work animals
lanes – small streets

Discussion Questions:
1. What is happening in the story Jesus tells?
2. In the story, who or what do you think is represented by:
The owner?
The house?
The dinner?
The servant?
The guests, street people and country people?
3. How would you describe the owner?
4. Do you think the excuses the guests make are good ones or not?
5. What excuses do people make today for not becoming committed Christians?

Friday, July 25th

Opening Question: How do you like to be treated, and why?

Read Luke 14:1-14 as a group, and again by yourselves.

Word list:
Sabbath – last day of the week, the day of rest.
Pharisees – religious leaders.
the Law – Jewish law that said you had to rest on the Sabbath.
feast – party.
disabled – when you can’t do something physically.
blessed – happy.
right with God – in a right relationship with God through faith.
rise from the dead – when people stand before God to receive His judgment.

Discussion questions:
1. What are some observations we can make from these verses?
2. Why do you think the Pharisees were silent, and what do you guess they were thinking?
3. What are some do’s and don’ts, according to Jesus?
4. What does verse 11 mean to you?
5. Are you looking forward to being paid back by God? Why or why not?

Friday, July 18th

Opening Question: Have you ever been locked out of your house or apartment? What did you do?

Luke 13:22-30
22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching the people. He was on his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, 24 "Try very hard to enter through the narrow door. I tell you, many will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 "The owner of the house will get up and close the door. Then you will stand outside knocking and begging. You will say, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you. And I don't know where you come from.' 26 "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you. You taught in our streets.' 27 "But he will reply, 'I don't know you. And I don't know where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil!' 28 "You will sob and grind your teeth when you see those who are in God's kingdom. You will see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets there. But you yourselves will be thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south. They will take their places at the feast in God's kingdom. 30 Then the last will be first. And the first will be last. "

Definitions:
saved -- rescued from God’s judgment and made right with Him.
sob -- to cry
grind – to press together tightly.
God’s kingdom -- heaven, where God rules, and which will come down to earth when Jesus returns.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- the founding fathers of Judaism, the religion of the Jews.
prophets -- men who spoke God’s word to the Jews, the people of Israel.
east, west, north, south -- people from all the different nations of the world.
feast -- a big dinner party, like after a wedding.
the last / the first -- the non-Jews and the Jews (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).

Questions:
1. What’s happening in the story Jesus tells about the narrow door?
2. Who does the owner represent? And the door? And the people knocking?
3. What does it means to “know” Jesus, and why do we have to “know” him to enter heaven?
4. Are you saved? If so, how does that affect your daily life?
5. How can we be saved?

Friday, July 11th

Opening Question: What are some things you worry about sometimes?

Read Luke 12:22-31 out loud as a group, and then again silently, making observations.

Word List:
disciples – followers or students.
ravens – big black birds like the noisy ones we have in Seattle.
crops – the fruit or vegetables that farmers grow.
lilies – common, but beautiful, flowers.
Solomon – the richest king in the history of Israel.
ungodly – not caring about God.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why do we spend so much time worrying?
2. What does Jesus compare his disciples with, and why?
3. According to Jesus, what is the solution for worry? (clue: verse 28)
4. What does God’s kingdom have to do with worry? And faith?
5. How do we “put God’s kingdom first”?

Friday, July 4th

Some verses from the Bible about freedom.

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners. He wants me to free those who are beaten down.

John 8:32, 36
Then you will know the truth. And the truth will set you free. If the Son of Man sets you free, you will really be free.

Romans 6:18; 8:2; 8:20, 21
You have been set free from sin. You have become slaves to right living. I am now controlled by the law of the Holy Spirit. That law gives me life because of what Christ Jesus has done. It has set me free from the law of sin that brings death. The created world was bound to fail. But God planned to set the created world free. He didn't want it to rot away. Instead, he wanted it to have the same glorious freedom that his children have.

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Holy Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, freedom is also there.

Galatians 5:1, 13
Christ has set us free. He wants us to enjoy freedom. So stand firm. Don't let the chains of slavery hold you again. My brothers and sisters, you were chosen to be free. But don't use your freedom as an excuse to live in sin. Instead, serve one another in love.

James 1:25
Take a good look at the perfect law that gives freedom. Keep looking at it. Don't forget what you've heard, but do what the law says. Then you will be blessed in what you do.

Revelation 1:5
Give glory and power to the One who loves us! He has set us free from our sins by pouring out his blood for us.

Friday, June 27th

Opening Question: What would you do if you became the richest person in the world?

Read Luke 12:13-21 as a group, and then again by yourselves:

13 Someone in the crowd spoke to Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "tell my brother to divide the family property with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge between you and your brother?" 15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting to have more and more things. Life is not made up of how much a person has." 16 Then Jesus told them a story. He said, "A certain rich man's land produced a good crop. 17 He thought to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have any place to store my crops.' 18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my storerooms and build bigger ones. I will store all my grain and my other things in them. 19 I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things stored away for many years. Take life easy. Eat, drink and have a good time." ' 20 "But God said to him, 'You foolish man! This very night I will take your life away from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21 "That is how it will be for anyone who stores things away for himself but is not rich in God's eyes."


Discuss the following questions:
1. What did the person in verse 13 want?
2. Does verse 15 agree with today’s world of advertising? Explain.
3. How would you describe the rich man in the story?
4. Was Jesus teaching that it’s wrong to be rich, save money or enjoy life?
5. What does it mean to be “rich in God’s eyes” and how can that happen?

Friday, June 20th

Opening Question: Do you ever pray? If so, what do you usually pray about?

Read Luke 11:1-13

Discuss the following:
1) Why does Jesus call God “Father”? How is God like a father?
2) What kinds of things did Jesus say we should pray about?
3) What are some of the benefits of prayer, according to Jesus?
4) Do verses 8-10 mean God has to give us whatever we pray for?
5) What does 1 John 5:14, 15 teach us about how God answers prayer?
6) Do you have any special prayer requests? Close in prayer.

Friday, June 13th

Opening Question: Have you ever helped a stranger? Tell your story.

Read Luke 10:25-37
25 One day an authority on the law stood up to put Jesus to the test. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to receive eternal life?" 26 “What is written in the Law?" Jesus replied. "How do you understand it?" 27 He answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength and with all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' 28 “You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do that, and you will live." 29 But the man wanted to make himself look good. So he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers attacked him. They stripped off his clothes and beat him. Then they went away, leaving him almost dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that same road. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 A Levite also came by. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side too.
33 But a Samaritan came to the place where the man was. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him. 34 He went to him, poured olive oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey. He took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins. He gave them to the owner of the inn. 'Take care of him,' he said. 'When I return, I will pay you back for any extra expense you may have.' 36 “Which of the three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by robbers?" 37 The authority on the law replied, "The one who felt sorry for him." Jesus told him, "Go and do as he did."

Word List:
authority on the law – an expert in the religious laws that the Jewish people of Israel had to follow.
Jerusalem – the modern day capital of Israel.
Jericho – a city near Jerusalem.
priest / Levite – religious leaders of Israel.
Samaritan – people who were hated by the Jews, because their blood was not 100 % Jewish.

Discussion Questions:
1. Make a list of all the things the Samaritan did for the man.
2. Why do you think the priest and the Levite did nothing to help?
3. According to this story, who is our neighbor? Explain.
4. What does it mean to “love your neighbor as you love yourself”?
5. How can we love God and our neighbor in 2008? Give examples.

Friday, May 30th

Opening Question: What are some things you (or other people) think you do pretty well?

Read Luke 9:46-48 and some related verses from the Bible:

46 The disciples began to argue about which one of them would be the most important person. 47 Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he took a little child and had the child stand beside him. 48 Then he spoke to them. "Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me," he said. "And anyone who welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. The least important person among all of you is the most important."

Related verses:

Jesus called a little child over to him. He had the child stand among them. Jesus said, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don't, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who becomes as free of pride as this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:2-4)

The Lord hates all those who have proud hearts. You can be sure that they will be punished. (Proverbs 16:5)

If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed. So don't be proud if you want to be honored. (Proverbs 18:12)

Young men, follow the lead of those who are older. All of you, put on a spirit that is free of pride toward each other as if it were your clothes. Scripture says, "God opposes those who are proud, but gives grace to the humble." So don't be proud. Put yourselves under God's mighty hand. Then he will honor you at the right time. (1 Peter 5:5,6)

Word List:
disciples – the followers of Jesus.
kingdom of heaven – where God lives and rules as King.
Scripture – the Old Testament part of the Bible, written before Jesus.

Discussion Questions:
1. Is pride good or bad?
2. What were Jesus’ disciples saying, and how did Jesus know what they were thinking?
3. Who are the most important people in your culture? And in the kingdom of heaven?
4. Why did Jesus use a little child to teach the disciples what is most important?
5. How can we become like little children, and what good will it do?

Friday, May 23rd

Opening Question: What is the most important thing to you?

Read Luke 9:18-26 together as a group, and then again by yourselves.

18 One day Jesus was praying alone. Only his disciples were with him. He asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" 19 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life." 20 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21 Jesus strongly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things. The elders will not accept him. The chief priests and teachers of the law will not accept him either. He must be killed and on the third day rise from the dead." 23 Then he said to all of them, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must say no to himself. He must pick up his cross every day and follow me. 24 If he wants to save his life, he will lose it. But if he loses his life for me, he will save it. 25 What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses or gives up his very self? 26 "Suppose you are ashamed of me and my words. The Son of Man will come in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. Then he will be ashamed of you.

Word list:
disciples – followers.
Baptist – John was a prophet who baptized people in the Jordan River, which runs through Israel.
prophets – those who spoke for God.
Christ – anointed (give special blessing and honor).
Son of Man – representative of mankind.
elders / priests / teachers - the religious leaders of Israel.
glory – power and greatness.

Discussion questions:
1, Do you ever pray alone? If so, what do you pray about?
2. Why do you think the elders / priests / teachers didn’t accept Jesus, and instead wanted to kill him?
3. What does it mean to:
a) say no to yourself?
b) pick up your cross?
c) lose your life for Jesus?
d) follow Jesus?
4. How can we follow someone who lived and died 2000 years ago?
5. Have you decided to follow Jesus yet? If so, has it been difficult in any way?

Friday, May 16th

Opening Question: What is one of your favorite foods?

Read Luke 9:10-17
10 The apostles returned. They told Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him. They went off by themselves to a town called Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds learned about it and followed Jesus. He welcomed them and spoke to them about God's kingdom. He also healed those who needed to be healed. 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him. They said, "Send the crowd away. They can go to the nearby villages and countryside. There they can find food and a place to stay. There is nothing here." 13 Jesus replied, "You give them something to eat." The disciples answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish. We would have to go and buy food for all this crowd." 14 About 5,000 men were there. But Jesus said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about 50 each." 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke them into pieces. Then he gave them to the disciples to set in front of the people. 17 All of them ate and were satisfied. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces.

Word list:
apostles / the Twelve – the 12 men who followed Jesus for three and a half years.
disciples – the 12 followers of Jesus.

Discuss the following:
1. How did Jesus treat the different people in this story?
2. Do you see anything that’s strange or hard to understand in this story?
3. Why did Jesus stop and give thanks before he broke the food into pieces?
4. What do you guess the disciples were thinking as they picked up the leftovers?
5. Do you feel like you don’t have enough of something? If so, what does this story teach you?

Friday, May 9th

Opening Question: How do you feel about being in a crowd?

Read Luke 8:40-56 out loud as a group, and then again silently:

40 When Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him. They were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus came. He was a synagogue ruler. He fell at Jesus' feet. He begged Jesus to come to his house. 42 His only daughter was dying. She was about 12 years old. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 A woman was there who had a sickness that made her bleed. Her sickness had lasted for 12 years. No one could heal her. 44 She came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his clothes. Right away her bleeding stopped. 45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. They all said they didn't do it. Then Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pushing against you." 46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me. I know that power has gone out from me." 47 The woman realized that people would notice her. Shaking with fear, she came and fell at his feet. In front of everyone, she told why she had touched him. She also told how she had been healed in an instant. 48 Then he said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." 49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus. Jairus was the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," the messenger said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore." 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just believe. She will be healed." 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let everyone go in with him. He took only Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 During this time, all the people were crying and sobbing loudly over the child. "Stop crying!" Jesus said. "She is not dead. She is sleeping." 53 They laughed at him. They knew she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and right away she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were amazed. But Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Vocabulary:
synagogue – the place where the Jewish people met for fellowship, worship and Bible study.

Discuss the following:
1. Make a list of everything you can about the man and the woman in this story.
2. List all the ways that Jesus treated the people in the story.
3. Is there anything in this story that you don’t understand?
4. What do you like the most about this story?
5. Why is it so important to Jesus for people to have faith and “just believe” in him?
6. Do you have faith and “just believe” in Jesus? If so, how do you do it, and how does it help you?

Friday, May 2nd

Opening Question: Is there anything you’re worrying about these days?

Read Luke 8:26-39
26 Jesus and his disciples sailed to the area of the Gerasenes across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped on shore, he was met by a man from the town. The man was controlled by demons. For a long time he had not worn clothes or lived in a house. He lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet. He shouted at the top of his voice, "Jesus, Son of the Most High God, what do you want with me? I beg you, don't hurt me!" 29 This was because Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times the spirit had taken hold of him. His hands and feet were chained, and he was kept under guard. But he had broken his chains. And then the demon had forced him to go out into lonely places in the countryside. 30 Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus again and again not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs. And he allowed it. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs. Then the herd rushed down the steep bank. They ran into the lake and drowned. 34 Those who were tending the pigs saw what had happened. They ran off and reported it in the town and countryside. 35 The people went out to see what had happened. Then they came to Jesus. They found the man who was now free of the demons. He was sitting at Jesus' feet. He was dressed and thinking clearly. All this made the people afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the others how the man who had been controlled by demons was now healed. 37 Then all the people who lived in the area of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them. They were filled with fear. So he got into the boat and left. 38 The man who was now free of the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away. He said to him, 39 "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away. He told people all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Discuss the following:
1. What was the demon-controlled man like before and after he met Jesus?
2. What was the relationship like between Jesus and the demon(s)?
3. Why did the people of the Gerasenes want Jesus to leave them?
4. Can Jesus help us think clearly and have peace of mind today? Explain.
5. How much has God done for us, and who can we tell about it?

April 25th

Opening Question: Have you ever been in a terrible storm? If so, what was it like and how did you feel?

Read Luke 8:22-25
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and left. 23 As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A storm came down on the lake. It was so bad that the boat was about to sink. They were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke Jesus up. They said, "Master! Master! We're going to drown!" He got up and ordered the wind and the huge waves to stop. The storm quieted down. It was completely calm. 25 “Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. They were amazed and full of fear. They asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him."

Discussion Questions:
1. What was Jesus doing during the storm?
2. Did Jesus know the storm was going to come? If so, why did he let it happen?
3. How did Jesus respond to the storm, and how did the storm respond to him?
4. Why did Jesus ask his disciples about their faith?
5. What do you do when you experience “storms” in your daily life?
6. How is your “faith” doing these days, and how can it grow stronger?

Extra: According to the following verses, who is Jesus?

John 1:1-3
1 In the beginning, the Word (Jesus) was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through him. Nothing that has been made was made without him.

Colossians 1:16
16 All things were created by him (Jesus). He created everything in heaven and on earth. He created everything that can be seen and everything that can't be seen. He created kings, powers, rulers and authorities. Everything was created by him and for him.

Hebrews 1:1,2
1 In the past, God spoke to our people through the prophets. He spoke at many times. He spoke in different ways. 2 But in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son (Jesus). He is the one whom God appointed to receive all things. God made everything through him.

April 18th

Opening Q: If we looked under your bed right now, what would we find?

Read the following:
People do not light a lamp and then hide under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand. Then those who come in can see its light. (Luke 8:16)

Let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will never walk in darkness. They will have the light that leads to life. (John 8:12)

Discuss the following:
1. What is the difference between the light of the sun and the light of the moon?
2. What good does light do?
3. Why does Jesus call himself “the light of the world”?
4. What does it mean to “let your light shine”?
5. What are some “good things” that followers of Jesus can do?
6. What does it mean to “walk in darkness”?
7. What is the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ followers shining their light?

April 11th

Opening Question: Have you ever planted a seed? If so, what happened to it?

Read Luke 8:4-15 out loud as a group, and then silently by yourselves:

4 A large crowd gathered together. People came to Jesus from town after town. As they did, he told a story. He said, 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. He scattered the seed on the ground. Some fell on a path. People walked on it, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6 Some seed fell on rocky places. When it grew, the plants dried up because they had no water. 7 Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns grew up with it and crowded out the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It grew up and produced a crop 100 times more than the farmer planted.” When Jesus said this, he called out, "Those who have ears should listen." 9 His disciples asked him what the story meant. 10 He said, “You have been given the chance to understand the secrets of God's kingdom. But to outsiders I speak by using stories. In that way, ‘They see, but they will not know what they are seeing. They hear, but they will not understand what they are hearing.’11 Here is what the story means. The seed is God's message. 12 People on the path are those who hear. But then the devil comes. He takes away the message from their hearts. He does it so they won't believe. Then they can't be saved. 13 Those on the rock are the ones who hear the message and receive it with joy. But they have no roots. They believe for a while. But when they are put to the test, they fall away from the faith. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear the message. But as they go on their way, they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures. So they do not reach full growth. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with an honest and good heart. They hear the message. They keep it in their hearts. They remain faithful and produce a good crop.”

Discuss the following questions:

(1) What are the four responses to God’s message?
(2) How do you think Christians might be “put to the test”? (verse 13)
(3) What could some examples of “life’s worries, riches and pleasures” be in today’s world?
(4) What do you think “a good crop” might mean?
(5) Which soil represents you right now? Which soil would you like to represent you? Explain.

April 4th

Opening Question: How do you greet someone for the first time in your culture?

Read Luke 7:36-50 out loud, and then re-read it again by yourselves.

Word List:
Pharisees – the powerful religious leaders of Israel 2000 years ago.
sinful – selfish toward people and God.
special sealed jar – a very expensive jar.
prophet – someone who spoke to the people for God.
lender – one who gives money to people, and then gets it back with interest.
olive oil – a custom from the Middle East. The host would touch the head of the visitor as a blessing.
Simon – the Pharisee who invited Jesus over for dinner.

Discussion Questions:
1. What do you imagine this woman was like before she came to Jesus?
2. How did the woman and the Pharisee treat Jesus?
3. How do you think Simon and Jesus felt about the sinful woman?
4. What did faith in Jesus do for the woman?
5. How important is faith and forgiveness in today’s world? Explain.
6. Have you received forgiveness from Jesus yet? If so, what are the benefits?

March 28th

Opening Question: What are some things you enjoy about being alive?

Read Luke 7:11-17 as a group, and then again by yourselves.

11 Some time later, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 He approached the town gate. Just then, a dead person was being carried out. He was the only son of his mother. She was a widow. A large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he felt sorry for her. So he said, "Don't cry." 14 Then he went up and touched the coffin. Those carrying it stood still. Jesus said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk. Then Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 The people were all filled with wonder and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17 This news about Jesus spread all through Judea and the whole country.

Word List:
widow - a woman whose husband has died.
coffin - a box in which the dead are buried.
prophet - someone who spoke for God to the people.
Judea - a region in the middle of the nation of Israel.

Discussion Questions:
1. Do you believe in life after death?
2. How would you describe the woman and her situation?
3. Why would Jesus say “Don’t cry” to such a sad woman?
4. How could the dead man hear Jesus speaking to him, and how could he get up?
5. What are some things we can learn about Jesus from this story?
6. Are you experiencing a new life because of Jesus? If so, please share with the group.

March 21st

Opening Question: Have you heard of Easter? If so, what does it mean to you?

Read Matthew 16:21-26 as a group and by yourselves:

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples what would happen to him. He told them he must go to Jerusalem. There he must suffer many things from the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law. He must be killed and on the third day rise to life again. 22 Peter took Jesus to one side and began to scold him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This will never happen to you!" 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are standing in my way. You do not have in mind the things of God. Instead, you are thinking about human things." 24 Then Jesus spoke to his disciples. He said, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must say no to himself. He must pick up his cross and follow me. 25 If he wants to save his life, he will lose it. But if he loses his life for me, he will find it.26 "What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses his soul? Or what can anyone trade for his soul?

Discuss the following questions:

1. Tell the story in your own words.
2. Why did Jesus have to be killed?
3. Why did Jesus call Peter “Satan!”?
4. What does Jesus mean in verses 24 and 25?
5. Is it easy or hard to be a follower of Jesus? Explain.
6. How valuable is your soul? And the soul of others? Explain.

March 7th

Opening Question: Whar are some things or people you put your faith in?

Read Luke 7:1-10 as a group, and then again by yourself.

1 Jesus finished saying all those things to the people. Then he entered Capernaum. 2 There the servant of a Roman commander was sick and about to die. His master thought highly of him. 3 The commander heard about Jesus. So he sent some elders of the Jews to him. He told them to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant. 4 They came to Jesus and begged him, "This man deserves to have you do this. 5 He loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 6 So Jesus went with them. When Jesus came near the house, the Roman commander sent friends to him. He told them to say, "Lord, don't trouble yourself. I am not good enough to have you come into my house. 7 That is why I did not even think I was fit to come to you. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 I myself am a man who is under authority. And I have soldiers who obey my orders. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes. I tell that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him. He turned to the crowd that was following him. He said, "I tell you, even in Israel I have not found anyone whose faith is so strong." 10 Then the men who had been sent to Jesus returned to the house. They found that the servant was healed.

Word list:

Capernaum – a city in northern Israel, where Jesus did some teaching and healing.
commander – a military leader in charge of 100 men.
elders – religious leaders
synagogue – The place where Jews met for fellowship.

Discussion questions:

1. How would you retell this story in your own words?
2. What do you think the Roman commander meant in verse 6?
3. What did the commander do that amazed Jesus so much?
4. How could Jesus heal people without even seeing them?
5. How’s your faith in Jesus? Growing? Just starting? Not started yet? Explain.
6. Is there anything we can do to make our faith in Jesus stronger?

February 29th

Opening Question: Have you ever experienced flooding?

Read Luke 6:46-49

46 “Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and still don't do what I say? 47 Some people come to me and listen to me and do what I say. I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like someone who builds a house. He digs down deep and sets it on solid rock. When a flood comes, the river rushes against the house. But the water can't shake it. The house is well built. 49 But here is what happens when people listen to my words and do not obey them. They are like someone who builds a house on soft ground instead of solid rock. The moment the river rushes against that house, it falls down. It is completely destroyed.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Did you always do what your parents said to do?
2. Why do children sometimes not do what their parents say?
3. What does the word “Lord” mean to you? And to Jesus?
4. How is doing what Jesus says like building a strong foundation for a house?
5. According to Jesus, what will our lives be like if we ignore what he says?
6. Do you know some things Jesus said his followers are supposed to be doing?

February 22nd

Introduction Question: What’s your favorite – and least favorite –
fruit, and why?

Read
Luke 6:43-45
43 "A good tree doesn't bear bad fruit. And a bad tree doesn't bear good fruit. 44 You can tell each tree by the kind of fruit it bears. People do not pick figs from thorns. And they don't pick grapes from bushes. 45 "A good man says good things. These come from the good that is put away in his heart. An evil man says evil things. These come from the evil that is put away in his heart. Their mouths say everything that is in their hearts.

Galatians 5:22,23.
22 The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful 23 and gentle and having control of oneself. There is no law against things of that kind.

Word List:

figs – a favorite fruit for some people in the Middle East.
thorns – plants with sharp parts that stick out and can hurt if touched.
bushes – plants the grow low to the ground.

Discussion Questions:

1. In the first 3 verses, what do the tree and the fruit represent?
2. In what ways are words like fruit?
3. What’s your favorite “fruit of the Spirit” and why?
4. How do you think Christians should act?
5. Can you think of an example when Jesus Christ produced some fruit of the Spirit?
6. What or who is supposed to be the power source for the Christian life? Explain.
7. How’s the quality of the fruit in my life these days? How can I be more fruitful?

February 15th

Introduction Question: Have you ever felt like you were being graded by someone and you failed the test in their mind?

Read Luke 6:37-42 as a group, and then again individually.

37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 39 He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Word List:

judge / condemn - to decide someone is bad.
parable - a story with a spiritual meaning.
pit - a deep hole that you can fall into.
speck - something very small and almost invisible.
sawdust - a tiny piece of wood.
plank - a long piece of wood.
hypocrite - when you say something, but do just the opposite.

Discussion Questions:
1. Which is easier: a) to judge, or b) to forgive? Explain.
2. Can you think of any examples of people judging other people?
3. Why do we sometimes make the mistake of judging other people?
4. How would you explain verse 38?
5. What do verses 41 and 42 mean to you?
6. Is there someone in your life who you need to stop judging and start forgiving?

February 8th

Introduction question: What are some things that make you happy?

Read Luke 6:17-26 as a group, and then again individually.

17 Jesus went down the mountain with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there. A large number of other people were there too. They came from all over Judea, including Jerusalem. They also came from the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had all come to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses. People who were troubled by evil spirits were made well. 19 Everyone tried to touch Jesus. Power was coming from him and healing them all. 20 Jesus looked at his disciples. He said to them, “Blessed are you who are needy. God's kingdom belongs to you. 21 Blessed are you who are hungry now. You will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are sad now. You will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they have nothing to do with you and say bad things about you, and when they treat your name as something evil. They do all this because you are followers of the Son of Man. 23 Their people treated the prophets the same way long ago. When these things happen to you, be glad and jump for joy. You will receive many blessings in heaven. 24 But how terrible it will be for you who are rich! You have already had your easy life. 25 How terrible for you who are well fed now! You will go hungry. How terrible for you who laugh now! You will cry and be sad. 26 How terrible for you when everyone says good things about you! Their people treated the false prophets the same way long ago.”

Word list:

disciples – followers or students.
Tyre and Sidon – cities on the southern coast of modern-day Lebanon.
Blessed – happy.
kingdom – a nation ruled by a king.
Son of Man – the title that Jesus gave himself most of the time.
prophets – men living before the time of Jesus, who spoke messages from God.
false prophets – men living before the time of Jesus, who said they were speaking messages from God, but were not.

Discussion questions:
1. According to verses 17-19, why was Jesus so popular 2000 years ago? And why is still popular today?
2. How can followers of Jesus be happy when they are needy, hungry, sad, hated and mistreated?
3. What is Jesus saying is wrong with having lots of money, food, happiness and friends?
4. Do you know of any false prophets today or from the past? If so, why do you think they are or were so popular?
5. Are you a happy disciple of Jesus? If so, what makes you happy about following him?

February 1st

Introduction Question: What does love mean to you?

Read Luke 6:27-36, and go over any difficult words.

27 "But here is what I tell you who hear me. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who call down curses on you. And pray for those who treat you badly. 29 "Suppose someone hits you on one cheek. Turn your other cheek to him also. Suppose someone takes your coat. Don't stop him from taking your shirt. 30 "Give to everyone who asks you. And if anyone takes what belongs to you, don't ask to get it back. 31 Do to others as you want them to do to you. 32 "Suppose you love those who love you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And suppose you do good to those who are good to you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And suppose you lend money to those who can pay you back. Should anyone praise you for that? Even a 'sinner' lends to 'sinners,' expecting them to pay everything back. 35 "But love your enemies. Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will receive a lot in return. And you will be sons of the Most High God. He is kind to people who are evil and are not thankful. 36 So have mercy, just as your Father has mercy.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is love so important?
2. Who has shown you a lot of love, and how was it shown?
3. Which of the verses above do you think sounds the most difficult? Explain.
4. Who do you have the most difficulty loving, and why?
5. What are some ways we can love our enemies?

January 25th

Introduction Question: Did your parents have any rules that you didn’t like?

Read Luke 6:1-11 as a group, and then again by yourselves.

Difficult Words:
Sabbath day – the seventh day of the week (our Saturday) when the Jews were supposed to stop working and rest.
disciples – followers or students.
Pharisees – the religious leaders of the Jews.
the Law – the rules that God gave to Moses, and Moses gave to the Jews.
house of God – the temple where the Jewish people worshipped God 2000 years ago.
holy bread – 12 fresh loaves of bread that were put in the temple each day as a way to worship God for providing the needs of the 12 tribes (family divisions) of the Jews.
priests – the men who did religious work in the house of God.
synagogue – the place where Jewish people met to worship God and learn about their religion.

Discussion Questions:
1. Are rules important? Explain.
2. Are there any rules that you don’t always follow exactly? Explain.
3. Which rules do you think God should care about the most?
4. What was the main issue for the Pharisees? And for Jesus?
5. What do you guess the man with the new right hand thought about the Pharisees? And Jesus?
6. What impresses you the most about Jesus from these two stories?

January 18th

Opening Question: Have you ever been unable to walk for any reason? How did it affect you?

Read Luke 5:17-26 as a group, and then again individually.

17 One day Jesus was teaching. Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. They heard that the Lord had given Jesus the power to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a man who could not walk. He was lying on a mat. They tried to take him into the house to place him in front of Jesus. 19 They could not find a way to do this because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof. Then they lowered the man on his mat through the opening in the roof tiles. They lowered him into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw that they had faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to think, "Who is this fellow who says such an evil thing? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven'? Or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24 I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he spoke to the man who could not walk. "I tell you," he said, "get up. Take your mat and go home." 25 Right away, the man stood up in front of them. He took his mat and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with wonder. They said, "We have seen unusual things today."

Difficult Words:

Pharisees – the religious leaders of Israel 2000 years ago.
teachers of the law – experts in what the Old Testament part of the Bible had to say.
Galilee & Judea – the northern and central parts of today’s Israel.
Jerusalem – the capital of today’s Israel.
sins – all the selfish things that we think, say or do.

Discussion Questions:
1. How did Jesus “see” the men’s faith?
2. Why did Jesus call the man “Friend”?
3. How did Jesus know what the Pharisees were thinking?
4. What was so evil about what Jesus said in verse 20, according to the Pharisees?
5. How would you answer Jesus’ question in verse 23?
6. What do you learn about Jesus from Luke?
7. Do you ever give praise to God? If so, when and why?

January 11th

Jesus Heals a Leper

Introduction Question - Have you ever experienced any kind of rejection?

Read Luke 5:12-16

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along. He had a skin disease all over his body. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground. He begged him, "Lord, if you are willing to make me 'clean,' you can do it." 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing to do it," he said. "Be 'clean'!" Right away the disease left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone. Go and show yourself to the priest. Offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded. It will be a witness to the priest and the people that you are 'clean.' " 15 But the news about Jesus spread even more. So crowds of people came to hear him. They also came to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often went away to be by himself and pray.

Vocabulary:
beg – to ask for something in a very serious, emotional way.
clean – back to a normal condition.
priest – the religious leader of the Jews.
sacrifices – Gifts and offerings that people gave to God.
Moses – a famous Jewish leader from the past.

Discussion Questions:
1. How would you describe the man’s life before Jesus healed him? After?
2. Why did Jesus order the man not to tell anyone?
3. Did the man follow Jesus’ orders? Explain.
4. What can we learn about Jesus from this story?
5. How would you explain verse 16?
6. Do you often get away by yourself and pray? If so, please explain why.

January 4th

Happy New Year!

Q 1: How was your Christmas break? What did you do?
Q 2: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions (plans)?
Q 3: What do the following Bible verses say about making New Year’s resolutions?

13 “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.’ 14 You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. 15 Instead, you should say, ‘If it pleases the Lord,’ we will live and do this or that. 16 As it is, you are proud. You brag about it. That kind of bragging is evil.” (James 4:13-16)

Q 4: Is James saying it’s wrong to plan?
Q 5: According to James, what should be the reason for making plans?
Q 6: What do the following verses say about making plans?

“Everything a man does might seem right to him. But the Lord knows what that man is thinking.” (Proverbs 16:2)

“Commit to the Lord everything you do. Then your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)

“The Lord works everything out for his own purposes.” (Proverbs 16:4)

“In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Q 7: According to Jesus’ words below, what was the main plan of his life?

“The One who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.” (John 8:29)

Q 8: If you are a Christian, what are some of your plans to please God in 2008?

December 7th

Introduction Question: Have you ever been really sick? How did you feel after you got better?
Read Luke 4:38-44 out loud as a group, and then silently.

38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. At that time, Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they asked Jesus to help her. 39 He bent over her and commanded the fever to leave, and it left her. She got up at once and began to serve them. 40 At sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them. 41 Also, demons came out of many people. The demons shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But he commanded them to be quiet. He would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. 42 At dawn, Jesus went out to a place where he could be by himself. The people went to look for him. When they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, "I must announce the good news of God's kingdom to the other towns also. That is why I was sent." 44 And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Word List:
synagogue – a place where the Jewish people would meet to worship God.
demons – evil spirits that always try to control and destroy people.
Son of God – one of the main titles of Jesus.
Christ – means “anointed one.” Anoint means to “put oil on.” In the Bible, oil represents God’s blessing and power, which he poured out fully on Jesus.
kingdom – a governmental system that is ruled by a king.
preaching – telling something that is supposed to be very important.
Judea – the central part of Israel, including its capital, Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions:
1. How did Jesus heal Simon’s mother-in-law, and how did she respond?
2. How did all the demons know who Jesus was, and why did he want them to be quiet?
3. Why did Jesus want to be by himself?
4. Why do you think the people wanted to be with Jesus, but he wanted to leave them?
5. Which examples of Jesus do you think Christians should follow today, and why?