Pastor Greg opened by reminding us all that “you have been invited into the grand and glorious and still unfolding story of God.” How did your story go this week? Allow time to share, then pray.
We will look at Luke 6 but before that- Pastor Greg took us to a familiar verse in Luke 2:10- The good news announcement of Jesus' Birth. Jesus- God Incarnate, broke into The Story- broke into history--Infinite chose to become finite. List what ways this arrival was really good news- for them and for us?
When a question was posed: “what was one phrase you have used that you swore you’d NEVER say if you become a parent? For those who remember the game show Family Feud --- "The #1 answer is… ”because I said so!” Most of us, if we're honest, had a problem with authority as kids and more often than not we still do.
- [Luke 6:46] How are we doing with the words of Jesus, the God in the flesh--the One who paid our debt?
Invite anyone (or everyone- make it a competition) to draw from memory the diagram Greg drew of us and God, with a space between. Challenge the whole group and compare drawings. AND, if anyone feels particularly brave or confident, let them explain the diagram to the group.
(Most religions expect the void, or the "threshold" to be bridged by our own efforts: DOing. But God, who knows we can't, steps in and bridges the gap for us with the Cross.)
At this point in the service, those who had never taken that leap to trust Jesus- were given the opportunity to make that decision- to trust, and accept that free gift of Grace. Where are you on that spectrum? Made the decision for Christ? Made a public profession with Baptism? Leaders discern if this is a good time to pray for anyone in your group who may be struggling.
If everyone in your group has made that decision, move on to What does it look like after the decision has been made? What Craig Bloomberg calls “unglamorous obedience.” If we’re honest, we all struggle with this everyday obedience. What does "everyday obedience" look like for you? At work? At home? Who feels comfortable enough to share where they struggle?
What keeps us from trusting and obeying?) (make a note to pray about this at end of group)
While the struggle can be real, we are called to a lifetime of obedience.
Read together the parable of the two houses in Luke 6:46-49.
- How can trusting and obeying be compared to the foundation of a house?
Read Deut. 6:6-8 and discuss the concept of the Mezuzah. (Have someone look it up if they don't remember) It is not a talisman or a lucky charm but a daily reminder of the importance and the weight of God's Words. How can you incorporate the concept of the Mezuzah into your life in a meaningful way?
We can acknowledge that we're all trying to follow Jesus as best we can- and heed His Words. But before leaving the group- discuss how to encourage one another to truly be a doer of the Word and not just a "hearer." What needs to change?
Close in prayer - praying for each other.
Read
Reflect
What's your next step of obedience to Jesus?
Do
It's never too late to make a good decision. Tell someone in your small group what you need to do in obedience to Christ- then give them permission to follow up with you.
Go Deeper
Research the concept of the Mezuzah. Consider how to take this concept from just a physical symbol on the doorpost to a daily action.