Small group discussion
Week of 12-7-20
Unique Jesus
WEEK 2: Uniquely Alive
Icebreaker: What are some of your Christmas plans this year?
Questions:
1) What’s something that’s unique about you?
2) What are some of the things you think might be unique about Jesus?
3) What’s one of your earliest memories of “seeing” Jesus? In a movie? A Sunday school flannelgraph? Bible stories? Paintings? How was He portrayed?
4) Have someone read John 8:53-59.
5) What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.”?
6) Why do you think the Jews wanted to kill Jesus after saying, “before Abraham was born, I am!”?
7) Respond to Rob’s statement, “There has never been–and never will be–a point in time in which Jesus hasn’t been changing the trajectory of human lives.” Do you think that’s true? Why or why not? If so, how do you see Him at work in this area?
8) Do you think the power of death is uniquely powerless against Jesus and His followers? How so? If true, what does that mean to you personally?
9) What is something that you’ve always wanted to do to step out in faith more? Make a career move? Give generously? Share your faith to someone you love? Pray with your spouse regularly? Have people in your house to connect with them? Be a source of hope in your network of people? Serve in a new way? Go into ministry? What’s something you could do this week to take a step in that direction?
How can this group be praying for you during this Christmas season?
Close in prayer.
Small group discussion
Week of 11-30-20
Unique Jesus
WEEK 1: UNIQUE ARRIVAL
Icebreaker: What was a Christmas tradition you had growing up? What’s a Christmas tradition you have now?
Questions:
1) Read Luke 2: 1-20
2) Why do you think the savior of the world was born in an obscure village and placed in a manger?
3) How do you think Mary and Joseph’s humble beginnings prepared them for parenting Jesus?
4) Of all the people the angels could have visited to announce Jesus’ birth, why do you think God chose to send them to the shepherds?
5) If you were to spread the news about God coming to this planet, who would you want to share it with first?
6) How has God spoken to you in the normal, mundane, ordinary flow of life?
7) Has God ever done something for you that you “treasured in your heart”?
8) Has God ever taken a “hopeless” situation in your life and used it for good? What did that teach you?
9) In 2020, which word (if any) describes you the most?: Weary, worried, or waiting?
10) Do you agree or disagree with the statement “You are not loved any differently than the way God loves His Son.” How does that statement make you feel?
11) How can you be more fully invested into celebrating Christ’s birth this advent season?
Close in group prayer
Small group discussion
Week of 11-23-20
A House Undivided
WEEK 5: POWER AND AUTHORITY
Icebreakers: Option A: Growing up, what was one of your favorite comic strips in the newspaper? Option B: What is something you’re really grateful for this year?
Questions:
1) Read Matthew 9: 7-12.
2) According to Jesus, what is it that sums up the entire Law and the Prophets?
3) How do you think the world be different if we built our kingdoms and political systems on that principle?
4) Have someone read Matthew 20: 20-28 and answer the following questions:
a. Why do you think James’ and John’s mother did this?
b. What do you think Jesus meant in v. 22?
c. Why do you think the other disciples were angry about the request?
d. How would you describe Jesus’ response to this conflict?
5) In what area(s) of your life do you think God wants you to be more of a servant?
6) When you have a difference with someone over expectations, what have you found helpful?
7) Read Philippians 2: 5-11.
8) What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human?
9) How do you think this passage challenges the current political climate of our country?
10) Who is someone you admire that constantly puts other’s needs above their own?
How can this group lift you up in prayer this
week?
Close in group prayer
