Stepping In: Getting things started!

1 – What was your favorite thing about Steven’s message this past weekend?

2 – If you’ve ever been ignored or overlooked, how did that make you feel? What did you want people to know about you?

3 – Share a time when you felt overlooked, but someone noticed and encouraged you. What did they do specifically? How did that transform how you were feeling?

 

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

Read Matthew 8:1. What were the things most intriguing about Jesus that caused great crowds to follow Him? What are some of the key reasons YOU follow Him?

Read Matthew 8:2. “If you are willing.” Why would a leper ask Jesus this question? What was he used to? What can we learn about the not-so-famous, not-so-popular, unimportant and unliked of our culture? What do all people need the most?

Read Matthew 8:3. “I am willing!” What does this show us about Jesus’ heart for the unappreciated and often unapproached? How does this challenge you to be more like Jesus this next week?

Read Matthew 8:4. What reasons would Jesus have for telling someone to NOT tell other people what He had done? While all people need Jesus, are there ever times when bringing up Jesus may not be the best move in a given moment? Give some examples.

Now, after sharing those examples, discuss ways we can get back to the point where it is a good time to talk about Jesus.

 

Living Out: How do I obey?

1 – Who is someone in your sphere of influence that is often overlooked or ignored? How can you be a better example of Jesus in that person’s life…specifically?

2 – Take turns finishing the following statements:

• I wish I paid more attention to…
• I really appreciate it when people notice…
• I could be a better example of Jesus for people if I were to…

3 – How’s that Service Project coming??