UPDATED Simply LUKE Leaders Guide

simply
LUKE
___________________________
to reassure you of the truth
simplifying life
re-prioritizing life
cultivating a deeper walk with God
All Bible verses are taken from the New Living Translation unless otherwise indicated.
The following people contributed to this study guide.
W. Milton Adams
Carolyn Byers
Cynthia Stigora
Darren Yates
Shari Ziesmer
You may copy this resource or any part of it to build up God's Kingdom.
Please include the following reference information:
More studies available at

www.SimpleChurchAtHome.com
Visit www.SimpleChurchAtHome.com for more study guides. page 2

simply LUKE
Outline
The WORD Among Us
How to Use This Leader’s Guide
Accepted by God Jesus Headed for Jerusalem

1. Answered Prayer, 1:1-25 1. High Cost; High Reward, 9:51-62
2. Angel Visits, 1:26-38 2. Registered in Heaven, 10:1-24
3. Blessed by God, 1:39-56 3. Red, Brown, Yellow, 10:25-37
4. Disciplined, 1:57-80 4. Priorities, 10:38-42
5. God Goes Looking, 2:1-20 5. Prayer Hoops, 11:1-13
6. Special Video: The Harvest 6. Power Source Choices, 11:14-28
7. Ancient Prophecy, 2:21-40 7. Forgiveness Promised, 11:29-32
8. Jesus is Lost, 2:41-52 8. Give and Take, 11:33-54
9. Straight Talk, 3:1-23 9. Warning and Encouragement, 12:1-12
10. Overcoming Temptation, 4:1-13 10. Hell, Genesis 19:1-38 (part of last week)
11. Living Your Real Life, 4:14-30 11. Money Talk, 12:13-21
12. Cast Out, 4:31-44 12. Worried Sick, 12:22-34
13. Radical Calling, 5:1-11 13. Ready or Not, Here I Come, 12:35-48
14. Healed, 5:12-26 14. A Hard Saying of Jesus, 12:49-53
15. Help, I'm Sick, 5:27-39 15. Repent or Perish, 13:1-9
16. An Odd Healing, 6:1-11 16. Sabbath Healing, 13:10-17
17. If the Shoe Fits, 6:12-26 17. Safe and Secure, 13:18-35
18. Living in Enemy Territory, 6:27-36 18. Dinner Etiquette, 14:1-14
19. Most Famous Verse, 6:3-49 19. Invitations, 14:15-24
20. Counting the Cost, 14:25-35
Faith, Obedience, and Healing 21. Lost Until Found, 15:1-10
20. Amazing Faith, 7:1-17 22. Welcome Home, 15:11-32
21. Counted Among the Greatest, 7:18-35 23. Job Security, 16:1-13
22. Silent Hope of Every Sinner, 7:36-50 24. Unchangeable, Unstoppable, 16:14-18
23. Time for Reflection, 8:1-15 25. A Symbolic Story, 16:19-31
24. Three Short Stories, 8:16-25 26. The Real Lazarus, John 11:1-44
25. Risky Words, 8:26-39 27. Obedience is Faith, 17:1-10
26. Persistence Pays, 8:40-56 28. Thanks, 17:11-19
27. Tag! You’re It, 9:1-9 29. Going Home, 17:20-37
28. Mission Impossible, 9:10-17 30. Prayer Principles, 18:1-8
29. The Upside-Down Gospel, 9:18-27 31. Humility, 18:9-14
30. Just Listen, 9:28-36 32. Mission Possible, 18:15-30
31. Uncommon Greatness, 9:37-50 33. Blinders, 18:31-42
34. Hated and Despised, 19:1-10
35. Investing Life's Resources, 19:11-27

Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
1. The First Day, 19:28-44
2. Recognized Authority, 19:45-20:8
3. U-Turns in Life, 20:9-19
4. Tax Time, 20:20-26
5. The End is Not the End, 20:27-40
6. Authenticity and Hypocrisy, 20:41-21:4
7. Signs You Can't Ignore—Part 1, 21:5-28
8. Signs You Can't Ignore—Part 2, 21:5-28
9. Signs you Can't Ignore—Part 3, 21:29-38
10. A Special Supper, 22:1-30
11. Secrets of Happiness, 22:31-38
12. Surviving Temptation, 22:39-53
13. Surviving Failure, 22:54-71
14. Ripple Effects, 23:1-25
15. Remember Me, 23:26-43
16. My Choice, 23:42-56
17. Supernatural Encounters, 23:50 – 24:12
18. Believing the Unbelievable, 24:13-34
19. My Promise, 24:35-53

Relational Bible Studies
The WORD Among Us
The Simply Series is a different kind of Bible study. It is not doctrine or life application. It is
relational, which means there are no right or wrong answers to the questions in this facilitator’s
guide.
Relational Bible studies focus on building relationships with God and each other. They create a
space for the WORD among us to wash over us, plant seeds in our lives, and change us by the
transforming grace of the Holy Spirit.
Relational Bible studies give everyone, no matter what their perspective or depth of Bible
knowledge, space to share and contribute to the dialogue as we journey together. They help us
discover how our personal story intersects with the Bible story.
These guides are designed to facilitate real and authentic dialogue in such a way that secular
and unchurched Truth seekers come away saying, “This is different! This is real.”
People need the Everlasting Gospel. Simple Church is about creating a space for Truth seekers
to journey together.
May God bless you as you simplify and re-prioritize your life, creating time to “spend” with
Truth seekers from all walks of life.

How to Use This Leader’s Guide
This leader’s guide assumes you have:
1. Read through the www.SimpleChurchAtHome.com web page.
2. Completed the online Simple Church training.
Title
outline
Bible story reference will be listed here.
Message of Hope: Have this idea crystal clear in your mind. This is what you want people to
remember for the rest of the week.
The Basic 8: These are covered in the free online training.

1. Collection Box (explained in PhaseONE training videos)
2. Connection Card Envelopes
3. Business Cards
4. Taco Salad Sign-up Sheet
5. a variety of extra Bible translations.
6. Child Safety Poster
7. Blessing Board
8. Email link to online Simple Church Weekly Summary Form (When officially launched
this is emailed to your Details Coordinator every Sunday.)
Welcome: We are glad everyone is here. We focus on three things: connecting with God, connecting
with each other, and serving our world. In other words, this group does not exist for us.
Before we introduce ourselves, let's Remember:

• This is a safe place to grow spiritually.
• We are a wide diversity of Truth seekers. We are glad all of you are here.
• You will notice we do not use a bunch of fancy religious language.
• We do not try to impress people with how much Bible quoting we can do. We are common
people.
• Please be sensitive so everyone has an opportunity to share and contribute.
• Cell phones should be put on “vibrate,” or turned off.
Check-In:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is a high-light or a low-light (a headline) from your week?
3. [Insert rotation question for the week.]

Rotation Questions: Rotate through the following three questions:
Week 1: How would you like to simplify your life?
Week 2: How would you like to re-prioritize your life?
Week 3: How would you like to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Week 4: How would you like to simplify your life?
Week 5: etc.
At the end of check-in ask the person who facilitated to choose another adult to facilitate check-
in next week. Anyone can facilitate check-in. It does not have to be a CORE leader.
Children's Check-In Questions: How did you help Mommy or Daddy this week? (Or they can
answer the adult questions.)
The Quiz: A child asks three questions. They randomly choose from the check-in questions people just
answered. Ask everyone to raise their hands and the child picks someone to answer the questions.
For example:
1. What was his (pointing to the person) highlight for the week?
2. What was her name (pointing to the person)?
3. How did she want to simplify her life?
At the end of the quiz ask the child who facilitated to choose another child to facilitate the quiz
next week.
This is what page 2 of a typical leader’s guide for a given week actually looks like.
Facilitator's Directions:
1. Talk as little as possible, encourage others to share, and avoid a monologue.
2. Cut on the dotted lines. Distribute questions around the circle. (✄-------------------)
3. Keep this top part and the bottom part (question D) of this page.
4. Reassure people they do not have to answer the questions, just read it for us.
5. At the end, choose someone to facilitate the questions for next week.
Kick-off Question: (60 second answers, facilitator goes first)
Bridge: This transitions the group from the Kick-off Question into the Bible story.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: Bible story reference will be listed here.
(Encourage people to stick to this story instead of jumping all over the Bible during our discussion.)
Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)
Some helpful pointers for digging questions:

• Remember: there are no "right answers" to relational Bible study questions. Help people
contribute their perspective to the dialogue.
• You DO NOT have to "accomplish" all the questions listed. Use them as a resource from
which to select during your discussion.
• Spend a maximum of 50% of your Bible study time on these questions.
• Affirm each answer, no matter what is said, by saying something like, "Excellent, someone
else"; "Thanks for sharing, someone else"; "Good, someone else"; "How about the rest of
you, what do you think".
• Did you catch the common denominator, "someone else"? You are always affirming and
always inviting others to give input.
• If someone gets off-focus, simply say (after they have stopped talking), "What was the
question? Let's read it again.”
Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)
Some helpful pointers:

• Spend a minimum of 50% of your time on these questions.
• These questions are designed to invite people to share portions of their life story as it
interacts with the Bible study.
• At appropriate times affirm confidentiality and offer reassurance that this is a safe place to
share and grow spiritually.
Group Prayer:
1. We are blessed by being a part of this group, yet it exists for those who are not yet here.
2. Put an Empty Chair in the middle of your prayer circle. Pray for the people who are not yet
here.
3. Close by saying the Blessing Board blessing together.
At the end of prayer, ask the person who facilitated to choose another adult to facilitate the
questions for next week. Anyone can facilitate the questions. It does not have to be a CORE
leader.
Lunch:
1. Keep it simple. Keep it easily reproducible.
2. Hostess (one of the CORE4) provides the beans.
3. During lunch have the Taco Salad Sign-up Sheet available.

Answered Prayer
outline
Luke 1:1-25
Message of Hope: God hears and answers prayer.
The Basic 8 Simple Church Tools: Collection Box, Connection Card Envelopes, Business
Cards, Taco Salad Sign-up sheet, a variety of extra Bible translations, Child Safety Poster,
Blessing Board, Summary Form (which is emailed to the Details Coordinator every Sunday).
Breakfast
Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.
Setting the Context:

• We come from a variety of backgrounds and seek to create a safe place for Truth seekers to
grow spiritually.
• You will notice that we try to avoid fancy religious language. We are common people.
• Let's encourage those who like to talk to give opportunity for everyone to participate.
Check-In:
next week.

2. Cut on the dotted lines. Distribute questions around the circle. (✄--------------------)
Kick-off Question: (60 second answers, facilitator goes first, go around the circle)
What is something you waited a long time for or something you prayed a long time for?
Bridge: Today's story is an amazing example of someone who did not give up praying and how
God answered their prayer.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: Luke 1:1-25
(Encourage people to stick to this story instead of jumping all over the Bible.)
✄-------------------

1. What can we learn about the author, Luke, from verses 1-4?
✄-------------------
2. In verses 14-17, the words “he will” are used several times. The sentences that start this way
tell us about John the Baptist's life. What are the different parts of his life work?
✄-------------------
3. Read verses 11-13 and 18-20 again. Why do you think the angel was so hard on Zechariah?
✄-------------------
4. The angel gives Zechariah a few parenting instructions. What are those instructions, and why
do you think they are important?
✄-------------------

A. On a personal note, explain which person in this story—Zechariah, Elizabeth, or John the
Baptist—you most identify with and least identify with?
✄-------------------
B. What fears and doubts are you facing in your life right now?
✄-------------------
C. What is an invitation, a promise, a command, or a warning that you needed to hear today?
✄-------------------
D. Remember: God hears and answers prayer. How can this group pray for God's protection and
victory in your life?
Group Prayer:
• Put Empty Chairs in the middle of your circle. Pray for people who will be invited.
• Close by saying the Blessing Board blessing together.
Lunch: Taco Salad sign-up sheet

Angel Visits
outline
Luke 1:26-38
Message of Hope: God has a plan for your life.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is one thing you have been told about your birth?
Bridge: Today's story encourages us to keep listening to God, because He has a special plan for
our lives.
✄-------------------

1. Put yourself in Mary's shoes. What part of this story would have been hard for you to
comprehend and why?
✄-------------------
2. Put yourself in Joseph's shoes. What part of this story would have been hard for you to accept
and why?
✄-------------------
3. In this story, what contrasts do you see between Mary and Elizabeth?
✄-------------------
4. What are the differences between Mary's response and Zechariah's response that we studied last
week in verse 18?
✄-------------------

A. In verse 28, the angel Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The
Lord is with you.” On a personal note, if an angel was going to visit you, what do you hope he
would say?
✄-------------------
B. Verse 37 says, “For nothing is impossible with God.” God also has a plan for your life. What do
you think part of that plan might include?
✄-------------------
✄-------------------
D. Remember: God has a plan for your life. How can this group pray for God's protection and
Group Prayer:


Blessed by God
outline
Luke 1:39-56
Message of Hope: You are blessed by God.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When someone asks you how you’re doing, what is your typical answer?
Bridge: Today's story will help us recognize the blessings God is giving you
✄-------------------

1. Why do you think Mary is in such a hurry to visit Elizabeth?
✄-------------------
2. How does Elizabeth know this is “the mother of my Lord,” as stated in verse 43?
✄-------------------
3. In verses 46-55, Mary sings a song of praise traditionally referred to as the Magnificat. What
are the different things for which she praises God?
✄-------------------
4. Why does Mary stay with Elizabeth for three months? What do you think Elizabeth shared with
Mary?
✄-------------------

A. On a personal note, who is an Elizabeth that God has sent into your life, and how are they
helping you?
✄-------------------
B. Read verse 45 again. How have you been blessed by God? What has the Lord said that will
help you?
✄-------------------
✄-------------------
D. Remember: You are blessed by God. How can this group pray for God's protection and victory
in your life?
Group Prayer:

Disciplined
outline
Luke 1:57-80
Message of Hope: God's discipline helps us grow.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Briefly tell about a time you were “disciplined.”
Bridge: Today's story invites us to ponder the hard times in our lives in order to see what
lessons God is trying to teach us.
✄-------------------

1. Let's summarize the last few weeks of studies. How was Zechariah being disciplined?
✄-------------------
2. We are not told how John became strong in the Spirit, but based on this story, what helped
Zechariah become strong in the Spirit?
✄-------------------
3. What are Zechariah's big ideas that are found in verses 67-79?
✄-------------------
4. When God made it so Zechariah could not speak for nine months, what do you think God
wanted Zechariah to think about during that time—as a father and as one of Israel’s leaders?
✄-------------------

A. Verse 58 says, “and everyone rejoiced with her [Elizabeth].” On a personal note, during the last
few weeks how has God shown His kindness to you?
✄-------------------
B. On the flip side of the coin, where do you see God disciplining you?
✄-------------------
✄-------------------
D. Remember: God's discipline helps us grow. How can this group pray for God's protection and
Group Prayer:

God Goes Looking
outline
Luke 2:1-20
Message of Hope: God sent Jesus to look for you.
Planning Ahead: Next week follows up on today's Bible study discussion with the movie called
The Harvest. This video is one you have already watched as part of your Simple Church
training.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you had a trip not go as planned?
Bridge: Today's story is about a trip which seemed to go badly, but it ended up changing the
world for good.
✄--------------------

1. While this may be a familiar passage, what verse catches your curiosity? What part of this story
is a bit confusing?
✄--------------------
2. If God were to send angels in our day to announce Jesus’s birth, to whom would He send them?
Why do you think so?
✄--------------------
3. According to this story, how were the shepherds to recognize baby Jesus? If an angel came to
this group today to help us recognize Jesus, what clues do you think he would give us?
✄--------------------
4. Read verses 17-18. Why do you think these verses are included in the Bible?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, who was the “shepherd” who first told you about Jesus? Explain how it
happened.
✄--------------------
B. If you were to go looking for Jesus, whether for the first time or in a deeper way, how would
you start?
Next week we are showing a short movie called The Harvest which is based on a true story.
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God sent Jesus to look for you. How can this group pray for God's protection and
Group Prayer:
Special Video: The Harvest
outline
John 4:34-38
Message of Hope: There are people who are ready and waiting to follow Jesus.
Tip: Today's discussion is to help your group identify specific ways they can both plant seeds
and help with the harvest.
Needed for Today: Open Chair Worksheets (see next 2 pages) and the Open Chair Video called
The Harvest.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:

When you hear the word harvest, what comes to mind?
Bridge: Today we are going to start with an inspiring video called The Harvest.
Watch Video – bring the children back in for this video. It is about 18 minutes in length.
1. Children's Question: What part of the video did you like?
2. Adult's Questions: What part of this video inspired you?
3. Does anyone remember the Bible text the video is based on?
Children go back to their activities.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: John 4:34-38
✄--------------------

1. Can you summarize the lesson of the harvest the father taught his children in the video? (When
the harvest is ready, we must be ready.)
✄--------------------
2. What is the message Jesus is trying to teach in verse 35?
✄--------------------
3. Let's get practical and come up with some simple ways we can do seed-sowing and harvesting.
✄--------------------
4. Distribute Open Chair worksheets and Simple Church invitation cards. Give people several
quiet minutes to pray and ask, “God, who is ready to be invited to our group?”
✄--------------------

A. This group does not exist for us. Put an Empty Chair in the middle of your prayer circle with a
supply of invitation business cards on the chair for people to take and use.
✄--------------------
B. When you talk with someone who needs hope and courage, tell them about this group and
invite them to come with you next week.
✄--------------------
C. Remember: There are people who are ready and waiting to follow Jesus.
✄--------------------
D. Close by saying the Blessing List blessing together.


Ancient Prophecy
outline
Luke 2:21-40
Message of Hope: God has a plan for your life, but He will not force it upon you.
Needed for Today: Seed sowing materials your group discussed last week.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Today's study is called Ancient Prophecy. When you hear the words ancient prophecy, what comes to
your mind?
Bridge: Today's story tells about some amazing Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled.
✄--------------------

1. It seems that in a prophecy like this one, God might be taking away freedom of choice. How do
you make sense of this?
✄--------------------
2. Let's take a close look at Simeon and Anna's prophecy. What is it telling us, and what does it
mean? Read verses 32, 34-35.
✄--------------------
3. What do you notice that is the same or different about Simeon and Anna?
✄--------------------
4. Simeon contrasts two groups of people—those who reject Jesus and those who will accept
Christ. Why do people choose to accept or reject Jesus?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, how is Satan trying to pull you away from Jesus?
✄--------------------
B. Spiritual growth does not happen overnight; it happens one step at a time. What would you say
is your next step away from Satan and towards Jesus?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God has a plan for your life, but He will not force it upon you. How can this
group pray for God's protection and victory in your life?
Group Prayer:

Jesus is Lost
outline
Luke 2:41-52
Message of Hope: When we lose sight of Jesus, it is always possible to find Him again.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you got lost, separated, or ran away from your parents?
Bridge: This story is the only story in the Bible that tells us about how, at one point in His life,
Jesus was lost. That may seem odd, but it is true. Let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Consider the setting: what was the Passover festival? Read the original Passover story in
Exodus 11.
✄--------------------
2. Jesus's behavior seems out of the norm. Why do you think He was acting this way?
✄--------------------
3. In verse 50, what do Jesus's parents not understand?
✄--------------------
4. What parenting lessons can we learn from this story?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, if you were missing, where is the first place people would start looking for
you?
✄--------------------
B. When Jesus's parents lost sight of Him, it took them three days to find Him again. When you
lose sight of Jesus, how can you, or how can anyone, go about finding Him again?
✄--------------------
C. As we get ready to pray, let's look up a verse in the Old Testament—Jeremiah 29:13. Let's read
it from all of our translations and then I'll read it from the Message Bible.
“When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding
me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed.” GOD's
Decree. “I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which
I drove you”—GOD’s Decree. Jeremiah 29:13-14
✄--------------------
D. Remember: When we lose sight of Jesus, it is always possible to find Him again. How can
this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer & Lunch:


Straight Talk
outline
Luke 3:1-23
Message of Hope: God loves you so much that sometimes He sends someone to “tell it like it
is.”
Tip: This story will give you a natural opportunity to invite people to prepare for baptism. At
the end of the story distribute the Connection Card Envelopes and invite them to check the
“prepare for baptism” box.
Needed for Today: Enough Connection Card Envelopes to give one to each person.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Who is someone in your life that you knew loved you and would “tell it like it is?”
Bridge: In today's story we meet someone who tells it like it is. He addresses an important
decision all of us have to make in life. I want you to see this in the Bible for yourself.
✄--------------------

1. This is a quiz: what have we learned about John in the past few weeks? What additional
information does this story tell us?
✄--------------------
2. How would you summarize John’s message and why do you think it is important? Can
someone volunteer to write down a list as we summarize the topics that John discusses?
✄--------------------
3. What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire?
✄--------------------
4. If Jesus did not sin, why do you think He chose to be baptized?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, who has been a John the Baptist in your life and encouraged you to follow
Jesus?
✄--------------------
B. If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” what do you think he would tell you?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God loves you so much that He sent John to “tell it like it is”. How can this
Group Prayer:

Overcoming Temptation
outline
Luke 4:1-13
Message of Hope: God always provides a way to escape Satan's temptations.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

How would you explain the word temptation?
Bridge: The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted, but Jesus
did not sin. In other words, Jesus knows what you are going through. Today's story will look at
three temptations that Satan gave Jesus. This story tells us how to overcome every temptation
like Jesus did. Of course, this does not mean it is easy to overcome. There is a struggle because
Satan wants to destroy you, but Jesus wants to save you.
✄--------------------

1. Each temptation in this story focused on a different aspect of humanity—what are they? (HINT:
physical, mental, spiritual)
✄--------------------
2. What is unique about the third temptation that you do not see in the first two?
✄--------------------
3. In each temptation Jesus gives us a very practical way to overcome it. What is the secret to
overcoming it, and what does this mean for us today?
✄--------------------
4. Why do you think this story ends with the words, “until the next opportunity came”?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, if Satan had three shots at you, what temptations do you think he would
choose?
✄--------------------
B. Notice how Jesus was tempted when He took a spiritual step towards God. In your life, when or
where is Satan most likely to try to take you down?
✄--------------------
C. Jesus quoted Bible promises to overcome Satan. I want to give you one Bible promise you can
claim every time Satan tempts you. Let's find 1 Corinthians 10:13 and read it in every
translation represented here.
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God always provides a way to escape Satan's temptations. I have an idea.
What if we were to try to memorize this one verse this week so that when we are “in the
wilderness” without our Bibles, we can quote a promise like Jesus did and be able to
successfully meet Satan's temptations. Who wants to do this with me?


Living Your Real Life
outline
Luke 4:14-30
Message of Hope: Just like God had a plan for Jesus’s life, He also has a special plan for your
life.
Tip: This Bible story references, verses 25-27and some Old Testament Bible stories. Go back to
the Old Testament and read these stories. Remember your job is NOT to be an answer person.
Use your background study to add meaning to the group's discussion.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you did something for a good reason that you knew would make someone upset or
mad at you for doing it?
Bridge: Today's story is one of those happy and sad stories, but it gives us hope. Let's read the
story together.
✄--------------------

1. In verses 18-20 Jesus tells everyone who He is and what His mission is about. What are the five
parts of His mission? In today's world what is included in the five areas Jesus talks about?
✄--------------------
2. In verses 18-22, the people love Jesus. In verses 23-27, they hate Him. What factors do you
think contribute to such a drastic change?
✄--------------------
3. Why do you think Jesus decided to use the words recorded in verses 23-27 when He knew it
was going to make everyone so mad?
✄--------------------
4. In verse 30, Jesus walked away. When was a time you walked away from a fight?
✄--------------------
A. Jesus’s mission talked about five areas. On a personal note, which one catches your personal
interest and why?
✄--------------------
B. How do you think God could use you in this area?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Just like God had a plan for Jesus's life, He also has a special plan for your
life. How can this group pray for God's protection and victory in your life?


Cast Out
outline
Luke 4:31-44
Message of Hope: Jesus has the power to set you free from demon harassment and demon
possession.
Tip: It is very possible that there may be someone who is attending your Simple Church who is
possessed with a demon(s). They may not want to admit it or even realize it. At times, demon
possession has been diagnosed as a mental disorder. At some time in your gathering, pray a
command in the name of Jesus that anyone who has been (or is being) harassed or possessed
by demons would have the demons “come out” and set that person free. Today's story is about
the power of God to cast out demons.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When some people talk, everyone listens. Do you know someone like that, and who is it?
Bridge: Today's story is about authority—something that today's world does not like very
much. But this authority has the power to set you free from sin. It is also about demon
possession, which is another topic that people are nervous about.
✄--------------------

1. What do you think Jesus is talking about when, in verse 43, He talks about the Good News?
✄--------------------
2. Let's read between the lines. Based on these two stories, list all the things these demons know
and believe about Jesus?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think was the real reason Jesus went to a solitary place in the country?
✄--------------------
4. Why does it seem that these kinds of stories of healing and casting out demons do not happen
very often in today's world?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when you need peace and quiet, how do you get away to hear God?
✄--------------------
B. If you could ask Jesus for healing and to be set free from anything, for what would you ask?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus has the power to set you free from demon harassment and demon
possession. How can this group pray for God's protection and victory in your life?


Radical Calling
outline
Luke 5:1-11
Message of Hope: The very fact that you are here today says you are listening to God in your
life.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Think of a time when you made a radical change in your life. Share with us a brief summary of what
happened.
Bridge: Today's story is about making a radical change in your life. If you have been a long-
time Christian, you are not exempt from this radical change. Let's read this story together.
✄--------------------

1. If you had been net fishing all night, then Jesus came along and told you to throw your net into
the water one more time, what do you think you would have done? Answer honestly.
✄--------------------
2. What do you think it was about Jesus that inspired great crowds to take time to go and listen to
Him?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think Simon Peter's motives were when he said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I'm
too much of a sinner to be around you”?
✄--------------------
4. What is Jesus really talking about at the end of this story when He says, “Do not be afraid!”
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, think back to one of the early times when you sensed Jesus calling you to
follow Him. What were the circumstances going on in your life at that time?
✄--------------------
B. In verse 5, Simon says, “But if you say so, we'll try again.” What is God asking you to do for
the second time?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: The fact that you are here today says you are listening to God's radical calling
in your life. How can group pray for God's protection and victory in your life?
Group Prayer:

Healed
outline
Luke 5:12-26
Message of Hope: Jesus uses your friends to heal you. This is one reason why we need each
other.
Tip: Notice that it was because of the friend's faith (verse 20) that Jesus healed this person.
There is huge power when a group of people combine their faith and pray for healing of any
kind. May today be a day for pray and healing – for God's glory.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Briefly tell about a time your friends did something meaningful for you?
Bridge: In today's Bible story, it is amazing what a group of friends did for one person. Maybe
we can do the same for each other today, but let's start by reading the story.
✄--------------------

1. Verse 20 says, “seeing their faith.” What does this mean? What does “their” faith have to do
with a paralyzed man?
✄--------------------
2. It seems so out of place in this story for Jesus’s first words to the paralyzed man to be, “Son,
your sins are forgiven,” especially when he came for healing. How do you explain and make
sense of this?
✄--------------------
3. When people realize that Jesus knows our silent thoughts, they tend to focus on the downside.
Could it be a good thing for Jesus to know what we are silently thinking, and why?
✄--------------------
4. In verses 23 and 24, how does this story prove that Jesus is the Son of Man rather than just a
good moral man?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, where have you seen God bring healing into your life?
✄--------------------
B. There are different kinds of paralysis: spiritual, relational, emotional, marital, and physical. If
your friends were to take you to Jesus to be healed, how would you like Jesus to heal you?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus uses your friends to heal you. That is one reason why we need each
other. How can this group pray for God's protection and victory in your life?
Group Prayer & Lunch: Put Empty Chairs in the middle of your circle.

Help, I’m Sick
outline
Luke 5:27-39
Message of Hope: Jesus invites you to follow Him, no matter how horrible your past has been.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

If a famous person you admire is coming to see you tomorrow, how would you prepare for the visit?
Bridge: If you think you have lived a bad life, then today's story will bring you hope.
✄--------------------

1. Several little questions: Why are tax collectors grouped with sinners? What is fasting? Why do
people fast?
✄--------------------
2. Use your imagination: From what did Levi walk away in order to follow Jesus? What do you
think motivated Levi to hold a banquet for Jesus?
✄--------------------
3. According to this story, what is the one requirement to become a follower of Jesus? See verses
31-32.
✄--------------------
4. Why do you think Jesus is questioned about fasting?
✄--------------------
5. What is Jesus trying to say in verses 34-35?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when was one of the early times in your life that you felt like Jesus was
inviting you to follow Him?
✄--------------------
B. There will always be “Pharisees” around who discourage you when you choose to follow Jesus.
How do you stay focused on Jesus during adversity?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. The very fact that we are here today says we are sick and need a spiritual doctor. The good
news is that Jesus invites you to follow Him, no matter how horrible your past has been.
Levi had a horrible past. That is why he is so grateful to be able to follow Jesus.


An Odd Healing
outline
Luke 6:1-11
Message of Hope: Jesus wants to bring healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to your
life today.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

If you could do one miracle for someone, what would it be?
Bridge: We are going to read about a very odd miracle that Jesus did. Most of the time the
people came to Jesus and asked Him to heal them. Only on Sabbath did Jesus seek out people
to heal. That means that today, on a Sabbath, Jesus wants to bring some kind of healing—
physical, emotional, or spiritual healing—to your life. Let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think the Pharisees are so down on Jesus?
✄--------------------
2. If this story was the only story you had ever read about the Sabbath, what would we know
about the Sabbath? Which verses tell us this?
✄--------------------
3. Jesus could have stopped with verse 4, but He adds verse 5. Someone read verse 5 again. Why
do you think He added this verse? What is Jesus trying to say?
✄--------------------
4. Why does Jesus provoke the Pharisees by healing on the Sabbath when He could have waited
until the next day?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when you see someone or a group of people picking on another person,
what feelings well up inside of you?
✄--------------------
B. Honestly, if you had been Jesus, how would you have responded to the critics?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Sabbath is a day for healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. What kind of
healing do you feel you most need today?

If the Shoe Fits
outline
Luke 6:12-26
Message of Hope: Jesus loves you so much that He will talk honestly with you.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

When was the last time you stayed up all night, and what kept you up?
Bridge: Believe it or not, Jesus pulled all-nighters, although for very different reasons than
most people do. Best of all, today's story begins one of Jesus’s most well-known sermons. It is
sometimes called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus was on a mountain or hillside when
He shared it with the people.
✄--------------------

1. Some say both rich and poor Americans share three values: Status—how do I compare with
others? Entertainment—what will make me happy? Comfort—what will make me feel good?
How do the values Jesus talks about in this story compare with the values sold every day via
media?
✄--------------------
2. Let's spend some time digging into the four blessings of verses 20-23.
• Is God saying that I have to be poor, hungry, crying, and hated to be blessed?
• What can be learned by looking at the verbs “is,” “will be,” and “are”?
• Identify each promise that comes with each blessing.
✄--------------------
3. Now dig into the four sorrows in verses 24-26. Is God saying that if I'm rich, prosperous,
enjoying life, and liked by people, there is no hope for the future? If not, what is God saying?
✄--------------------
4. What do you notice as you compare and contrast the blessings and sorrows?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, if you were to pick one or two blessings, which ones do you feel God is
giving you at this time in your life?
✄--------------------
B. Which sorrow do you have, or might you have in the future?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus loves you so much that He will talk honestly with you. How can this

Living in Enemy Territory
outline
Luke 6:27-36
Message of Hope: God can change your attitude towards your enemies if you ask Him to.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

How do you define an enemy?
Bridge: When it comes to advice about enemies, today's story is totally backward and upside
down, but it is worth considering.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations:: Luke 6:27-36
✄--------------------

1. In the first five verses (27-31), Jesus gives several commands. Let's identify them and then
summarize them into one all-encompassing sentence.
✄--------------------
2. Being careful not to justify ourselves, what is Jesus getting at when He talks about cheek-
slapping?
✄--------------------
3. According to this story, what does Jesus say distinguishes Christian living from un-Christian
living?
✄--------------------
4. What counsel would you have for someone who is a new Christian and says to you, “How do I
live this way when I don't feel like it?”
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when was a time an enemy or someone you didn’t get along with treated
you with kindness and love that you did not deserve?
✄--------------------
B. Without naming any names, what part of this story on how to treat your “enemies” will you
have an opportunity to practice in the near future?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God can change your attitude towards your enemies. Ask Him! How can this
Group Prayer:

Most Famous Verse
outline
Luke 6:37-49
Message of Hope: We can expect to be treated like we treat others.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What do you think the most famous Bible verse is?
Bridge: Today's story is about the most famous Bible verse. However, be prepared for a
surprise because it is not the verse most people think it is.
✄--------------------

1. These verses seem like a random collection of sayings that are loosely connected, but there
must by some rhyme and reason in them. What common themes do you see?
✄--------------------
2. The most popular Bible verse in today's world is Luke 6:37. But verse 44 assumes that you
“judge” the fruit to determine whether it is good or bad fruit. How do you make sense of these
two verses when they seem to say the exact opposite?
✄--------------------
3. Take a look at each of the commands or statements in verses 37-38. What is the message and
implication of each one?
✄--------------------
4. What is Jesus’s main point in verses 46-49, and how does it apply to people?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, think about the last storm that hit your life. What did you learn about your
life's foundation?
✄--------------------
B. This may feel a bit odd at first, but let's try. Let's take a few minutes to identify and affirm the
good fruit we have seen in each other’s life. I will go first.
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: We can expect to be treated like we treat others. How can this group pray for
God's protection and victory in your life?
Group Prayer:

Amazing Faith
outline
Luke 7:1-17
Message of Hope: Faith is living action.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Who is someone in your life that has had faith in you, and how did you know they had faith in you?
Bridge: Today's story is about some amazing faith. “Faith” is often a confusing and elusive
word. Put on your thinking caps, and let's try to better understand what faith is and how it
works.
✄--------------------

1. What makes this Roman officer's faith so amazing, and what clues do you see that tell us about
this Gentile Roman officer's spirituality?
✄--------------------
2. Let’s read verse 5 again. The Jewish leaders give very interesting reasons why Jesus should
help this Roman officer. What do their reasons tell us about the Jewish leaders’ spiritual
beliefs?
✄--------------------
3. How does this Roman's understanding of leadership and power shape how he relates to Jesus?
✄--------------------
4. These two stories contrast in many ways. Let's refresh our memory by reading the second story
again. What are all the differences we can identify between the two stories?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, what miracle do you wish Jesus would do for you?
✄--------------------
B. What do you sense is your next step towards a deeper, simpler, more practical faith?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Faith is living action. How can this group pray for God's protection and victory in
your life?
Group Prayer:
Counted Among the Greatest
outline
Luke 7:18-35
Message of Hope: God counts you among the greatest.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What determines if a person is considered great?
Bridge: Today you will learn that no matter what you think about yourself or what others think
about you, God says that you are among the greatest. This has nothing to do with what you
think. You are among the greatest because God said so. But don't believe my words without
studying the topic for yourself from the Bible. Let's read this story together.
✄--------------------

1. Why does Jesus give such an odd answer to John the Baptist’s disciples in verses 22-23?
Compare verse 22 with Luke 4:18-19.
✄--------------------
2. What does Jesus say that John's job description was?
✄--------------------
3. If verse 28 is true, what does it mean for anyone who follows Jesus?
✄--------------------
4. What is Jesus trying to point out in verses 31-35?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, if you had been John wondering if Jesus was the Messiah, what evidence
would you have used to make your decision?
✄--------------------
B. From your experiences with Jesus during the past six months, what evidence could you give
that might convince others that Jesus is the true Messiah?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God counts you among the greatest. How can this group pray for God's
protection and victory in your life?
Group Prayer:
Silent Hope of Every Sinner
outline
Luke 7:36-50
Message of Hope: God is willing to forgive your entire history; just ask.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When you hear the word forgiveness, what thoughts and feelings come to mind?
Bridge: Have you ever wondered why people let others live “rent-free” in their head? Lots of
people suffer physically and emotionally because of forgiveness issues. Today's story has the
ability to set you free and give you an amazing peace of mind, so let's read it.
✄--------------------

1. What are the possible different reasons why this Pharisee invited Jesus to attend this meal?
✄--------------------
2. Do any of your Bibles have footnotes or comments about the perfume and how expensive it
was?
✄--------------------
3. What is the main point of Jesus’s story in verses 41-42?
✄--------------------
4. Jesus gives three promises in verses 48 and 50. What are these promises, and which one most
meets the needs in your life?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, what kinds of things keep you from experiencing God's peace which comes
by knowing your sins are forgiven and your salvation is secure?
B. ✄--------------------
C. What needs to happen in your life for you to feel the kind of forgiveness and peace this woman
felt?
D. ✄--------------------
E. What is an invitation, a promise, a command, or a warning that you needed to hear today?
F. ✄--------------------
G. Remember: God is willing to forgive your entire history; just ask. How can this group pray
for God's protection and victory in your life?
Group Prayer:
Time for Reflection
outline
Luke 8:1-15
Message of Hope: Jesus continually plants spiritual seeds in your life.
Tip: Read today's stories in stages, as explained on the next page. This study is designed to
lead people into honest reflection. In today's world it is easy, especially for Christians, to play a
game with Christianity and lose their salvation. Let the Holy Spirit do His work in the hearts of
each person as together you explore this story. Try not to talk too much. Give time for personal
reflection and interaction.
Envelopes, Business Cards, Taco Salad Sign-up sheet, a variety of extra Bible translations,
Child Safety Poster, Blessing Board, Summary Form (which is emailed to the Details
Coordinator every Sunday).
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

If you have a garden, or if you would like to grow a garden, what do you think is the most important
part of gardening?
Bridge: Did you know that God's Kingdom has gardening secrets? Jesus says it does in today's
story. If you are willing to do some honest personal reflection as we explore this story, you will
greatly benefit from the secrets you learn today.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: Start with Luke 8:1-8
✄--------------------

1. Jesus ended this story by saying, “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand.”
What do you think Jesus was saying in this story?
✄--------------------
2. Let's summarize the different soil conditions that the seeds fall on. What are they? Why did
Jesus describe the soil condition?
✄--------------------
3. Now read verses 9-10. It seems troubling that Jesus would quote from Isaiah 6:9 to say that
God's Kingdom has secrets. How do you make sense of these two verses?
✄--------------------
4. Now read the rest of the story—verses 11-15—verse by verse:
a. Read verses 11-12. How does the Devil go about stealing God's messages from people
today?
b. Read verse 13. How does Satan try to keep you from putting down deep roots?
c. Read verse 14. What are some of the cares, riches, and pleasures that Satan tries to tempt
you with to keep you from really growing as a Christian?
d. Read verse 15. Let's be honest. It is easy not to like this verse, because we discover that
Christianity is not a cute game one plays one day a week. It is for real seven days a week.
What does it mean to hear God's Message, cling to it, and steadily produce a huge harvest?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, what soil represented you today?
✄--------------------
B. What soil represented you five years ago?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus continually plants spiritual seeds in your life. How can this group pray

Three Short Stories
outline
Luke 8:16-18; 19-21; 22-25
Message of Hope: You are safest when you obey Jesus.
Tip: Help people discover the progression of thought in these three stories.
Story 1: Personally hearing Jesus’s teaching;
Story 2: Hearing and obeying Jesus’s teaching;
Story 3: Even the winds and waves hear and obey Jesus. Where is your faith?
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

This question might be a bit difficult, but give it your best. When you hear these three words,
flashlights, family, and storms, what comes to mind?
Bridge: Today we are going to look at three short stories that Jesus tells. The first story is about
flashlights; the second story is about family; and the third story is about storms. These might
seem totally unrelated, but Jesus weaves a golden thread through these stories. Let see if we can
find it. The first story is found in Luke 8:16-18.
Read the first Bible Story from two different translations: Luke 8:16-18
✄--------------------

1. In this story Jesus gets right to the point. Read verse 17 in the different translations we have
here. Why is Jesus so blunt? What are the implications of this statement for our lives?
✄--------------------
2. Now read the second story in Luke 8:19-21. It seems like Jesus is being very unkind to His
family in this story. If you were to dig deeper, what do you think Jesus’s real message was?
✄--------------------
3. Now read the third story, Luke 8:22-25. What do you think Jesus is trying to teach His
disciples with the wind and waves?
✄--------------------
4. What is the golden thread linking these three stories?
✄--------------------

A. Go back and read verse 18. On a personal note, what is a spiritual growth teaching have you
been hearing from Jesus?
✄--------------------
B. Go back and read verse 21. What is a teaching from Jesus that you have been hearing and now
need to obey?
✄--------------------
C. What is a storm in your life that you want to trust Jesus with?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: You are safest when you obey Jesus. How can this group pray for God's


Risky Words
outline
Luke 8:26-39
Message of Hope: Because Jesus loves you so much, He will honor your requests.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What are you hooked on or addicted to?
Bridge: Today's story is about a man who seemed to be so strong that he could not be bound by
chains. But he was bound by something else. There is good news found in this story. Let's read
it.
✄--------------------

1. Verses 28 and 29 (NLT) suggest that Jesus had encountered this man earlier. We do not know
this for sure, but let's assume in our discussion this is the second time. Why do you think the
demons had come back and were living in this person again?
✄--------------------
2. When the people living in that city ask Jesus to leave, He does. What does this tell us about
Jesus?
✄--------------------
3. Read verses 38 and 39 again. There are several reasons why Jesus says no. How many can we
think of?
✄--------------------
4. In today's world, how do people ask Jesus to “go away”?
✄--------------------

A. God blesses us in so many ways, for example, being set free from demon possession, providing
a new job, or giving us the chance to live healthier lives. On a personal note, what are some
things that God has done or provided for you?
✄--------------------
B. If you could be “free” from one thing in your life right now, what would you request?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Because Jesus loves you so much, He will honor your requests. How can this


Persistence Pays
outline
Luke 8:40-56
Message of Hope: Spiritual persistence—spending lots of time with God—works.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Kick-off Question: (60 second answers, facilitator goes first, go around the circle
What is one situation in life that required your persistence?
Bridge: Today's story is about persistence. Did you know it takes persistence to build a
relationship—including a relationship with God? Today's study is entitled Persistence Pays.
And as you learn to be persistent with God, amazing things will happen, just like they did in
this story. So, let's read it.
✄--------------------

1. As we dig into this story let's compare two sections, one from last week's story and one in
today's story. Someone read Luke 8:36-37 and someone else read verse 40. What do you think
contributed to the different responses of these two cities which were on opposite sides of the
lake?
✄--------------------
2. What are the differences and similarities you see between these two people? (man/woman, rich/
poor, etc.)
✄--------------------
3. Read verse 50 again. How did Jesus build Jairus’s faith to prepare for his daughter's “sleep,”
and why do you think Jesus calls the girl's death “sleep”?
✄--------------------
4. Why do you think Jesus tells Jairus not to tell anybody when He has just made the quiet lady
public?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, with which of these people do you resonate the most, and why?
✄--------------------
B. These two stories are about physical healing, but there is also spiritual and emotional healing.
Is there a healing that you’re persistently asking God for?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Spiritual persistence—spending lots of time with God—works. How can this


Tag! You’re It!
outline
Luke 9:1-9
Message of Hope: You are here because someone told you about Jesus. Pass this blessing on to
another person.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What’s a recent good deal you received AND told someone else about so they could get the same good
deal?
Bridge: Have you ever stopped to think about the blessings you have received from what other
people did for you? Today's story reminds us of how blessed we are and how important it is to
pass on the blessing to others. That is why this story is called Tag! You’re It.
✄--------------------

1. Let's go back a few chapters and read Luke 6:12-16. Who were these apostles, and what was
their job description?
✄--------------------
2. Now let's read Ephesians 4:12-14. What is the job description of these apostles? Is it the same
or different?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think a modern-day apostle’s job description would look like?
✄--------------------
4. Someone read verses 2-6 again reading one verse at a time. What thoughts do you have about
each verse?
✄--------------------

A) On a personal note, if you had been one of Jesus’s disciples, and He picked you to be an
apostle, what would have been the best, and also the hardest, part of your job description?
✄--------------------
B) There are many ways to share Jesus with others. What is one way in which you are comfortable
and like sharing Jesus with others?
✄--------------------
C) In your heart, how do you sense Jesus inviting you to work with Him?
✄--------------------
D) Remember: You are here because someone told you about Jesus. Pass this blessing on to
another person. How can this group pray for you this week?


Mission Impossible
outline
Luke 9:10-17
Message of Hope: All things are possible with God.
Tip: Notice the BIG picture:

1) Jesus has been doing a lot of healing.
2) Jesus sends out His apostles and tells them to go tell everyone about the Kingdom of God
and to heal.
3) The apostles come back and tell Jesus all they have done.
4) Jesus asks the apostles to feed the big crowd.
5) The apostles claim it is “impossible.”
6) Jesus does not argue or condemn them. He feeds the crowd.
7) The apostles pick up the leftover food.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:

next week.

What is one thing that you can do, or have done, that you once thought was impossible?
Bridge: Today's story gives us hope because there are many things we think are impossible.
This story will show us how God works in our lives to make that which we think is impossible,
possible.
✄--------------------

1. From last week's study, read Luke 9:2. In today's story, Jesus takes the apostles to a quiet place,
but the crowds learn where they are. If the crowds had not found Jesus, what kinds of things do
you think Jesus would have discussed with His apostles?
✄--------------------
2. Even though Jesus has other plans, verse 11 says, “And He welcomed them.” Read between the
lines—what values and priorities does Jesus hold that cause Him to welcome them?
✄--------------------
3. When the apostles claim “impossible,” how does Jesus respond by His example?
✄--------------------
4. What do you think the disciples were thinking as they walked around picking up the leftover
miracle food?
✄--------------------

A. Verse 17 says, “They all ate as much as they wanted.” On a personal note, share a time when
you filled up on an impossible miracle God did in your life?
✄--------------------
B. What is God asking you to do that you are tempted to peg as “impossible,” and why do you
think it is impossible?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: All things are possible with God. How can this group pray for God's protection
and victory in your life?


The Upside-Down Gospel
outline
Luke 9:18-27
Message of Hope: When you give up all, you gain all.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is something you gave up because you knew you would get something better later on?
Bridge: Today's story is about giving up something so you can get something much, much
better later on. But believe it or not, some people are not willing to do this. What are we talking
about? Let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Why is Jesus interested in this opinion poll? And, in verse 21, what do you think motivated
Jesus to ask them not to tell anyone?
✄--------------------
2. Read verse 23 again. Let's spend some time digging deeper and go beyond the easy surface
answers.
• What does it really mean to set aside your selfish ambition?
• What does it really mean to shoulder your cross daily?
• What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
✄--------------------
3. What is the “message” Jesus talks about in verse 26, and how do we know if we are ashamed or
not ashamed of Jesus and His message?
✄--------------------
4. At first glance, verse 27 is confusing. What are the different ways we can make sense of this
verse? (More on this next week).
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, when was one of the first times you decided to follow Jesus?
✄--------------------
B. Knowing what you know now, why do you want to continue following Jesus?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: When you give it all up, you gain it all. How can this group pray for God's
Group Prayer:

Just Listen
outline
Luke 9:28-36
Message of Hope: Jesus made your salvation possible. Now listen and follow Him.
Tip: This story is going to lead people to voluntarily talk about their personal devotional time.
But it will be called “listening time.” Long-time Christians have learned how to “play
Christianity” really well and are usually very uncomfortable talking about their personal quiet
time. Prepare yourself for this. Don't push them or embarrass them. Let their absence of
authentic testimony bring conviction to their hearts—maybe for their own salvation.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you were talking but should have been listening?
Bridge: Today's story is going to be different than what we have been used to. Without trying
to explain what is different, let's just jump in and see what it is about.
✄--------------------

1. Does anyone who was here last week remember what Jesus announced in the story? After
someone answers, read it from the Bible: Luke 9:22.
✄--------------------
2. According to verse 31, what is the purpose of Moses and Elijah meeting with Jesus, and why
did God send them both?
We will not assume everyone knows about Moses and Elijah so here is a brief summary:
Moses – He was miraculously saved as a baby. Later in life God asked him to lead approximately two
million Israelites out of Egypt where they had been slaves for four hundred years. Then he spent forty
years leading them to a special land God had chosen for them. (The book in the Bible called Exodus
tells this story.) As a leader, Moses disobeyed God and was not allowed to go into the promise land.
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 34:6 that God buried Moses. We learn from today's story that some
time later God raised him and took him to live in heaven. Here is the important part: Moses represents
all the people on this earth who loved and obeyed God and died before going to heaven. In today's
story Moses is sent to Jesus to encourage and remind Jesus that he, Moses, is living proof that Jesus’s
death on the cross WILL make it possible for all of God's followers to be raised and taken to heaven.
(Does that make sense, or should I read it again?)
Elijah – There are only two people in the Bible that have gone straight to heaven without dying. Elijah
is one of those people. Here is the important part: Elijah represents all the people who will NOT die
on this earth but will go straight to heaven when Jesus comes back this next time. So, in today's story,
Elijah is also sent to Jesus to encourage and remind Jesus of all those people who will be alive and
waiting for Him when He comes back to take them to heaven.
Reread the question.
✄--------------------
3. Compare Luke 3:22 with Luke 9:35. What similarities and differences do you notice?
✄--------------------
4. Why do you think Jesus takes three disciples with Him, especially if they are going to fall
asleep and miss this amazing event?

A. On a personal note, when was a time you experienced God in a special way? What happened in
your story?
✄--------------------
B. This Bible story leaves each one of us with a clear command from God—to listen to Jesus. On
a very personal note, how do you go about listening to Jesus each day? Being real and honest
about this is more important than giving a nice-sounding answer.
✄--------------------
C. Are there ways we can help each other with a little accountability so that we are taking time
each day to listen to Jesus?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus made your salvation possible. Now listen and follow Him. How can this
Group Prayer:

Uncommon Greatness
outline
Luke 9:37-50
Message of Hope: The small things equal greatness in God's Kingdom.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Who are some of the greatest people that have ever lived in your opinion, and why did you choose
them?
Bridge: People measure greatness in all kinds of ways: wealth, how busy they are, how many
friends they have, and the list goes on. Today's story will blow you out of the water as it matter-
of-factly teaches us how God measures greatness. Everyone needs to read this in the Bible, so
let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think they were not able to cast out the demons? Note that this story does not tell
us why the disciples were not able to cast out the demons, so every answer we offer is
“correct.”
✄--------------------
2. What happened to the “nice” Jesus, and why does Jesus respond with such a harsh response
(verse 41)? What happened to the “nice” disciples, and what is at the core of their fighting
(verse 46)?
✄--------------------
3. Compare verse 44 to verse 22 which we read a few weeks ago. Do you notice any differences?
Why do you think Jesus comes back a second time to talk about His death?
✄--------------------
4. What is Jesus’s message in verse 49-50? What are the implications of this message for today?
✄--------------------

A. In last week's story we saw Jesus transfigured. It was a mountaintop experience for His
disciples. Today's story finds them in a spiritual valley unable to cast out demons. On a
personal note, when have you recently had a spiritual high that was followed by a spiritual low?
✄--------------------
B. It seems out of place to brag on ourselves, but this is a wonderful opportunity for us to affirm
each other. So, let's take several minutes to share how we have seen others in this circle do that
which would make them great in God's Kingdom.
✄--------------------
C. As we wrap up, what is a lesson, a promise, a command, or a warning that you needed to hear
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: The small things equal greatness in God's Kingdom. How can this group pray


High Cost; High Reward
outline
Luke 9:51-62
Message of Hope: The personal costs and rewards for following Jesus are out of this world.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What are your favorite excuses for not doing something? For example, “the dog ate my homework.”
Bridge: Today's story talks about the cost of following Jesus. It is one of those high-cost
decisions with rewards that are literally out of this world.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think that Jesus, in verse 51, is so determined to go to Jerusalem?
✄--------------------
2. Why does Jesus send people ahead to the Samaritan village to prepare for His arrival?
✄--------------------
3. In verses 57-62, Jesus will interact with three different people. Let's look at them, one at a time,
and ask the following two questions:
• How does Jesus respond to the excuses offered by each person?
• Reading between the lines, what is at the heart of Jesus’s response to each of these three
people?
✄--------------------
4. What three general issues are represented in these verses?
✄--------------------
A. Verse 60 says, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach
about the Kingdom of God.” On a personal note, where is God inviting you to join Him in
sharing God's Kingdom?
✄--------------------
B. With this next question, let's be honest with ourselves and each other. Verse 62 gets right to the
point, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of
God.” What things in this world trip us up and get us to look back?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: the personal costs and rewards of following Jesus are, literally, out of this
world. How can this group pray for God's protection and victory in your life?

Registered in Heaven
outline
Luke 10:1-24
Message of Hope: You are safe when you follow Jesus.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

If you were to make a living by going door-to-door selling something, what would you sell?
Bridge: Today's story is NOT about selling something, but it is about sharing something.
Remember from last week, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where He would die. So, in
some ways, today's story has a serious side that is much more important than whether or not
someone buys what the door-to-door salesperson is selling. As you will see in just a few
moments, today's story has incredible hope and security for all who take it seriously.
✄--------------------

1. Verse 2 records the only prayer in these verses. Why do you think Jesus asks the seventy-two
disciples to pray this prayer?
✄--------------------
2. It seems out of place that Jesus would send them out, then in verse 4 tell them, “Don't stop to
greet anyone on the road.” What is Jesus getting at?
✄--------------------
3. Verses 2-11 contains the heart of Jesus’s instructions to the disciples. There are dos and don'ts.
The dos are listed as action verbs. Read back through these verses and identify what the
disciples were to do and not to do.
✄--------------------
4. Let's think of all the possible reasons why Jesus included verse 16?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, how is God sending you into the harvest? What would it take for you to be
more involved in the harvest?
✄--------------------
B. What are the pros and cons of accepting or rejecting Jesus?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: You are safe, when you follow Jesus. How can this group pray you this week?
Group Prayer and Lunch:

Red, Yellow, Black, and White
outline
Luke 10:25-37
Message of Hope: Red, brown, yellow, black, and white; all are precious in His sight.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Have you ever helped a stranger? What happened?
Bridge: Today's story might mess with your way of thinking. Although the Bible story will not
use the word prejudice, Jesus will zero in on the core of this issue. Remember, Jesus is on His
way to Jerusalem where He will die. On the way Jesus gets right to the point, so ready or not,
here we go.
✄--------------------

1. What makes it right or wrong to test God?
✄--------------------
2. If verses 25-28 were the only part of the Bible you had and someone asked you how they could
have eternal life and live forever in heaven, how would you answer their question?
✄--------------------
3. Since loving yourself is a prerequisite for loving other people, how does someone love themself
in an unselfish and healthy way?
✄--------------------
4. An Israelite did not consider non-Israelites (Gentiles) their neighbors. In fact, they despised
them. With this in mind, Jesus answered the lawyer's question with a story that really messed
up the lawyer’s way of thinking. How does this story adjust his attitude, and what was Jesus
trying to teach him?
✄--------------------
A. There is a song that says, “Red and yellow, black and white; all are precious in His sight.”
Prejudice is not limited to ethnic differences; it also includes differences in social status,
financial standing, and the list goes on. On a personal note, how is God inviting you to
overcome prejudice and live like the Good Samaritan?
✄--------------------
B. Who has overcome cultural prejudice and been a Good Samaritan in your life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Red, brown, yellow, black, and white; all are precious in His sight. How can

Priorities
outline
Luke 10:38-42
Message of Hope: Re-prioritizing your life can happen starting now!
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What were considered the top priorities in your family as you grew up?
Bridge: It is said that you can determine what your priorities are by how you spend your time
and your money. Today's story is about priorities. We will learn there is one life priority that
should surpass all others.
✄--------------------

1. This is quiz time for those of you who have been here the last few weeks. Why is Jesus on His
way to Jerusalem? (see Luke 9:51)
✄--------------------
2. In this story Martha gets a bad rap, but what are the positive character strengths we see in her?
✄--------------------
3. How do you think this interaction with Jesus might have affected Mary and Martha's future
relationship?
✄--------------------
4. Jesus seems to say that one does not need to live a worry-filled life. If worry-free is for real,
how can we actually live it in real life?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, based on how you spend your time and money, what would you say are
your top priorities in life?
✄--------------------
B. If Jesus were to stop by your home this evening, how do you think He would encourage you to
re-prioritize your life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Re-prioritizing your life can happen starting now! How can this group pray for
you this week?
Group Prayer:

Prayer Hoops
outline
Luke 11:1-13
Message of Hope: God's promises are absolutely true for those who are absolutely surrendered
to Him.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What examples of prayer did you grow up with?
Bridge: Today we are going to look at some incredible promises and ask some hard questions.
As we look at this story, we have to recognize that either God does not lie, and His promises are
true, or God's promises are worthless, and we should throw away our Bible. So, with that
background, let's jump into our story.
✄--------------------

1. Why does Jesus start by talking about keeping His Father's name holy?
✄--------------------
2. What are the other themes in this prayer, and why do you think Jesus included them?
✄--------------------
3. As you compare verses 9 & 10 to everyday life, how do you make sense of these promises? Is
there anything that can nullify them? Are these conditional promises?
✄--------------------
4. Why do you think people get mad at God for not doing what they ask in prayer, when they do
not do what He asks in the Bible?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, which phrase of the Lord's Prayer is the part that is most important in your
life right now? Why does it take top priority?
✄--------------------
B. It has been said God's promises are absolutely true for those who are absolutely surrendered to
God. What area of your life do you need to absolutely surrender to God?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God's promises are absolutely true for those who are absolutely surrendered
to Him. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Power Source Choices
outline
Luke 11:14-28
Message of Hope: God is more powerful than Satan—hands down.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Who were the powerful people in your life as you grew up?
Bridge: Today's story is about two powerful people that are at war, and they are both fighting
over you. Only one will win; and amazingly, you will decide who wins. So, let's take a look at
this story.
✄--------------------

1. Verse 23 says that if a person is not working with God, then by default, he is actually working
against Him. How does this play out in our everyday life?
✄--------------------
2. Let's read verses 24-26 again and dig as deep as we can. What is the message of Jesus in these
verses?
✄--------------------
3. Jesus says in verse 28 that people are most blessed when they both hear and obey the word of
God. If this is true, then as a group let's make a list of the blessings we have received from
hearing and obeying God's Word. What are some of the most convincing evidences of God's
power in your life?
✄--------------------
4. Step back and look at the big picture of this story. What does this story teach us about Satan
and God?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, how does Satan try to tempt you to work against God?
✄--------------------
B. Verse 17 said, “He knew their thoughts.” If Jesus were to respond to your thoughts, how would
He encourage you, and what caution would He give you?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God is more powerful than Satan—hands down. How can this group pray for
you this week?

Forgiveness Promised
outline
Luke 11:29-32
Message of Hope: Repent and literally be saved.
Tip: This study could throw you some surprises if you do not plan ahead. Read through the
questions and related Bible stories. Also, use this Bible story to teach people how to find other
parts of the Bible that help explain what is going on.
Needed for Today: Today's study will give people the opportunity to privately write down items
for which they need to repent. You will need pens and paper for everyone. Invite people to fold
them; then as a group take these written confessions outside, put them in a pile, and burn them,
signifying God's forgiveness.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:

next week.

When was a time you had to make something right?
Bridge: Remember a few chapters back, we studied about how Jesus started on His journey to
Jerusalem where He would die on the cross. Along the way opposition intensified, and Jesus
responded with words that got right to the point. Today's story may seem a little odd, but Luke
included it for a very important reason. So, together let's jump in with both feet and discover its
message of hope.
✄--------------------
1. Why does Jesus start by saying, “This evil generation,” and to whom is Jesus talking?
✄--------------------
2. Who is Jonah, and what is his story about?
✄--------------------
3. Who is the queen of Sheba, and why does Jesus bring her into this story?
✄--------------------
4. Why does Jesus compare the Jews to the people who lived in Nineveh and Sheba?
✄--------------------
A. What sign would it take for our culture to repent of their sins and turn to God?
✄--------------------
B. On a personal note, in what areas of life are you and your family finding it difficult to go
against the flow spiritually?
✄--------------------
C. Directions: We’re going to privately write down any item which you need God to forgive.
Nobody will see what you have written. In about seven minutes we will take our pieces of
paper outside and burn them to demonstrate what God does with our sins when we ask for
forgiveness.
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Repent and literally be saved. How can this group pray for you this week?

Give and Take
outline
Luke 11:33-54
Message of Hope: God notices when you help those who have less then you do.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

When was a time that you received financial help from someone or gave financial help to someone?
Bridge: Today's story may seem odd. We go back a few chapters to when Jesus was heading for
Jerusalem where He would die on the cross. His time on earth was limited, so along the way He
did not waste His words. Keep this in mind as we read today's story.
✄--------------------
1. Let's go back to verses 33-35. What are some modern-day examples of how our eyes provide
spiritual light and spiritual darkness to the rest of our body? In verse 36, why do you think
Jesus adds the phase, “with no dark corners”?
✄--------------------
2. Let's read verses 39-41 again. What is Jesus’s big concern about these religious leaders?
✄--------------------
3. What are the first three criticisms in verses 42-44? How would you summarize them?
• Verse 42 – neglecting the more important things of justice and love of God.
• Verse 43 – love to sit in the seat of honor.
• Verse 44 – corrupting the people. (Touching a grave or a dead body rendered a Jew
ceremonially unclean. Jesus accused the religious leaders of being a defiling influence
rather than a purifying one.)
✄--------------------
4. What are the last three criticisms in verses 46-52? How would you summarize them?
• Verse 46 – crushing people with unbearable religious demands.
• Verse 47 – joining in their ancestors' crimes by building monuments.
• Verse 52 – preventing others from entering the Kingdom of God.
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note and thinking about verse 42, what are some of the “more important things”
in life on which you want to focus?
✄--------------------
B. Read verse 41 again. How do you intentionally help those who are less fortunate then you are?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God notices when you help those who have less then you do. How can this
group pray for you this week?

Warning and Encouragement
outline
Luke 12:1-12
Message of Hope: Jesus wants you to be on His side so He can present you to God as one of
His children.
Planning Ahead: This week's story talks about hell. Defer all “hell” discussions until
next week. Next week's story will include a video presentation on the subject of hell,
When the Smoke Clears.
Also, order the magazine, A Love Stronger Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond.
Give a copy to each person next week. The topic of hell is obviously related to the topic
of death, and this magazine discusses both topics.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

To whom do you turn for encouragement?
Bridge: Today's story is about encouragement. In fact, Jesus wrote a letter that begins with
“Dear Friends,” where He lovingly gets right to the heart of several weighty topics. Remember,
He was on His way to Jerusalem where He will die for your sins, so listen closely to His letter
of encouragement.
✄--------------------

1. Read verses 4-5 again. Jesus talks about a God who can throw you into hell, then He says to
fear God. Next week we will watch a video presentation and discuss the hot topic of hell, but
for now, what does it mean when it says “don't be afraid” and yet “fear God”?
✄--------------------
2. Read verses 6-7 again. Why is it sometimes hard to believe that God really cares about the
details of our lives?
✄--------------------
3. Read verses 8-10 again. Can someone who has denied Jesus be forgiven? What spiritual
dangers are there in living the good life now and later asking forgiveness? How is this related to
blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
✄--------------------
4. Read verses 11-12 again. How do these verses give you hope?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, which part of this story gives you the most encouragement, and why?
✄--------------------
B. When did you begin to comprehend that Jesus really loves you and cares about the details of
your life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus wants you to be on His side so that He can present you to God as one of
His children. How can this group pray for you this week?

Remember: Provide copies of A Love Stronger Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond.

Hell
outline
Genesis 19:1-38
Message of Hope: A loving God will NOT burn people in hell forever—period.
Needed for Today: Find video link for When the Smoke Clears.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What are the hottest and coldest places you have visited?
Bridge: Today will be a bit different than what we usually do. In last week's story, Jesus talked
about throwing people into hell (Luke 12:5). Today we will learn what the Bible really says
about the hot topic of hell.
Play New Beginnings DVD Presentation (29 minutes)
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: Genesis 19:1-38
✄--------------------

1. In another part of the Bible, Lot is called a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7). So, why do you think
he hesitates to leave such a sinful city?
✄--------------------
2. What do you think was going through Lot's wife's thoughts that motivated her to look back?
✄--------------------
3. What pictures of God's patience do you see in this story?
✄--------------------
4. If God is a loving God, how can He destroy a whole city?
✄--------------------

A) On a personal note, where, like Lot, do you find yourself hesitating to leave something that you
know in your heart is not right? How does Satan tempt you to look back?
✄--------------------
B) How does this story help you live a Godly life in a sinful culture?
✄--------------------
C) As we wrap up, what is a lesson, a promise, a command, or a warning that you needed to hear
from this story?
✄--------------------
D) Remember: A loving God will NOT burn people in hell forever, period. How can this group
pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:
Money Talk
outline
Luke 12:13-21
Message of Hope: Our money can be used for God's glory.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When you were a child, what did you like to collect?
Bridge: Today's story is about a fool. In fact, Jesus says that the way you use money identifies
you as a wise or foolish person. This may seem a little bold—and it is. So, let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. In verse 15 Jesus says to guard against every kind of greed. What is greed, and in practical
terms, how do we guard against greed in everyday life?
✄--------------------
2. Jesus says in verse 15 that life is not measured by how much you own. Then by what, do you
think, Jesus would say that life should be measured?
✄--------------------
3. In this story the man ends up in the wrong place. Where do you think this man's thinking began
to take a wrong turn?
✄--------------------
4. When does saving money become hoarding money?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when you die, what do you hope people will remember you for, and what
needs to change in your life so that they will remember you the way you want them to?
✄--------------------
B. Looking back at verse 20, how has Satan used money to distract you from a rich relationship
with God? How could you increase your “richness towards God?”
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Our money can be used for God's glory. How can this group pray for you this
week?
Group Prayer:

Worried Sick
outline
Luke 12:22-34
Message of Hope: You don't have to worry.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

What is something you tend to worry about?
Bridge: Today's story is about worry. So I guess this will not apply to any of us—right? Today,
Jesus is going to give you a promise that can revolutionize your life if you are willing to believe
what He says and practice it in your life. What is this promise? Let's read the story together.
✄--------------------

1. Yes, life is more important than food and clothes, but without food you don't live. So, what is
Jesus’s message in these verses?
✄--------------------
2. If worry cannot add a single moment to your life, what are the variety of things that worry does
add to our lives?
✄--------------------
3. How do you think faith and worry are related? (See Verse 28.)
✄--------------------
4. Read verse 31 again. Let's get serious about this promise. Either Jesus’s promise is absolutely
true, or He is a big liar. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above
all else?”
✄--------------------

A. Verse 33 gives part of the solution for worry—focus on helping and blessing others. On a
personal note, how, in small ways, can you bring blessings to others?
✄--------------------
B. What are the worries you would like to place at Jesus’s feet and would like this group to pray
about?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: You don't have to worry. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Ready or Not, Here I Come
outline
Luke 12:35-48
Message of Hope: Jesus is coming back to take His people home.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

Briefly describe the work ethic of someone you admire.
Bridge: In today’s story Jesus talks about two kinds of people—those with good work ethic and
those with poor work ethic. But then Jesus will give it a twist and apply personal work ethic to
something you may never have thought about. So, let's read the story.
✄--------------------
1. How does verse 40 relate to the final verse of last week's story, verse 34? How in today's world
are we to be “ready all the time”?
✄--------------------
2. What are the different possible reasons why Peter, in verse 41, asks this question? And how
does Jesus’s response to Peter's question actually answer the question? In other words, what is
Jesus’s message to Peter?
✄--------------------
3. How do you think the differences between verses 47 and 48 are fair or unfair?
✄--------------------
4. What is the spiritual principle Jesus is getting at in the last half of verse 48?
✄--------------------
A. Some people are given much in terms of a family heritage. For some it might be financial
blessings to share; for others they might have the precious gift of time to share as they serve
and bless others. Of course, more areas could be listed. What areas of your life do you see God
entrusting you with much?
✄--------------------
B. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “I am not preparing for Jesus to come,” and 10 being “I am
preparing for Jesus to come,” where do you honestly see yourself, and what does “preparation”
look like in your life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus is coming back to take His people home. How can this group pray for you
this week?
Group Prayer& Lunch: Put Empty Chairs in the middle of your circle.

A Hard Saying of Jesus
outline
Luke 12:49-53 & 54-59
Message of Hope: Tough love comes out of a deep love for you.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
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When you hear the words tough love, what comes to mind? When have you received some tough love
from someone?
Bridge: Today we will look at two stories. Both deal with tough love, which is not always easy
to hear, but it is necessary for growing. So, let's jump in and read the first story.
✄--------------------

1. Here is a quiz question for those who were here a few weeks ago when we studied the subject
of hell and watched the video presentation: When will Jesus literally set this world on fire?
✄--------------------
2. Then what is Jesus talking about in verse 49, because it seems so out of character for Jesus?
✄--------------------
3. In verse 50, to what is Jesus referring?
✄--------------------
4. How do you make sense of Jesus’s talk about splitting families apart? What is the deeper
meaning?
✄--------------------
Read the second story: Luke 12:54-59
5. Try to read between the lines. What do you think causes Jesus to accuse them of not
interpreting the present times?
✄--------------------
6. What are the similarities between the judgement story that Jesus tells and God's judgement
day?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, how has the message of Jesus caused division or peace in your family and
extended family?
✄--------------------
B. What “daily signs” do you use to determine how you are doing spiritually?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Tough love comes out of a deep love for you. How can this group pray for you
this week?
Group Prayer:
Repent or Perish
outline
Luke 13:1-9
Message of Hope: When we ask, God always forgives.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is something for which you have had to ask forgiveness?
Bridge: Remember from past studies that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where He would
die on the cross. He got right to the point and did not waste words—why? Because He wants
you to repent, believe in Him, and accept Him into your life so you can live forever with him.
In other words, Jesus loves you. Today's study is called Repent or Perish. So, let's read the
story.
✄--------------------
1. Twice, in verses 2 and 4, Jesus asks the same question, “Do you think they were worse
sinners?” Why do you think He keeps asking this question?
✄--------------------
2. What is Jesus’s main point in these first five verses?
✄--------------------
Now read verses 6-9
3. What do the following represent: the tree, the owner, and the farmer? What is the urgency?
✄--------------------
4. Now let's put the two stories together. The first story gives us a clue about what kind of fruit
Jesus wanted. What was it He was looking for?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, how easy or difficult is it for you to repent and ask forgiveness? On a scale
of 1 to 5, with 1 being “no repentance” and 5 being “very repentant,” where would you say you
are?
✄--------------------
B. If you were given “one more year” to start producing fruit, where would you start? What fruit
do you hope to see in your life a year from now?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: When we ask, God always forgives. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sabbath Healing
outline
Luke 13:10-17
Message of Hope: Healing happens when we spend Sabbath with God.
Tip: This story will provide prime opportunities to start one-on-one Bible studies with people.
DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you took a risk by doing the right thing even though you knew it might cost you
something?
Bridge: Today's story may introduce you to some things you have never seen in the Bible. And
that is okay, because we are all growing together. Jesus takes a risk and does the right thing, but
it costs Him something. What did He do? Let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Why does Jesus initiate the woman’s healing on the Sabbath without her even asking?
✄--------------------
2. What does this tell us about what Jesus’s relationship to the Sabbath?
✄--------------------
3. In verse 14 the synagogue leader said, “There are six days of the week for working.” This may
take a little bit of digging in our Bibles, but let's try and find the Bible verse from which he
quotes.
✄--------------------
4. Based on verse 15, what is the principle that Jesus uses for “acceptable work” on Sabbath?
How can this principle be abused? How can we protect ourselves from abusing it?
✄--------------------

A. Today, Saturday, is the seventh-day Sabbath. On a personal note, what would you ask Jesus to
heal you from—physical, emotional, or spiritual?
✄--------------------
B. In regard to the Bible Sabbath, which is often called Saturday, is there anything that Jesus is
talking about that may be new to you? How did you first begin to learn about the seventh-day
Sabbath? If you could ask Jesus more questions about the Sabbath, what would you like to ask
Him?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Healing happens when we spend Sabbath with God. How can this group pray
for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Safe and Secure
outline
Luke 13:18-35
Message of Hope: There is no guessing. You can know your salvation is safe and secure!
Tip: The door of accepting and following Jesus is closed when a person dies or when Jesus
comes the second time. So, your door is still open. Encourage people to go beyond eating and
drinking with Jesus and develop a seven-days-a-week, personal relationship with Him.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you or a friend got locked out of your house or car? How did you get back in?
Bridge: Nobody likes to get locked out. Today's story is about some people who will get locked
out of God's Kingdom. But the good news is that today's story will also show you how to
become part of God's Kingdom and stay in God's Kingdom of heaven. So, let's read the story in
Luke 13:18-30.
✄--------------------

1. What is the common message of these two stories in verses 18-21?
✄--------------------
2. If the Kingdom of God will “become a tree” and “permeate every part of the dough,” why is it
that “many will try to enter but will fail?” What makes the difference?
✄--------------------
3. If we are saved by grace, what does Jesus mean when He says to “work hard to enter the
narrow door of God's Kingdom?”
✄--------------------
4. It seems very odd that Jesus says to those with whom He ate and drank, “I don't know you.”
What is the difference between the people who Jesus does and does not know?
✄--------------------
A. As the old saying goes, it is the hard work of our small decisions that determine our big
decision. On a personal note, what important decisions and habits have you been forming in the
past year?
✄--------------------
B. How do you know whether you are inside or outside God's Kingdom? How can you be sure?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: There is no guessing. You can know your salvation is safe and secure! How can

Dinner Etiquette
outline
Luke 14:1-14
Message of Hope: Sabbath, humility, and how we treat the disadvantaged are much more
important than living out my hopes and dreams in this lifetime.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is one of your favorite supper or dinner meals?
Bridge: Today's story takes place at a dinner party where Jesus talks about a different kind of
dinner etiquette. During this dinner party Jesus took the opportunity to teach three important
lessons. See if you can identify all three. Let's read the first part of this story.
✄--------------------

1. What are the different possible reasons why Jesus asks the question in verse 3 of the leaders,
and why do you think they “refuse to answer”? (Review Luke 13:10-17 from a few weeks ago.)
✄--------------------
2. Based on these stories, what are the different Sabbath principles we are given, and how do they
help guide you and your family’s decisions in a practical way?
✄--------------------
Now read the second part of this story: verses 7-14
3. How do you describe the difference between true humility and fake humility?
✄--------------------
4. Read verses 12-14 again. How do you make sense of what Jesus is really getting at?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, how have you seen Jesus’s statement in verse 11 come true in your life?
✄--------------------
B. What were the three important lessons Jesus talked about in this story?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Sabbath, humility, and how we treat the disadvantaged are much more
important than living out my hopes and dreams in this lifetime. How can this group pray
for you this week?
Group Prayer:
Invitations
outline
Luke 14:15-24
Message of Hope: It is never too late to say yes to God's invitation.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
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Tell about a recent special occasion to which you were invited. Why did you go or not go?
Bridge: Today's story. If it’s true, has significant implications for your future. If it is false, then
there is nothing to be concerned about. But only you can decide for yourself. So, let's read the
story.
✄--------------------

1. The stories Jesus told are called parables, which are fictional tales to teach a lesson or illustrate
a point. What lesson is Jesus teaching when He tells this parable?
✄--------------------
2. What three general categories do you see in the three excuses?
✄--------------------
3. Let's identify the different people and circumstances. What do they represent in this parable?
✄--------------------
4. What does this parable teach us about the invitations God gives us and our freedom of choice?
✄--------------------

A. As you look back through your life, what are one or two different ways God has given you
invitations, and how did you respond to His invitations?
✄--------------------
B. What kind of excuses have you given God? Do you see any patterns?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: It is never too late to say yes to God's invitation. If you have never said yes to
God's invitation to follow Him, or if you want to say yes again, then repeat this surrender pray
after me:
“God, I want to attend the real banquet in heaven. I surrender my life to you. Forgive me of
all my sins. Come into my life and be the new boss of my life—In Jesus’s name,
Amen.”
Group Prayer:

Counting the Cost
outline
Luke 14:25-35
Message of Hope: With Jesus there is full disclosure and no hidden cost.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
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What is one of the largest ticket items you have ever purchased?
Bridge: Today's story talks about something that carries a bigger price tag then you have ever
paid. And as you will shortly see, it will impact more than your pocketbook. What is this? Let's
read the story.
✄--------------------

1. In the last few stories we have read over the last several weeks, Jesus has been very blunt, to
the point, and what some might consider, even offensive. So why do you think that in verse 25
there is still a large crowd following him?
✄--------------------
2. In this story, what does Jesus say are the three bottom-line requirements to be His disciple?
✄--------------------
3. Read verses 28-30 again. What costs do you think Jesus would say need to be counted in
today's world?
✄--------------------
4. What does salt have to do with this discussion?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, where do you see yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being, “I'm counting
the costs of following Jesus,” and 10 being, “I'm currently paying the price”?
✄--------------------
B. What costs have you faced personally, or what costs would you face, with regards to following
Jesus?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: With Jesus there is full disclosure and no hidden cost. How can this group pray
for you this week?

Lost Until Found
outline
Luke 15:1-10
Message of Hope: God is searching for you.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

When was a time, either in a little way or a big way, that you were lost?
Bridge: Today's story is about getting lost. But when you are lost in this way, you need
someone else to find you. In other words, it is not something you can solve all by yourself. But
the good news is that when you are in this predicament, you can be found—if you want to be.
So, what does all this mean? Let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. These two stories are called parables, which mean they are stories that Jesus told to teach
specific truths. Who are the different players in these two stories, and who do they represent?
What is the lesson Jesus was teaching?
✄--------------------
2. Read the last part of verse 4 again. What is it that really motivates Jesus to search for the lost
sheep “until He finds it”?
✄--------------------
3. Does God force us to be found? In other words, how does freedom-of-choice play into this
story?
✄--------------------
4. Read verse 7 and 10 again. What does it mean to repent and turn to God?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when did it begin to dawn on you that Jesus was searching for you, and
how did He carry you back home?
✄--------------------
B. We will not spend much time on this next question, but it is important to ask. Is there
something that you need to repent of and make right with God? Are you at risk for getting lost
spiritually?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God is searching for you. How can this group pray for you this week?

Welcome Home
outline
Luke 15:11-32
Message of Hope: Your recent or distant past does not matter; God will accept you with open
arms.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

Think back to one of the first times you left home for a short period of time. Why did you leave home,
and how did people respond when you came back?
Bridge: Today's story makes no sense. It goes against the values of this world. And it makes
some people mad—especially people who claim to be Christians but are actually living by
worldly values. But Jesus told this story to specifically teach us a different set of values and
show us the way God and His kingdom works. It is this new set of values, God's values, that
can give you hope and meaning.
✄--------------------

1. Who do the different people and places in this story represent?
✄--------------------
2. Why does it take “hitting rock bottom” before the younger son confesses his sin and sets out to
make things right?
✄--------------------
3. What does this story tell us about God?
✄--------------------
4. How do people take advantage and mock God's goodness in today's world?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, imagine for a few moments that your life was at rock bottom and you were
desperate. How would your relationship with God be different?
✄--------------------
B. If you were to take a significant step closer to God this next week, what would it be?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Your recent or distant past does not matter; God will accept you with open
arms. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Job Security
outline
Luke 16:1-13
Message of Hope: Our choices, good and bad, make choices for us.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Tell about a time you were “let go” or fired from a job or when someone else was chosen for a job you
wanted.
Bridge: Today's story has two parts, so we will read them one at a time. But be ready for a hot
topic because both stories talk about our use of money and wealth. Ready or not, here we go.
✄--------------------

1. Go back to verse 9. It almost seems that Jesus is being dishonest to teach us how to make sure
we get into heaven. What do you think the lesson of this story is?
✄--------------------
2. What is Jesus trying to say in the last part of verse 8?
✄--------------------
Now read verses 10-13.
3. Why do you think Jesus is so confident in verse 10 when He says, “If you are faithful in little,
then you will be faithful in much . . . and if you are dishonest in little, then you won't be
honest?”
✄--------------------
4. Verse 12 seems a bit odd if taken at face value. Let's do some deep thinking as we ask what is
Jesus’s assumption behind this verse? What is Jesus implying?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, how did you begin to learn the life lesson, “If you are trustworthy in little
things, you will be trusted with bigger responsibilities”?
✄--------------------
B. What are the two masters Jesus talked about? What are the worldly masters that seem to tempt
you the most for your allegiance to them?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Our choices, good and bad, make choices for us. How can this group pray for
you this week?

Unchangeable, Unstoppable
outline
Luke 16:10-18
Message of Hope: God is consistent, and His law is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Planning ahead for next week's study: Order enough copies so that each adult can have A
Love Stronger Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Who is someone in your life that has been consistent and even keeled when you felt like your life was
on a roller coaster?
Bridge: Today's story is a continuation from last week's story. Be forewarned, today’s story has
some “hot topics” in it, so let's stay emotionally sober and really listen to what Jesus is saying
by avoiding our own bandwagons.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think the Pharisees scoffed at Jesus?
✄--------------------
2. How can a person live righteously without “appearing righteous” or having an arrogant
attitude?
✄--------------------
3. Let's read verse 17 in all the translations we have here, then ask ourselves how Jesus would
respond to people's claim that “the law was done away with at the cross?”
✄--------------------
4. After Jesus talks about how God's law will not disappear, He uses an example right out of His
Ten Commandment law. In fact, some translations (NLT) start verse 18 with “For example.”
Does anybody remember where God's Ten Commandment law is located in the Bible? Let's go
read them (Exodus 20:2-17). Where do we see the commandment about adultery?
✄--------------------
A. Going back to verse 15, we all try to make ourselves look better in one way or another, so no
one is exempt. On a personal note, what are some ways you try to cover up who you really are
and make yourself look better to others?
✄--------------------
B. Who is someone that unconditionally loves you just the way you really are?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God is consistent, and His law is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

A Symbolic Story
outline
Luke 16:19-31
Message of Hope: There is still time to share with your family and extended family.
Tip #1: There is a lot of misunderstanding about today's story. The BIG KEY is that today's
story is a parable that Jesus told. This means it is symbolic and NOT a true story. If one is
tempted to read it literally, then one must accept that all parables are literal, which poses a lot
of problems as we'll shortly see.
Tip #2: AVIOD the temptation to give additional Bible proof texts on the state of the dead. Just
tell people that you have an excellent magazine that you have to give to everyone which will
look at what the rest of the Bible stays about death.
Needed for Today: Hopefully you ordered the magazine last week called, A Love Stronger Than
Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What was a favorite fairy tale you enjoyed when you were young?
Bridge: Today's story is one of the most misunderstood stories in the Bible. However, it really
is quite easy to understand. Here is the secret to understanding today's story—Jesus was telling
a parable. What is a parable? A parable is a story, but it is NOT a real story. The
misunderstanding comes when people try to say that part of this story is real and part is
symbolic. So, as we read this story, keep in mind that it is either all real or it is all symbolic.
When one mixes the two, one gets into a bunch of trouble. So, with our curiosity primed, let's
read this symbolic story.
✄--------------------

1. If we take this story as literally true, what parts cause major problems?
✄--------------------
2. Remember in verse 14, the Pharisees are mocking and scoffing at Jesus. Based on the last three
verses in this symbolic story, Jesus is still trying to teach them some important truths. What are
these truths?
✄--------------------
3. Read verse 31 again. This verse is a setup. In a short time, Jesus is literally going to raise a real
person called Lazarus. Yet, the Pharisees still do not believe in Jesus. So next week we will
break stride and jump to the real Lazarus story since the two are connected. But first, it almost
seems out of character for Jesus to set someone up. Why do you think Jesus did this to the
religious people then?

A) On a personal note, when was a time you learned something new but in a hard way?
✄--------------------
B) Trust is interesting. Along your spiritual journey, how has Jesus helped you to be able to trust
Him and what He says in the Bible?
✄--------------------
C) If you were to go “warn” your family and extended family about something you thought was
very important, what would you like to share with them?
✄--------------------
D) Remember: There is still time to share with your family and extended family. How can this

The Real Lazarus
outline
John 11:1-44
Message of Hope: Jesus cares about you.
Tip#1: AVOID the temptation to give additional Bible proof texts on the state of the dead. Just
tell people that you have an excellent magazine that you will give a copy to everyone which will
look at what the rest of the Bible says about death.
Tip #2: Yes, we have jumped out of the book of Luke and we will look at the real Lazarus story
in the book of John. Both stories address the topic of death. When Jesus tells the symbolic
Lazarus story (last week's study), He may have well known that in a short time He would raise
the real Lazarus from the grave.
Needed for Today: Provide extra copies of the magazine, A Love Stronger Than Death:
Mysteries of the Great Beyond.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Briefly describe a time when you were really sick.
Bridge: Today's story is about another Lazarus. But this Lazarus is actually sick and really dies.
Today's story is different than last week's Lazarus story, which was symbolic. Today's story is a
true story that really happened. So, let's see what the Bible teaches us about death.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: John 11:1-44
✄--------------------
1. If this is not going to end in death, and if Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters so much, why does
He wait two days before going to see Lazarus?
✄--------------------
2. If Jesus knows that Lazarus is dead in verse 14, why does He say that Lazarus is asleep in verse
11? What is Jesus teaching us about death?
✄--------------------
3. Verses 17 & 38 tell us that Lazarus had been in his grave for four days. Why is this information
important in this story?
✄--------------------
4. Based on verses 21 – 24, what does the Bible teach us about what Martha believed about death
and resurrection?
✄-------------------
A. As we ask this next question, it is important to remind ourselves that it is not respectful to make
fun of or put someone down for what they were taught. The topic of death is a sensitive topic,
but I think deep down in all our hearts we want to know what the Bible says. So, let's first
identify some of the popular teachings about death. Which ones have we heard?
✄--------------------
B. What thoughts and concerns do you carry in your heart about dying?
✄--------------------
C. What is the message of hope you find in this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus cares about you. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer & Lunch: Put Empty Chairs in the middle of your circle

Obedience is Faith
outline
Luke 17:1-10
Message of Hope: The fact that you are obeying in some ways means you have faith to obey in
other areas too.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

What comes to mind when you hear the words faith and obedience?
Bridge: Today's story covers three topics: avoiding temptation, forgiveness, and how to have
strong faith. I think you will learn that you have more faith then you realize. But don't take my
word for it, let's read the story from the Bible.
✄--------------------
1. If temptation is not sin, then why is there such a high price for the person who does the
tempting?
✄--------------------
2. Jesus says, “What sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” What are some of today's
commonly accepted environments that introduce children to worldly values and subtle
temptations?
✄--------------------
3. What does verse 4 tells us about God's willingness to forgive us, and what advice do you think
Luke would give if someone had wronged you but was not asking for forgiveness?
✄--------------------
4. Verse 5 records the disciples asking Jesus, “Show us how to increase our faith.” The Message
Bible says it this way, “The apostles came up and said to the Master, 'Give us more faith.' But
the Master said, 'You don't need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith.'” How do you
make sense of this teaching that faith is faith, and there is no such thing as “more” or “less”
faith?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, what area of obedience in your life gives you courage that you have faith
and have lived by faith even when it was hard to obey?
✄--------------------
B. What is one environment or activity that you would like to start avoiding in order to protect
yourself and your family from worldly values and temptations?
✄--------------------
✄--------------------
D. Remember: The fact that you are obeying in some ways means you have faith to obey in
other areas too. How can this group pray for you this week?

Thanks
outline
Luke 17:11-19
Message of Hope: Healing begins with a step and ends with thanksgiving.
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

When was a time someone thanked you for something you had done?
Bridge: Remember that Jesus is headed toward Jerusalem and will ultimately experience death
on the cross. Today's story will give you hope that it is possible to experience healing—
spiritual, physical, or emotional. Although this story focuses on only one kind of healing, the
person who does the healing has the power to do all kinds of healing.
✄--------------------
1. Why do you think these lepers stand at a distance to say, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us?”
✄--------------------
2. Why does Jesus send them to see the priests instead of healing them immediately?
✄--------------------
3. Why do you think Luke includes the fact that this thankful leper is a Samaritan—a foreigner?
What does this tell us about how God views different cultures?
✄--------------------
4. Why does Jesus set things up so that his patients are invited to exercise faith as part of their
healing process?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, when was a time your prayer request was answered after you started
walking, or when was a time it seemed that your prayer was never answered?
✄--------------------
B. To whom do you need to go and say thank you to for something they have done for you? What
did they do?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Healing begins with a step and ends with thanksgiving. How can this group

Going Home
outline
Luke 17:20-37
Message of Hope: Jesus is coming back to take His people home to heaven.
Tip: Someone may be tempted to use verses 34-36 in this story to teach a common Biblical
myth that there is a secret rapture. The context of this story corrects this myth: verses 34-36 are
NOT talking about a secret rapture, since according to verse 24, Christ's coming will be a very
public event, “For as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will
be on the day when the Son of Man comes.”
Breakfast

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Check-In:
next week.

What is something for which you had to patiently wait?
Bridge: Today's story is full of lots of good instruction. The overall theme is that Jesus is
coming back to take His people to heaven. But, as we will see in a few minutes, Jesus also
gives some tips on how to NOT be deceived by people who are pretending to be Christ. So, let's
read the story.
✄--------------------
1. Why do you think Jesus said in verse 20 that the Kingdom of God cannot be detected by visible
signs? Then how can the Kingdom be detected?
✄--------------------
2. Beginning in verse 22 Jesus addresses His followers. Then in verse 23 Jesus gives a very
concrete warning. What are the different ways this warning will protect God's people?
✄--------------------
3. What is the deeper message that Jesus is getting at when He talks about losing your life to save
it?
✄--------------------
4. What does it take to reject Jesus? What does it take to accept Jesus?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, while you wait for Jesus to come back, how do you think He encourages
you to live?
✄--------------------
B. If you were to “lose your life in order to save your life,” what would you let go of?
✄--------------------
from this story.
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus is coming back to take His people home to heaven. With a Bible study on
this topic, it is appropriate to ask if there is someone who would like to accept Jesus into their
life? (If someone says yes, lead them in this prayer as they repeat it after you.)

Prayer Principles
outline
Luke 18:1-8
Message of Hope: God still answers prayer!
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When was a time you had to be persistent before you received what you wanted?
Bridge: Today's story is about being persistent with God. When you were growing up, did your
parents give you everything you asked for immediately, or did you at times have to wait? Were
there times when your parents never gave you what you asked for? What made the difference?
Could it be that God responds to us much like our own parents responded to us? Today's story
is not an easy story. So, we will dig in and ask some of the hard questions about God and what
part prayer plays in our lives.
✄--------------------
1. It is easy to imagine why this parable casts the judge as someone who does not care about
people. Why does Luke also include the part in verse 2 about the judge when he says that the
judge “neither feared God”?
✄--------------------
2. Read verse 4 again. In today's world, how does my relationship with God directly affect or not
affect my relationship with people?
✄--------------------
3. In verse 8 Jesus gives a promise, “I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly!” What is the
difference between our perspective of “quickly” and God's perspective of “quickly”?
✄--------------------
4. Jesus ends this story with a question. Why this question, and what is its significance?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, if you are a praying person, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 meaning “God is
slow to answer your prayers,” and 10 being “God is quick to answer your prayers,” how would
you rate your prayer experience?
✄--------------------
B. When was a significant or meaningful time when God did answer your prayer?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God still answers prayer! How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Humility
outline
Luke 18:9-14
Message of Hope: Humility ultimately wins.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word humility?
Bridge: Today's story is a really short story; it is only five verses long, but it cuts right to the
core of what true humility is. So, let's take a look.
✄--------------------

1. Why is Jesus so hard on people who think they are so good?
✄--------------------
2. If Jesus was telling this story today, what would He have listed in verses 11-12? What are some
of dos and don'ts that people use to showcase their goodness today?
✄--------------------
3. What does it mean in verse 14 to be justified (made right) before God? How do you think this
happens in a person's life today?
✄--------------------
4. What is the difference between fake humility and real humility?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, how have you been tempted to compare yourself to others?
✄--------------------
B. In practical terms, how do you humble yourself before God?
✄--------------------
from this story.
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Humility ultimately wins. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Mission Possible
outline
Luke 18:15-30
Message of Hope: Eternal life is possible for you.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is something you once thought impossible that has become possible for you?
Bridge: Today's story turns impossibilities into possibilities. But let's be honest with ourselves,
we have human limitations. However, there is one way to go beyond our human limitations and
accomplish things that are humanly impossible. What is the secret? Let's read today's story.
✄--------------------
1. This story deals with the possibility of eternal life. How does a person receive the Kingdom of
God—eternal life—in today's world? Review verses, 17, 18, and 29.
✄--------------------
2. In verse 19 Jesus quotes some of the Ten Commandments. Let's find the Commandments in
Exodus and read them together. Jesus asks this young man to do a specific thing. Jesus’s
specific request becomes the turning point that determined if this person would follow and obey
Jesus one hundred percent or not. What prompted Jesus to make this specific request of this
man?
✄--------------------
3. What kept this man from doing what Jesus asked, and what do you think were the eternal
consequences of this man's decision?
✄--------------------
4. Read verse 29 again. Knowing Jesus gives the promise of eternal life, what is Jesus saying in
the first part of this verse?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, what are some of the obstacles that could keep you from following God’s
invitation?
✄--------------------
B. Read verse 27 again. What is an impossible thing that only God was able to make possible for
you?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Eternal life is possible for you. How can this group pray for you this week?

Blinders
outline
Luke 18:31-42
Message of Hope: Jesus wants to heal you.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

If you were to lose one of your senses, which one would you choose to give up, and why that one?
Bridge: Have you ever been blinded, only to discover you were blind after the fact? Today's
story is about being blind. Sometimes we know we are blind, like with physical blindness, but
other times we do not know we are blind. In either case, it is possible to be healed from our
physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional blindness. How? Let’s read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think Jesus “takes his disciples aside” to tell them what will happen to the Son of
Man in Jerusalem?
✄--------------------
2. Jesus is pretty specific. What are the possible reasons that Jesus’s words are “hidden” and the
disciples are not able to understand them?
✄--------------------
3. If you had been this blind person, how would you have gone about getting Jesus’s attention?
✄--------------------
4. How would this story have been different if the blind man did not follow Jesus after being
healed?
✄--------------------

A. Amazingly, Jesus knows that this man is blind but He still asks him, “What do you want me to
do for you?” On a personal note, if Jesus were to ask you this question today, how would you
answer Him? What miracles do you see in your life that Jesus has already done for you?
✄--------------------
B. Read verse 42-43 again. What would you say is your next step in following Jesus?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus wants to heal you. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Hated and Despised
outline
Luke 19:1-10
Message of Hope: No matter what your past has been, Jesus is searching for you.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is the least enjoyable job you have ever done, or what is your dream job?
Bridge: Today's story is about a government worker whose job was to go around and collect
taxes. The best part about this job was that only the tax collector knew the required tax rate,
which meant he could inflate the rate and make some extra money. The worst part of this job
was that tax collectors where known and hated for their dishonesty and for collecting more than
what was required. The amazing part of this story is how Jesus treated these hated and despised
people.
✄--------------------
1. Why does Luke think it is important to tell us that Zacchaeus is a tax collector and that he had
become very rich?
✄--------------------
2. How do you think Jesus knew Zacchaeus's name?
✄--------------------
3. Read verse 6-7 again and notice the contrast between the two verses. Dig deep into these
verses. If these were the only two verses we had, what could we learn from the contrast?
✄--------------------
4. Jesus goes home for lunch with Zacchaeus, and verse 9 begins with, “Salvation has come to
this home today.” What kind of conversation did they have over lunch that would have
prompted Jesus to say this, and how did this happen?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, when did it begin to dawn on you that Jesus knew your name before you
knew who He was?
✄--------------------
B. If Jesus was to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you during lunch, what do you think He
would encourage you to do?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: No matter what your past has been, Jesus is searching for you. How can this
Investing Life’s Resources
outline
Luke 19:11-27
Message of Hope: Invest your life resources wisely and yield eternal dividends.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
• Let’s encourage those who like to talk to give opportunity for everyone to participate.
Check-In:
Children’s Check-In Questions: How did you help Mommy or Daddy this week? (Or they can
next week.

Facilitator’s Directions:
If you were given ten pounds of silver, what would you do with it?
Bridge: Twenty-four weeks ago (when we studied Luke 9:51) Jesus began his journey to
Jerusalem where He knew that He would be killed. Today's story is the last story in this journey.
And in next week's study Jesus will arrive in Jerusalem where the plot will thicken. But today's
story is both helpful and troubling. It is troubling in that Jesus addresses some serious
consequences of our choices. The good news is that today's story teaches us how to live our
lives while we are waiting for Jesus to come.
✄--------------------
1. Based on what verse 11 and 14 present as backstory about Jesus’s motivation for telling this
story, what is significant about these verses?
✄--------------------
2. We are not told, but based on any hints you find in this story, how much time elapses between
verses 14 and verse 15? How were the servants to live their lives while the king was away?
✄--------------------
3. Read verse 13 and 24 again. To which of the three servants did the master give the extra
money?
✄--------------------
4. This story is symbolic parable. Remember that parables are for teaching. What do you think the
different characters and events represent?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note and in accordance with the message of this story, how would you answer the
question: How are we to live while we wait for Jesus to come back?
✄--------------------
B. What are some of your life resources you feel you are investing wisely? What are some of your
life resources you feel that you have buried in the ground, and what would it take for you to dig
them up and begin investing them wisely?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Invest your life resources wisely and yield eternal dividends. How can this

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
outline
Luke 19:28-44
Message of Hope: Today is the first day of the rest of your life to accept Jesus.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is one of your well-established habits, and what is one habit that you hope to start?
Bridge: Today's story begins a new section in the book of Luke. For the last twenty-five weeks
Jesus has been on a journey to Jerusalem. Today He arrives in Jerusalem with some bad news.
But this bad news is what gives us hope, because today is the first day of the rest of your life to
start a new habit.
✄--------------------
1. What do you think motivated Jesus to do the donkey processional? Look at the notes in your
Bible for verse 30. Are there any Bible verses listed that would help us understand why Jesus
does this donkey ride?
✄--------------------
2. What does Jesus’s reply to the Pharisees in verses 39-40 tell us about Jesus?
✄--------------------
3. Compare what Jesus says in verse 42, “But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your
eyes” with verse 44, “you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
✄--------------------
4. In practical terms, how could it be that Jerusalem did not accept their opportunity for salvation?
What do you think kept Jerusalem from accepting Jesus?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, what are the different kinds of reasons that keep people from accepting
Jesus in today’s world?
✄--------------------
B. What are some of the best ways you have found to grow spiritually on a daily basis?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Today is the first day of the rest of your life to accept Jesus. How can this group

Recognized Authority
outline
Luke 19:45 – 20:8
Message of Hope: Even His enemies recognized Jesus’s authority.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

Who is an authority figure in your life? Explain their authority.
Bridge: Today's story is about authority. Have you ever been around someone who seems to
command authority? Maybe you did not even like the person or agree with them, but it was
obvious that they commanded authority. This is the same thing that happens in today's story.
Read the Bible Story from two different translations: Luke 19:45 – 20:8
✄--------------------
1. Why do you think Jesus picks on the people who are selling animals in the Temple, and how
did selling animals in the temple turn it into a den of thieves?
✄--------------------
2. Verse 47 records for the first time that “the other leaders of the people began planning how to
kill him.” Why is this the turning point for the other leaders?
✄--------------------
3. Look at verses 2-8 again. It could be said that Jesus was throwing up smoke screens or was
good at psychology. What deeper issues do you think Jesus is addressing in these verses?
✄--------------------
4. Luke does not tell us what the “Good News” is that Jesus talked about in verse one. What do
you think this “Good News” included?
✄--------------------
A. It is fascinating that the people who did not like Jesus, still recognized and acknowledged His
authority. On a personal note, if you were to choose one area in which you recognize Jesus’s
authority, what would you choose?
✄--------------------
B. People typically do not like authority because it means surrender and obedience. What is one
area in your life where you need to surrender to Jesus’s authority, and what does that actually
mean for you?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Even Jesus’s enemies recognized His authority.

U-turns in Life
outline
Luke 20:9-19
Message of Hope: U-turns are free and will make an immediate difference in your life.
Song: Courage to Stand is worth sharing with people.
Planning Ahead: In two weeks you will need a supply of this magazine: A Love Stronger Than
Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond. Also order, from the same company, a supply of the
magazine on the Sabbath, A Time for Joy: A Day to Remember.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you discovered you were lost, so you stopped, asked directions, and made a U-turn to
get back on track?
Bridge: Today's story describes what happens in life unless we make a U-turn. Sometimes it
can be hard to stop, ask directions, and make a U-turn. But nonetheless, U-turns are needed for
both men and women.
✄--------------------
1. Who is represented by the characters in this story: the vineyard owner, the tenant farmers, the
servants who were sent to check on vineyard, the vineyard owner's son who is sent to check on
the vineyard, and the others listed in verse 16? Also, who is the Cornerstone?
✄--------------------
2. Is there anything significant that you can think of about the three servants the vineyard owner
sent out before he sent his own son?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think is the deeper message in verses 16-17? How do you think those who first
heard this story answered the question?
✄--------------------
4. Read verse 18 in several versions. What is Jesus trying to teach us?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note as you think back over your life, what different ways has God sent servants
your direction, and how have you treated them?
✄--------------------
B. When was a time you recognized you were rejecting Jesus and made a U-turn to make Him the
cornerstone of your life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: U-turns are free and will make an immediate difference in your life. How can

Tax Time
outline
Luke 20:20-26
Message of Hope: Honesty with each other and with God is a better way to live.
Planning Ahead: Hopefully this has already been ordered. You will need it next week, A
Love Stronger Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond. Also order, from the same
company, a supply of the magazine on the Sabbath, A Time for Joy: A Day to
Remember.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When do you pay your taxes—early, late, on time, or never?
Bridge: Today's story talks about taxes. It's hard to believe that taxes have been a two-
thousand-year-old discussion. However, it is true, so let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Who are these leaders, and what do you think drives them to use dishonesty to accomplish their
goals?
✄--------------------
2. Who is Caesar? Some Bibles have footnotes that give some background. What can we learn
about Caesar?
✄--------------------
3. What is so insightful about the way Jesus answers the trick question? What would have been
the response of those listening in this story if Jesus would have said “pay Caesar” or “don't
pay”?
✄--------------------
4. If everything already belongs to God, why does Jesus say to also give to God what belongs to
Him?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, think about your reputation in regard to honesty. How do you “give to
Caesar” what belongs to him, and “give to God” what belongs to Him?
✄--------------------
B. Compared to verse 26, when have you been amazed by God and become silent?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Honesty with each other and with God is a better way to live. How can this
Group Prayer:

The End is Not the End
outline
Luke 20:27-40
Message of Hope: The end is not the end—Jesus said there is a resurrection.
Needed for Today: A Love Stronger Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond. Show
everyone a copy and invite them to ask you for one before they go home if they are interested.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you were doing something that you enjoyed so much that you wished it would never
end?
Bridge: Today's story raises some deep questions about life and what happens after death. This
story does not answer all the questions that we might have about death, but it will get us
thinking, and it will give hope. So, let's read this story.
✄--------------------
1. If the Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection (verse 27), why would they ask in verse 33,
“whose wife will she be in the resurrection?”
✄--------------------
2. Just a few weeks ago we studied death and resurrection—about when and how it happens. Now
Jesus talks about it again. Based on Jesus’s reply, what did He believe about the resurrection?
Read verse 34-35 in all the different translations we have here today. What is Jesus saying
about those who will be raised from the dead and will spend forever with Him?
✄--------------------
3. What kind of logic does Jesus use in verses 37-38 to show that those who follow Him will be
raised from the dead?
✄--------------------
4. Since the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, where do you think they found hope and
meaning in life?
✄--------------------
A. Not everyone believes in a resurrection and living forever with God in heaven. But for a couple
minutes let's assume it is true. What would you most look forward to if you were to live forever
with God?
✄--------------------
B. Where do you find hope and meaning in a world that is full of pain and heartache?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Everyone experiences pain and heartache. Is there something that you would like to share with
this group so that we could pray for you? Remember: The end is not the end—Jesus said
there is a resurrection.

Authenticity and Hypocrisy
outline
Luke 20:39 – 21:4
Message of Hope: Living an authentic life is in your best interest.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you were severely punished?
Bridge: For the last several weeks the religious leaders have tried to trick Jesus. Finally, they
are quiet. Now, Jesus asks them a question, in hopes of helping them better understand who He
is.
✄--------------------
1. Of all the different questions Jesus could have asked, why do you think Jesus raises this one? If
you would have been in the crowd of people, how would you have answered Jesus’s question?
✄--------------------
2. Read verses 46-47 again. Some might say that Jesus is being very unkind. How would you
respond to this idea?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think motivated these religious leaders to use deceit and hypocrisy?
✄--------------------
4. What are the differences between these leaders and the poor widow? What is Jesus trying to
teach us by contrasting these two stories?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, when faced with the temptation to live a two-faced life, what gives you
strength to stand strong against hypocrisy and do what is right?
✄--------------------
B. Read verses 21:1-4 again. In what ways does this story challenge you as you think about your
own life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Living an authentic life is in your best interest. How can this group pray for you
this week?
Group Prayer& Lunch: Put Empty Chairs in the middle of your circle

Signs You Can’t Ignore—part 1
outline
Luke 21:5-28
Message of Hope: Jesus is coming back, and He wants to take you home with Him.
Tip #1: Next week we will show a movie called, Signs You Can't Ignore.
Tip #2: In this story the disciples identified the destruction of the temple, which happened in
AD 70, with the end of time. But Jesus separates these two events. 1) He talks about the
destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, AD 70, and 2) He talks about the events all around the
world leading up to the second time He will come back to this earth. This is what we are still
waiting for—Jesus’s second coming.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you ignored some warning signs (in health, finances, driving, marriage, or in your
job) and ended up with some problems?
Bridge: Today's story talks about a lot of bad things that will happen—some past; some future.
But this story also tells us that when we see these signs happening in the world, it means one
thing is getting ready to happen. What is this one thing? Let's read the story.
Read the Bible Story from a modern translation: Luke 21:5-28

✄--------------------
1. We know from archeologic discoveries that the foundation stones of the temple were the size of
a train boxcar. They were gigantic. Why do you think Jesus shocks His disciples by saying, in
verse 7, that they will all be toppled?
✄--------------------
2. Verses 16 and 18 seem to contradict each other. How do you make sense of these two verses?
✄--------------------
3. In verses 25-28, Jesus seems to be talking about a different time period and a different event.
What clues do we find in these verses?
✄--------------------
4. What do these two events—the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the end of time—
have in common?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when people try to get you to do something you know is not right, what
gives you the strength to stand firm, as in verse 19?
✄--------------------
B. What gives you hope and trust in God when horrible things happen to you and around you?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus is coming back, and He wants to take you home with Him. How can this


outline
Luke 21:5-28
Message of Hope: Jesus is coming sooner than you think, and He wants to help you be ready.
Needed for Today: Today we will show a movie called, Signs You Can't Ignore.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

How long do you think this world will last? Briefly explain.
Bridge: Today is one of the rare days where we will watch a movie clip as part of our study.
This clip talks about all the different things that are happening in the world. It also talks about
the different signs that we read about last week that Jesus said would be indicators that this
world is about to wrap up. So, let's watch the movie clip, and then we can explore some
questions together.
Watch the Movie: Signs You Can't Ignore
Open Bibles: Luke chapter 21, but do not read the story.
✄--------------------

1. As you look around our world and listen to the news, what do you think are the most prominent
signs that the end is near, and why?
✄--------------------
2. Why do you think that, in spite of all these signs, people seem to go along as if all is okay and
the world will last forever?
✄--------------------
3. Read Luke 21:7. What were the questions that the disciples had, and why do you think they
thought that the destruction of Jerusalem would happen at the end of the world?
✄--------------------
4. Let's try to list, from our memory all the different signs the movie talked about. Which ones can
we remember?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, what are some of the signs discussed in the video that you had NOT given
much thought to before, and what do you think would motivate you to take these signs more
seriously in preparation for Jesus’s second coming?
✄--------------------
B. When this world is about to end, only God will be able to protect us. Is there anything you can
do on a practical level that could help you prepare physically, spiritually, mentally, or
emotionally?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus is coming sooner than you think, and He wants to help you be ready.
How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

outline
Luke 21:29-38
Message of Hope: Jesus will come back, and He wants you to be ready.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is your favorite kind of fruit?
Bridge: Today's story is about a fruit tree. Jesus uses the fruit tree to teach some very important
lessons and to teach some common, or not-so-common, sense.
✄--------------------

1. This is a quiz question for those who were here the last couple weeks. How many “signs of the
end of time” can we remember from last week’s study?
✄--------------------
2. Verse 32 is hard to understand. What do you think Jesus is saying?
✄--------------------
3. In verse 33, what do you think are the “words” Jesus is referring to that will never disappear?
✄--------------------
4. In practical terms, how are we to keep alert at all times? What dulls our alertness?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, what parts of your life would be different if you did not have any worries?
✄--------------------
B. For you, what is the most convincing evidence that we are living near the end of this world and
that Jesus will come back soon?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus will come back, and He wants you to be ready. How can this group pray
for you this week?
Group Prayer:

A Special Supper
outline
Luke 22:1-30
Message of Hope: When you serve others, you receive the bigger benefit.
Tip: Read Exodus 12 as background information on the original Passover that happened as the
Israelites were leaving Egypt.
Needed Today (optional): No Olives Tonight! (Child’s Steps to Jesus Series) is an excellent
story to read for the children and the adults.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is your favorite meal of the day, and why?
Bridge: Today's story is about a special meal that Jesus had with his followers just before He
died. But it was much more than just a supper; it was full of meaning. So, let's read the story.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think this festival of Unleavened Bread is also called the Passover meal?
✄--------------------
2. Let’s look at some of the allusions in this passage: “suffering,” verse 15; “fulfillment,” verse
16. What is Jesus talking about?
✄--------------------
3. Try to get past the traditional answers as you talk about this next question. What are the
symbolic meanings of the bread in verse 19 and the wine in verse 20? How would you explain
it to an eight-year-old child?
✄--------------------
4. Verse 26 seems completely backwards. If people today lived by this principle, how would our
world be different, and how would it be the same?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when was a time someone served you in a meaningful way?
✄--------------------
B. What are some needs that you see around us that need to be met? What is one thing you can do
towards being a servant this week?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: When you serve others, you receive the bigger benefit. How can this group pray
for you this week?
In verse 19 Jesus says to do this (meaning the special supper) in remembrance of me. Let's plan a
Friday night supper similar to what was described in today's story. When would be a good time for
everyone's schedule?
Group Prayer& Lunch:

Secrets of Happiness
outline
Luke 22:31-38
Message of Hope: Forget about yourself; serving and helping others is the secret to happiness.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What do you think are the best-kept secrets for finding happiness in life?
Bridge: Happiness is something that most people search for in life. Today's story will show us
one of the best-kept secrets of living a happy and meaningful life. But this secret in not easy to
find—we will have to do some digging together into today's story.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think Satan had to “ask permission” to tempt Simon Peter, and what does this idea
of asking permission to tell us about God?
✄--------------------
2. Read verse 32 again. What is the difference between Peter failing and Peter's faith failing?
What does the last part of verse 32 imply?
✄--------------------
3. Go beyond the traditional answers in this next question. What does it mean to repent? If
repentance is the first step in coming back to Jesus, what do you think are the next steps? (Re-
read verse 32.)
✄--------------------
4. Why does Jesus tell them to buy a sword? What do you think the prophecy about Jesus in verse
37 means?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, when was a time, like Peter, that you felt like Satan was trying to attack
you? What happened?
✄--------------------
B. Read verse 32 again. It ends with “strengthen your brothers.” In today's world it is easy to look
for what others can do for me. How could you go about strengthening other people?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus told Peter to forget about himself and put his time and energy into
serving and helping others. This is the secret to happiness. How can this group pray for you
this week?

Surviving Temptation
outline
Luke 22:39-53
Message of Hope: Prayer makes it possible to survive Satan's temptations.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

How do you respond in a crisis?
Bridge: Today's story is about a crisis. Crises comes in different shapes and sizes. Some have
big consequences, and some have little consequences. Some have temporary effects, and some
have lifelong effects, and as today's story will teach us, some crises have eternal consequences.
We all face crises during our life. The important question is how do we work through a crisis?
Today's story will give you the key for surviving a crisis.
✄--------------------
1. In verse 40, Jesus tells his followers to pray that they will not give into temptation. Why do you
think this is better to pray that you will not give into temptation then to pray that you not be
tempted at all?
✄--------------------
2. Following the sequence of events and conversation in verses 40-46, what do we learn about
handling a crisis? Compare Jesus’s approach to that of the disciples.
✄--------------------
3. What do you think Jesus meant, in verse 53, by “this is your moment, the time when the power
of darkness reigns”?
✄--------------------
4. Based on what we have read in this story, what do you think are the differences between
temptation and sin?
✄--------------------
5. This is a bonus item: Hold your place in this story, and let's go to the index at the beginning of
your Bible and find 1 Corinthians 10:13. Read this verse in the different translations we have
here today. What parts of this promise give you hope and encouragement?
✄--------------------
A. Based on this story, what would you say is the key for surviving a crisis?
✄--------------------
B. On a personal note, when was a time when you sensed that God had given you strength when
you were facing a difficult time, or when was a time you asked God for strength and it seemed
your request was not heard?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Prayer makes it possible to survive Satan's temptations. How can this group
Group Prayer:
Surviving Failure
outline
Luke 22:54-71
Message of Hope: There is life and hope after failure!
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you shed some tears?
Bridge: Today's story is about a person named Peter who had a long hard cry. It was not
because he was hurt, but because he had deeply hurt someone else. Crying is sometimes
considered weak, but there is a lot we can learn about how to keep on living after a good cry.
Today's story is called Surviving Failure.
✄--------------------

1. Why do you think Peter follows at a distance if he did not want to be connected with Jesus?
✄--------------------
2. In verses 56-58, what do you think kept Peter from recognizing the pattern of his failure and the
direction he was heading?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think are the different kinds of thoughts that went through Peter's mind when he
heard the rooster crow?
✄--------------------
4. A lot can be said in a “look.” What do you think Jesus was trying to communicate to Peter
when He looked at him in verse 61?
✄--------------------

A. In today's world, how do people begin the pattern of disowning Jesus in little ways? On a
personal note, has there been a time when you disowned Jesus? What happened?
✄--------------------
B. What have you found helpful in dealing with failure, and how has failure changed you?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: There is life and hope after failure. How can this group pray for you this week?
Group Prayer:

Ripple Effects
outline
Luke 23:1-25
Message of Hope: You can make positive ripple effects in the lives of other people.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When did someone make a decision that affected your life for good or bad?
Bridge: Today's story is about ripple effects. Have you ever thrown a rock into a pond and
watched the waves ripple? The ripples are like the choices in our lives. We do not live in a
vacuum, which means that we never make a choice that only affects us. It always affects
someone else for good or bad. The good news is that once we realize this, we can make better
choices that have positive ripple effects. So, let's read the story.
✄--------------------
1. Verses 1-4 records a very odd trial. How do you think Pilot concludes that Jesus is not guilty
based on the information Pilot had and the question he asked Jesus?
✄--------------------
2. In verse 3, Jesus gives a four-word answer (depending on your translation). How does this
answer Pilot's question? What is Jesus really saying, or trying to say?
✄--------------------
3. What do you think changed Herod's “delight” in verse 8 to “mockery” in verse 11?
✄--------------------
4. What are the factors that contributed to Pilot’s wrong decision? What are the different character
strengths we can think of that would have helped Pilot make the right decision?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, how has someone or something influenced you to make a wrong ripple-
effect decision?
✄--------------------
B. What decision are you facing that you know will have significant ripple effects on your family
and others, both now and for eternity?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: You can make positive ripple effects in the lives of other people. How can this
Group Prayer:

Remember Me
outline
Luke 23:26-43
Message of Hope: It is not too late to ask Jesus to remember you.
Tip: Verse 43 is sometimes used to show that the thief on the cross, when he died, went directly
to heaven, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” BUT keep in mind that in the
original Greek punctuation was not used. This means there were no periods (.) or commas (,) in
the sentence. If the comma is changed, there is a different meeting, “I assure you today, you
will be with me in paradise.”
In addition, Jesus did not go to paradise that very day. The Bible says He was laid in the grave
on Sabbath and then rose on Sunday. In fact, in John 20:17 Jesus said that He had not
ascended to His Father.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:

next week.

When was a time you were forgotten (a birthday, or left at a store when you were small, ignored)?
Bridge: Nobody likes to be forgotten. We like to be remembered, but there are different levels of
being remembered. What does that mean? We will have to read our story to figure
✄--------------------

1. What do you think prompted the soldiers to force someone else to carry Jesus’s cross?
✄--------------------
2. Read verses 28-30 again. In Jesus’s day, women who had children were considered blessed.
Why do you think Jesus seems to say the opposite in these two verses? And, what does Jesus
imply in verse 30?
✄--------------------
3. What significant ideas and symbolism do you see in having the two criminals crucified on each
side of Jesus? How can it be fair that someone in their last few minutes of their life can be
assured of eternal life in paradise?
✄--------------------
4. At a deeper level, what do you think made it possible for Jesus to forgive the people as they
nailed him to the cross?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, of all the different people listed in this story, who do you most identify
with? Who do you least identify with? Why?
✄--------------------
B. If you were to ask Jesus to remember something, what would you like him to remember?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: It is not too late to ask Jesus to remember you. How can this group pray for you
this week?
Group Prayer:
My Choice
outline
Luke 23:42-56
Message of Hope: You can always change your mind.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you recently made a decision, then changed your mind?
Bridge: Today's story is about two men who took big-time risks even though the odds were
stacked against them. What did they do? They changed their minds and went against the flow.
✄--------------------
1. Why do you think darkness fell across the land?
✄--------------------
2. The Bible does not tell us who tore the temple curtain, but what could it have symbolized?
✄--------------------
3. What are the obvious, and not so obvious, similarities and differences between the Roman
officer and Joseph? What groups of people do these two men represent?
✄--------------------
4. What are the areas of risk these two men took in responding to Jesus the way they did?
✄--------------------
A. The Roman officer and the religious person responded to Jesus’s death in different ways. On a
personal note, which response do you most resonate with, and why?
✄--------------------
B. What are the different ways you have responded, or not responded, to Jesus as you reflect on
the different chapters of your life?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: You can always change your mind. How can this group pray for you?

Supernatural Encounters
outline
Luke 23:50 – 24:12
Message of Hope: God supernaturally raised Jesus from the dead.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When you think of supernatural encounters, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Bridge: Today's story is about a supernatural encounter. Not all supernatural encounters are
from the same source. They can come from God (the good side) or Satan (the evil side). But
today's story is about one that comes from God.
✄--------------------

1. What are the current titles most of our world uses for the days of the week described in this
story: the day of preparation, the Sabbath, the first day of the week? Why are these days labeled
as such in the Bible?
✄--------------------
2. Why is it significant that Luke tells us that Jesus rested in the tomb on Sabbath, and the people
who were going to embalm Him also rested on the day between “the preparation day” and
“Sunday”?
✄--------------------
3. Read verses 5, 6, & 11 again. What caused the women and men to forget and disbelieve what
Jesus had told them would happen?
✄--------------------
4. What clues do you find in this story that the men who appeared to the women were from the
good side (God's side) of supernatural encounters?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, if you were Satan (from the evil side), how would you go about deceiving
people to make them think that you were from God (the good side)? How do you decide if a
supernatural encounter is from God or Satan?
✄--------------------
B. When was a time you encountered the supernatural or miraculous?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: God supernaturally raised Jesus from the dead. How can this group pray for
you this week?
Group Prayer:

Believing the Unbelievable
outline
Luke 24:13-34
Message of Hope: Jesus is alongside of you even if you do not recognize Him.
Planning Ahead for next week's study: Order enough copies so that each adult can have A
Love Stronger Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

When was a time you did not believe a story only to find out later that it was a true story?
Bridge: Today's story is about believing the unbelievable. Let's face it, we are often skeptical
and suspicious of things we don't understand—and we probably should be. But even if we have
a hard time believing the unbelievable about God, He is still with us. Do you want some proof?
Let read the story.
✄--------------------
1. To bring all of us up to speed, who can summarize from last week what unusual and confusing
events verse 14 is referring to?
✄--------------------
2. Here are two people walking seven miles from one city to another and someone “new”
suddenly appears from nowhere. How is His appearance hidden to the travelers, and why do
you think God kept them from recognizing who Jesus was?
✄--------------------
3. Why do you think Jesus asked them, “What things?”
✄--------------------
4. Why does Jesus take the time to explain all the Bible prophecies to them—again?
✄--------------------
A. On a personal note, if Jesus were to walk a few miles with you today, what would you like to
talk with Him about?
✄--------------------
B. What helps you recognize that it is Jesus who is walking alongside you when you are
discouraged or confused?
✄--------------------
from this story?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus is alongside of you even if you do not recognize Him. How can this group
Group Prayer:
My Promise
outline
Luke 24:35-53
Message of Hope: Jesus promised, “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.”
Needed for Today: Hopefully you ordered the magazine last week called, A Love Stronger
Than Death: Mysteries of the Great Beyond.
Breakfast

grow spiritually.
Check-In:
next week.

What is a promise that you gave to someone, and did you keep your promise?
Bridge: Today's story is the last story in the book of Luke about two amazing promises Jesus
gave before He went back to heaven. They are promises that give hope, that give focus in life,
and give us a reason to live. What are the promises? Well, let's read the story so that you see
these promises for yourself.
✄--------------------

1. This is the second time that Jesus suddenly appears out of thin air. What are the possible
reasons that we can think of for why Jesus would be doing this? Although this story does not
say what a ghost is, or where they come from, what evidence do you find that ghosts do exist?
✄--------------------
2. The disciples had just heard a story of how Jesus suddenly appeared to the two from Emmaus.
In verse 38 Jesus asks, “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” What do you think the people
said?
✄--------------------
3. Read verse 47 again. Has it dawned on anybody that what Jesus said in this verse is happening
right here today? What does it mean to repent of my sins, and how would I do that?
✄--------------------
4. What are the two promises that Jesus gives us in verses 47 and 49? How would you summarize
them?
✄--------------------

A. On a personal note, if you had been part of this group that Jesus appeared to, what would have
convinced you that He was real?
✄--------------------
B. When was a time that it seemed like the Holy Spirit opened your mind so that you could better
understand God?
✄--------------------
C. This is more of a reflective question as we head into our prayer time—for what do you need to
ask Jesus forgiveness, or who do you need to forgive in your life?
✄--------------------
D. Remember: Jesus promised, “there is forgiveness of sins for all who repent”. How can this

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simply

cultivating a deeper walk with God

The following people contributed to this study guide.

More studies available at

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Accepted by God Jesus Headed for Jerusalem

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The Basic 8: These are covered in the free online training.

Before we introduce ourselves, let's Remember:

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Kick-off Question: (60 second answers, facilitator goes first)

Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Some helpful pointers for digging questions:

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

Some helpful pointers:

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Message of Hope: God hears and answers prayer.

Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.

Setting the Context:

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Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

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Message of Hope: God has a plan for your life.

Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.

Setting the Context:

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Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

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Message of Hope: You are blessed by God.

Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.

Setting the Context:

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Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

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Message of Hope: God's discipline helps us grow.

Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.

Setting the Context:

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Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

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Message of Hope: God sent Jesus to look for you.

Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.

Setting the Context:

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Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

Welcome: We are so glad that you are here today.

Setting the Context:

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Children go back to their activities.

Digging Questions: (50% of your study time)

Sharing Questions: (50% of your study time)

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