Connect
If it's been a while since you've met, spend a few minutes catching up with each other.
What was the highlight of your summer?
What is the craziest (or bravest) thing you've ever done?
Discuss
Angela walked us through 3 stories in Scripture.
Story 1 is from Mark 5:1-20:
After Jesus cast out the legion of demons from the man, the crowed wanted Jesus to leave. Talk a little bit about what stands out to you in this story.
What might be (or has been) the cost for you to surrender every part of your life to Jesus?
Story 2 is from Luke 7:36-50:
When was a time in your life when you were overwhelmed with gratitude?
What happens to you when you let Jesus live "all up in your business?"
Story 3 is from John 6:25-70
Jesus is helping his disciples understand that He is more than they can imagine. When was a time that Jesus proved to me more than you could imagine in your life?
This story also talks about how the teaching of Jesus was difficult and a lot of people walked away and stopped following him. Talk about a time in your life when you felt like walking away or when it was difficult to follow Him.
Action Steps
If you're in a spot where it is difficult for you to follow Jesus, what is one thing you can do to take a step toward Him?
If you've been following Jesus from a distance, challenge yourself to pray and ask God to show you what your next step towards Him could be.
If you've been following Jesus closely for a while, what is a step you can take to help someone else move from distantly following to following more closely? (perhaps joining a group with them, or signing up to take a class together)
Prayer
Jesus, we all have things in our lives that get in the way of following you closely. Today we are asking that you remove those things from our lives and help us to see you more clearly and know what step is right to take to follow you more closely. Remind us of who You are and how much You love us, especially in moments of doubt or rebellion. We need You and can't live this life without You, so please show up in some very tangible ways. In Your name we pray. Amen.