Weekly Discussion Guide

1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read Luke 4:18-19, John 10:10 and Matthew 11:28-30. 3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

MY STORY | Vulnerability
What are some religious practices or rituals you used to consider important? How has your concept of “the Christian lifestyle” changed over time for you?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:10–11)

What does Jesus mean when he says that he came for his followers to “have life and have it abundantly?” What’s a non-abundant life look like?

Have you ever felt like being a Christian means having less than an abundant life? How can Jesus’ words bring us to a healthier understanding of the flourishing God intends for us?

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

Despite what Jesus says in this passage, following Jesus sometimes feels like a heavy burden. Why is that? How do we reconcile His words with our experience?

What does following Jesus do to lighten our loads and give us rest?

What are some of the things we might have to give up to find the type of rest Jesus talks about?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
(Luke 4:18–19)

What is the liberty and favor that Jesus is talking about in this passage? What would liberty and favor look like in your life? How do you know it’s what God wants you to experience and not just your own desire?

How can the liberation and restoration we receive as individuals lead to those same gifts for our community?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
If you were to ask someone who hasn’t grown up in the church (or who has been away from church for many years) what might that person say a “Christian lifestyle” looks like?

If you know a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who would not identify as a believer, ask where he or she lands on the faith (or non-faith) spectrum.. Again, approach this question with genuine curiosity. Do not try to correct misconceptions unless you are explicitly asked to; just take a moment to listen.