Weekly Discussion Guide

1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read Matthew 9:35-38.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

MY STORY | Starting Place
Tell us about a time when you heart was broken, either from unrequited love, or a betrayal of trust, or the failure of a reasonable expectation to pan out.

(One rule: can’t be talking about anyone currently in the group)

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:37-38)

If Jesus went through the town in which you live – if he paused among a gathering of parents and grandparents at a soccer, football, or basketball game – how would he see people now?

What sort of harassment or helplessness do folks experience these days that would cause Jesus to feel deep sympathy?

Where can you identify with feeling lost—in need of a shepherd to show which way to go?

What would you want Jesus to see, in you, that no one else seems to get?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

In what way did you, (or do you now) represent the rich spiritual harvest that Jesus described? Who had God commissioned to retrieve that harvest from you? Who plays that role in your life now?

Under what type of circumstances do you feel sincere empathy for those involved?

How do Jesus’ words, “pray earnestly” compel you? For whom would you be praying with this type of intensity?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
What would inspire you to respond, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Where would you want to go? Where might you resist going? For whom do you naturally have a passion to reach? Where do you think God wants to send you this week?