Breaking Ground
What sports team or group do you consider to be your biggest rival? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we continued our series Jesus the Christ by exploring the story about Jesus healing a centurion’s servant, stereotypes, & expectations.
How do you define stereotypes & expectations? How do these two things relate & interact with each other?
What problems do stereotypes & expectations tend to create? How can they prevent us from being present & open to people & events as they actually are? What does this cost us?
Next, read Luke 7:1-3. Here, Jesus encounters a hugely stereotyped character for a 1st century Jewish audience. That is, he is approached by several, respected Israelite elders from his community who have been sent on behalf of a Roman Centurion. Critically, this would’ve been the face of Israel’s oppressors & most hated enemy.
Imagine that you’re a 1st century Israelite watching this. What assumptions do you think you’d have about this Centurion & his request? How would your stereotypes & expectations impact your interpretation of this encounter?
Next, read Luke 7:4-10. In almost every way, this Centurion shatters the stereotypes & expectations that would’ve been placed on him. So much so that Jesus upholds him as a model for true faith, or trust, in himself & God.
How does this Centurion upend the stereotypes & expectations that would’ve been placed upon him? What does this reveal about his character & why does this lead Jesus to marvel at his faith?
As Pastor Mike taught, the Centurion reminds us that true faith requires humility, open-mindedness, & willingness.
Why are these three things essential ingredients to having faith or trust in Jesus? How do stereotypes & expectations undermine each of these elements?
Where do you struggle most with stereotypes & expectations (for both people & circumstances)? How can growing in your humility, open-mindedness, & willingness help you grow beyond these barriers to your faith & Jesus?
Getting Out of the Hole
In this series, take time each week to reflect upon the story from the story & how you can find yourself within it during this season of your life.
- Read Luke 7:1-10. First, break this story down into pieces. What is Jesus doing in this story? How are people responding to him? What changes by the end of the story?
- Next, close your eyes & reflect upon the story. Imagine yourself in it. Put yourself into the space of the various characters & imagine what it would be like to encounter Jesus in the story.
- What images, teachings, or ideas speak to you the most in this story? What intrigues or confuses you? What feelings arose as you thought about being in the story? How can this story impact your life & your relationship with Jesus in this next season?
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
TheBibleProject.com
Simply Jesus by NT Wright
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, September 29th: Join us next Sunday as we continue our series Jesus the Christ! * Please see mye3.org for details.