Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

Rejoice in the restoration God's kingdom unstoppably brings.

1) Jesus has come to restore and set free (vv. 10-17)

2) This restoration will spread quietly but unstoppably despite opposition (vv. 18-21)

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 13:10-21

1. God often furthers his Kingdom on earth through the weak and unimpressive (like the disabled woman in the passage) to show that the power belongs to him. How should this reality encourage us to be faithful in what may seem like small things?

2. Jesus freeing the crippled woman physically (vv. 10-13) is a picture of what he intends to do for the world spiritually. If you’re a follower of Jesus, how have you experienced spiritual freedom? If you’re not, what do you hope Jesus could do for you?

3. Jesus has come to restore and set free. In what area(s) of your life are you most eager to see Jesus restore and set free?

4. Freedom is something that is valued and often spoken of in America. How might we pivot in a conversation with an unbeliever about political freedom to speaking of the freedom Christ brings from sin, Satan, and death?

5. When we see the brokenness and “bent-ness” of the world around us (in the news headlines or in our own lives), what truths from this would it be good for us to keep in mind?

6. How do we know that Jesus' healing the disabled woman (vv. 10-17) is connected to his answer of what the Kingdom of God will be like (vv.18-21)?

7. Verses 18-21 give us a picture that the Kingdom of God will be established often in slow, seemingly unnoticeable ways rather than spectacular displays of spiritual might and triumphant conquest. How have you seen this in the history of the church? How does this encourage you now?

8. Jesus’ For followers of Jesus, his restoration work in us has already started, but not yet fully completed. How might knowing the “already … not yet” nature of God’s restoring work in us lead to increased hope, joy, and peace in our hearts?

9. What is one area of your life where you could make a small beginning (as small as a mustard seed) of faithfulness, that God might use to further his unstoppable Kingdom?

Prayer

Discussion Questions:

Sermon Overview

Main Point: Escape from death by turning to God while there's still time.

Repentance is the only escape from death (vv. 1-5)

The opportunity to repent will soon end (vv. 6-9)

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 13:1-9

On Judgement and Death

1. The passages of the last few Sundays have had the theme of judgment. How did Pastor Brett’s illustration about the instructions of a guide on a whitewater canoeing trip help us better appreciate why Jesus is repeatedly reminding his disciples (and us) of the coming judgment?

2. In this passage, Jesus wants to help us avoid drawing straight-line conclusions from our circumstances to what God thinks of us (“Life is going great, so God must be pleased with me.” / “Life is really hard right now, so God must be angry with me.”). Instead of this way of thinking, what should we think when we see death around us?

3. Pastor Brett said, “Sin is a debt. You cannot understand Christianity if you don’t understand this.” What did he mean by this? Do you agree?

On Repentance

4. This passage (Luke 13:5) says that repentance is the one way to escape from death. What is (and what isn’t) repentance?

5. Have you repented?

6. What does repentance look like in your life?

The Limited Time to Repent

7. “Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet?” How could you use these verses as a part of an answer to that question?

8. Verses 6-9 highlight that the time for repentance is now, because the opportunity to repent will soon end. If you’re a follower of Jesus, what is an appropriate response(s) in light of this truth?

9. If you’re a follower of Jesus, now that you know the time to repent will soon end, how does it impact the way you engage with unbelievers?

10. With whom in your life that isn’t a follower of Jesus might God want you to share these truths?

Prayer

Discussion Questions:

On Summer Break