Community Group Questions: March 3rd-9th

March 2nd, 2024
by Karissa Smith

Luke 4:31-44

Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon

31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

Jesus Heals Many

38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

Jesus Preaches in Synagogues

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Questions:

Doctrine - How we Think

The first miracle in the book of Luke is an exorcism. Do you think this is significant? Why or why not?
How would you describe culture’s attitude towards demons? How does the average person think about demons? How should a christian think about demons?

Worship - How we Feel

This text demonstrates the authority of Jesus. How do you feel when someone speaks with authority? Do you find it easier or harder to submit to what is being said?
This text contains one of many examples of Jesus healing physical illnesses. Have you ever witnessed or experienced physical healing? Why do you think this type of healing doesn't seem to happen around us all the time?

Application - What we Do

The regular patterns of Jesus' life found him teaching in the synagogue week over week. What do the regular patterns of your life say about what you value/care most about? Discuss if their are habits you are trying to implement/strengthen, and pray together toward that end.
What does it look like to submit to the power and authority of Jesus rather than live in our own power and authority? Pray toward that end.