Community Group Questions: May 12th-18th

May 11th, 2024
by Karissa Smith

Luke 7:18-35

Messengers from John the Baptist

18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just,] having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

Questions:

Doctrine - How we Think

The reports of Jesus' incredible miracles,including the raising of the dead have made their way back to John the Baptist. In response to this astounding news, he sends some disciples to ask of Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Does this question strike you as odd? Why or why not?
Jesus said of John, “I tell you, among those born of women, none is greater than John. Yet, the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Considering John as the forerunner and messenger of the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus, how do you make sense of this?

Worship - How we Feel

What has caused you the most trouble with doubts? Is the source usually intellectual or moral?
In some Christian circles, it seems taboo to admit that one is struggling with doubt, disappointment, and disillusionment with God and/ or with Jesus? Why do you think this is?

Application - What we Do

Think about the following “de-motivators” that often keep a person on the sidelines when it comes to living out what God has called them too. Which one(s) resonate with you and why?:
- Apathy/Ignorance
- Pressures of Life
- Past Hurts
- Current Success
- Uncertainty
- Habitual Sins
According to this passage, what’s the best way to conquer discouragement and doubt in your life? What is ultimately unhelpful? How can you apply this solution to your current or future doubt?

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