Matt Zainea Rockford Campus April 14, 2024
Storytellers: The Heart of Faith
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
REMINDERS
Leader Development Class (Sunday nights) – New series on Gospel Conversations.
PLEASE JOIN US IN ROOM 300 (RK CAMPUS) SUNDAY NIGHTS FROM 6-7pm!
TOGETHER IN LIFE
In Sunday’s message, Matt talked about the Sabbath and our rhythm of work and rest. Did you experience a day of rest this weekend? Were you able to do anything to enjoy the beautiful spring weather outside?
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Luke 6:1–11
Note: We encourage you to read the entire text together as a group out loud.
JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH
The Heart of the Law
The Pharisees and scribes were watching Jesus so that they might find a reason to accuse Him. They thought they’d witnessed Jesus violate the Sabbath on each of these occasions, yet Jesus tells them that they’ve missed the true heart of the Law.
QUESTIONS
- Did Jesus violate the Law of the Sabbath or simply the Pharisees’ understanding of the Law of the Sabbath?
- How did Jesus’ responses to the Pharisees’ accusations highlight the heart of the Law?
- How do these passages help us grow in understanding of the Sabbath? For example, how is it possible to be both life-giving to the people around us while resting at the same time?
- How do Jesus’ actions show that He is the Lord of the Sabbath?
5 VIEWS OF THE SABBATH
Our view of the Jesus will be seen in our view of the Sabbath.
Callous – You don’t believe the Sabbath applies to you or you look down on those who don’t practice a Sabbath.
Cautious – You may attend church on Sunday but prefer not to sacrifice your own to-do list for a day of rest.
Curious – You agree with the idea of Sabbath or are intrigued by it but don’t yet practice a Sabbath.
Casual – You take a Sabbath on weeks that it works for you, but if it’s inconvenient for your schedule, you’re OK with skipping it.
Committed – The Sabbath as a day of rest in Christ is at the center of our weekly rhythm of work and rest.
QUESTIONS
- Which of the 5 views of the Sabbath do you most identify with right now?
- Do you tend to see the Sabbath as a gift? Or do you see it as an inconvenience or a chore?
- Do you see your view of the Sabbath as indicative of your view of Jesus?
TOGETHER IN ACTION
Matt mentioned that part of being committed to the Sabbath is preparing for it on the day or days beforehand. Consider one or two things you can do in the days leading up to your Sabbath to prepare yourself for a day of true rest in Christ. Report back to the group next week.
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
Pray: Thank God for the gift of the Sabbath.
Ask God to show you how your view of the Sabbath reflects your view of Jesus.
Ask God to show you if there are any heart attitudes or habits in your life that are getting in the way of you practicing a committed Sabbath. If so, ask God for a change of heart or for wisdom on how to adjust your habits to center your week around a day of rest.
