Luke 6.37-49 Community Group and Family Discussion
LUKE 6.37-49 Community Group and Family Discussion Guide
Follow Me
INTRODUCTION This week we will complete making our way through Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. He has just made the critical point that for his followers, their character and identity is firmly rooted in the character of God (Luke 6:35-36). Therefore, as he concludes this important instruction to his disciples at the very beginning of their discipleship, he vividly portrays what this kind of merciful behavior looks like. And then, the simple but all-important command, “Follow Me!”
DISCUSSION • Does Jesus mean for this sermon to be used as a guideline for how we can determine wether others are doing what they are supposed to do, or for self-examination? Self-examination. • How is this important related to our response to this sermon? • What are the four attributes that Jesus discusses, and how are these connected to being merciful as our Father is merciful? Further, what is the promise provided that would encourage us to live this way? (see Luke 6:35-38; 46-49) • Why can’t Luke 6:37 be used by a believer to deflect a rebuke from another Christian? • What is the point Jesus is making when he talks about “the blind leading the blind” and a “disciple...when he is fully trained, will be like his teacher”? What are the implications for who you follow and look up to? Jesus is saying that it is crucial who you choose to learn from, and that he is the teacher you must look to. Therefore, we should only choose mentors and role models that ultimately point us to Jesus in all they teach, say, and do. • The story of the hypocrite, with speck and log, is Jesus at his humorous best. Have you ever found yourself playing this part? What is the point of the story?
• Jesus has just said, “Judge not.” But then he gives a story that seems to communicate you can judge a tree by its fruit? Is Jesus contradicting himself? What can we learn about our hearts from the parable of the tree and its fruit? • How does what you say reveal what you believe?
APPLICATION • What does Jesus say are the necessary and true marks of an authentic disciple? Coming, hearing, and doing. (Luke 6:47) • List all the contrasts between the two builders (Luke 6:48-49). What does this teach you? • Where have you built your life on the sand? • What does building your house on the rock look like in your life? • What is the outcome for a person who will not come, hear, and do? Ruin and destruction. • Does Jesus provide a middle way, or only two options? • What will you do? Will you follow? How?
MEMORY VERSE Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (ESV)
Follow Me
INTRODUCTION This week we will complete making our way through Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. He has just made the critical point that for his followers, their character and identity is firmly rooted in the character of God (Luke 6:35-36). Therefore, as he concludes this important instruction to his disciples at the very beginning of their discipleship, he vividly portrays what this kind of merciful behavior looks like. And then, the simple but all-important command, “Follow Me!”
DISCUSSION • Does Jesus mean for this sermon to be used as a guideline for how we can determine wether others are doing what they are supposed to do, or for self-examination? Self-examination. • How is this important related to our response to this sermon? • What are the four attributes that Jesus discusses, and how are these connected to being merciful as our Father is merciful? Further, what is the promise provided that would encourage us to live this way? (see Luke 6:35-38; 46-49) • Why can’t Luke 6:37 be used by a believer to deflect a rebuke from another Christian? • What is the point Jesus is making when he talks about “the blind leading the blind” and a “disciple...when he is fully trained, will be like his teacher”? What are the implications for who you follow and look up to? Jesus is saying that it is crucial who you choose to learn from, and that he is the teacher you must look to. Therefore, we should only choose mentors and role models that ultimately point us to Jesus in all they teach, say, and do. • The story of the hypocrite, with speck and log, is Jesus at his humorous best. Have you ever found yourself playing this part? What is the point of the story?
• Jesus has just said, “Judge not.” But then he gives a story that seems to communicate you can judge a tree by its fruit? Is Jesus contradicting himself? What can we learn about our hearts from the parable of the tree and its fruit? • How does what you say reveal what you believe?
APPLICATION • What does Jesus say are the necessary and true marks of an authentic disciple? Coming, hearing, and doing. (Luke 6:47) • List all the contrasts between the two builders (Luke 6:48-49). What does this teach you? • Where have you built your life on the sand? • What does building your house on the rock look like in your life? • What is the outcome for a person who will not come, hear, and do? Ruin and destruction. • Does Jesus provide a middle way, or only two options? • What will you do? Will you follow? How?
MEMORY VERSE Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (ESV)
