Welcome to week two of our fall sermon series called A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus. Jesus attracted crowds of people because of his healing powers. This conversation looks at what it means that Jesus was a healer, how his healing points to who he is, and how it challenges us to act.
SHARE LIFE
Building healthy and life-giving relationships.
Updates
What has been new or challenging in your life since last time the group met? Spend 20–30 minutes checking in with each other.
Share Part of Your Story
Where is your favorite place to get food samples? What’s one of your favorite samples they usually have there?
Safe Environment
How can your group be praying for your spiritual life during this season?
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
Chapter 4 of John Dickson’s book A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus is called “Healer: The Deeds that Baffle.” Flip back through the chapter and share with your group what stuck out to you.
Healing? Really???
People often raise objections concerning the truth of Jesus’ miracles. One objection is philosophical and based in naturalism. What is naturalism and what are some of its assumptions? Why would naturalism be opposed to miracles like healing?
Another objection is historical. People claim that Jesus didn’t really do miracles and they were invented by Christians much later. What did Pastor Jeff Manion say about this claim? Do you think there is good evidence for Jesus’ miracles?
Some objections are based on assumptions that we refuse to consider. What’s the danger of refusing to honestly look at evidence because of our assumptions? If we can’t really ever understand God fully, how does that impact our ability to believe in him and trust him?
What are some objections people give for not believing in Jesus? What doubts have you had? How can the evidence we heard this weekend (and the evidence in Chapters 2 and 4 of A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus) help answers those objections and doubts?
Reversing the Curse
As a group, read Matthew 8:14-17 and Matthew 11:1-5. What are some of the things these texts have in common? What’s the point being emphasized?
Jesus’ miracles show more than just his power and compassion. How do you think the people around Jesus would have felt as they heard about the long-awaited miracle worker, the Servant of the Lord? How would people respond today if someone was doing the things Jesus did?
Jesus’ miracles were given as evidence that he was the long-awaited Servant of the Lord. Do you think most people think of Jesus’ miracles as evidence that he was God? Do Jesus’ miracles give you confidence he was God?
A Taste of Things to Come
Jesus was the long-awaited king who came to restore the world. But, it doesn’t seem like he finished the job because the world is still broken. Have someone read Revelation 21:3-5 aloud. What stands out? How does it make you feel?
Jesus’ healing ministry offered a sample of what the new heaven and new earth would be like—when the job would be finished. How is Jesus’ healing ministry a sample? Is this a new idea to you?
When you think of the new heaven and new earth, what do you think of? What do you think it will be like?
A Community of Healers
On pages 80-81 in the book, Dickson writes, “In theory…people who have glimpsed the future in the healing deeds of Jesus commit themselves to serving the world, just as he did, in whatever way they can this side of the kingdom.” What is Dickson saying here? What are some ways Christians do this poorly and do this well?
Pastor Manion said we either help bring healing or cause damage. How have you experienced this? What are some ways we can bring healing? What’s one way you can bring healing to those around you?
Today’s conversation is about Jesus as healer and becoming a community of healers. What’s one step you can take this week to worship Jesus as healer? What step can you take to be a healer through your actions?
INVEST IN OTHERS
Valuing people outside the group and outside the faith.
Discuss how you and your group can better engage the people in your life outside your small group.
Group Growth
With the launch of A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus series, consider as a group if there is someone who needs what your group has? Maybe a friend, co-worker, or someone you volunteer with? Consider who you could invite to go through the fall series with your group.
Download a printable PDF here.