THREE THINGS TO KNOW

DON'T MISS THIS. Summers at Ada Bible Church are the perfect opportunity to SERVE. It is the time when each ministry area begins to evaluate its serving and volunteer needs for the upcoming year. If you or someone in your small group has expressed interest in getting more involved, click HERE to find serving opportunities.

GROUP VALUES. This week, we continue our focus on the group value of RELATIONAL INVESTMENTS. We all know that healthy relationships don't happen by accident. They often grow through consistent, intentional investment. While our weekly group gatherings are important, some of the deepest connections are often formed in the moments between meetings. Consider taking a step this week to learn more about someone in your group by asking about their story, especially if you don’t know them well. Taking intentional time to hear them and see how God has worked in their story will only deepen the relationship that’s already forming.

GROW AS A LEADER. This week, Pastor Jeff kicked off our new series, Parables. As you may know, Jesus's parables can sometimes be challenging to understand, especially because they were originally spoken in a first-century Jewish context that is unfamiliar to us today. As you prepare to lead your group through this series, consider revisiting the sermon from You Asked for It Vol. 1 on the question, "Why Is Jesus Confusing?" It provides insight into why Jesus taught the way he did and can serve as a valuable resource in the weeks ahead. Listen to the message HERE.

SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE

This week, we begin our Parables series by looking at one of Jesus's shortest parables. Through the image of patches and wineskins, Jesus reveals something important about himself, his kingdom, and what it means to follow him. Rather than fitting into our existing ways of thinking, Jesus invites us into something entirely new. 

ICEBREAKER

What's something new you resisted at first but eventually came to appreciate or enjoy?

THIS WEEK'S TEXT

Have someone read Luke 5:33-39 aloud.

What concern or complaint is being brought to Jesus in this passage?

What items are described in Jesus’s response, and what differences are presented?

What do these verses reveal about Jesus and his ministry?

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

This week’s sermon introduced the Parables series and explored how Jesus used everyday images to teach about himself, his kingdom, and his way of life. After being questioned about fasting, Jesus shared images of patches and wineskins to reveal more about his way. As a group, name the main points or key ideas you remember.

What are some common assumptions people have about what following God should look like?

The religious leaders expected Jesus to act in ways that matched their understanding of faithfulness. Why do people sometimes become frustrated when God doesn't meet their expectations?

The individuals questioning Jesus were especially focused on what those around him were or were not doing. Why is it easy to evaluate our faith by comparing ourselves to others?

The parable of patches and wineskins teaches that Jesus came to do something new, revealing that his new way is better than the old ways we hold onto. What are some ways people try to fit Jesus into their existing priorities, beliefs, traditions, or lifestyles? 

Following Jesus requires more than simply adding him to our lives. Why do you think Jesus calls people to reorient their lives around him rather than simply make him one priority among many? Is there something in your life that you’ve had to reorient to make sure it was in line with him?

We all have assumptions about how life should work and what God should do. Where do you find yourself most tempted or often trying to ask Jesus to fit into your plans instead of submitting to following his?

Jesus invites us to join what he is doing in the world. What is one practical step you can take this week to follow his way more intentionally?

WRAP UP

This week, we discussed how Jesus didn't come to fit into our existing systems, expectations, or priorities. Instead, he invites us into his kingdom, his mission, and his way of life. What from this conversation or the sermon challenged you the most, and where do you sense God inviting you to follow his way rather than asking him to bless your own?

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