The Essential Jesus – Week 16 Readings & Questions

Attached is the list of readings for Week 16 of our Essential Jesus sermon series. 

Essential Jesus Readings – Week 16
May 2 – Who is Jesus to You?

  1. The Rich Do-Gooder: Mark 10:17-31

Why do you think this young man wasn’t able to follow Jesus? What role does money play in your life? What else might you be tempted to hang on to tightly?

  1. The Seeker: John 3:1-21

What do you think it means to be “born from above” or “born again”? What insights have you gotten here about God or about Jesus and his mission? Does anything surprise or upset you?

  1. Searching for Living Water: John 4:1-42

What “gift” did Jesus give the Samaritan woman by speaking this way to her? Are there folks in your neighborhood who might feel unwelcome in your church’s worship?

  1. From Persecutor to Apostle: Acts 9:1-19

Reflect on the change made in Paul. Have you or someone you know had a “Damascus Road” experience? How did it change them?

  1. The Essential Jesus Challenge: Luke 9:18-27

How would you answer Jesus’ question to Peter? What do you believe about Jesus? How has your understanding of and commitment to Jesus changed since you began this Challenge? 

Reflection Questions About These Readings:

  1. Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). How is that possible in our modern world? How can we know when we’ve crossed the line, that we love money and possessions too much?
  2. For Nicodemus, coming to faith in Jesus was a process. What have been the steps in your process for discovering who Jesus is? What is your next step?
  3. The woman at the well was struggling with her past. Have you ever felt like negative experiences in your past were holding you back from drawing closer to God? What happened?
  4. Peter boldly declared who he believed Jesus was. Do you think he understood what he was saying? Why or why not?
  5. So, who is Jesus to you?

 

 

And don’t forget:  Every Wednesday night we have a zoom bible study to look at the passages discussed in last Sunday’s sermon. On Wednesday, April 28, at 6:30 we’ll look at Jesus second coming as described in our five readings for last week.