The Gospel | DNA | Luke 9:21-27
This Sunday we start our “DNA" series. DNA are the fundamental building blocks of life. Our DNA ultimately expresses us into the world. The DNA of our faith does the same thing…or at least it should. In the series opener, we’ll unpack “Gospel,” the fundamental of our fundamentals. In this passage, Jesus tells us that the Gospel doesn’t just save us (through His mission to die for us and raise us up with him, v. 31) but cause us to truly live (through walking as disciples, 34-37). Later in the series, as we explore children’s ministry, generosity, worship and so much more—in each instance, the building blocks are the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Song of Remembrance | Singing the Psalms | Psalm 40
King David is in the Pit. It’s a place of stress, fear and anxiety. In the place, David chooses not to rely upon his own strength to get him out but his memory of God’s past faithfulness, coupled with the power of prayer in humility. Our great task is to remember the way of the Lord and how He has provided for us in the past, trusting He will do the same in the present. If we don’t, we’ll place our functional trust in something or someone else and never escape our pits. But what we know that even David didn’t know was the perfect obedience (v. 8) of Jesus who lived in perfect trust and makes it possible to know the Father, our place of trust.
Song of Confidence | Singing the Psalms | Psalm 23
Psalm 23 may be the best known passage in all of Scripture and is a main stay at funerals but familiarity may breed contempt. Why exactly is this Psalm so well loved? It’s because in the midst of hardship, David shows us what both comfort and confidence can look like. Neither are in our circumstances nor possessions in this world but are found in God alone. He is the shepherd who protects, provides and guides. But we have an even greater confidence than David because we have the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10.11). Because of Christ, we can live without fear despite the world around us.
True Rest | Matthew 11:25-30
Jesus calls all who are tired and burdened to come to him and find rest. He assumes we are yoked to something looking for soul rest but instead is weighing us down leaving us restless. He challenges us to instead be yoked to him and allow him to bear our burdens with us. His yoke is fitting and his burden is light. He tells us we can learn from him because his heart is gentle and lowly.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In what ways has the last year left you burdened and restless?
2. Where do you feel that you are not connected with Jesus?
3. How would you have described the depths of Jesus’ heart before this passage?
4. What’s your plan to get soul rest this summer?
The Love of Jesus | Portrait of Jesus | John 13: 1-20
As Jesus approaches the cross, he prepares his disciples for what is about to happen. All coming from his absolute love (v1) for them.
How do you experience the love of Jesus towards you?
What is your response to Jesus/God becoming like a slave, kneeling before us and washing your feet? What does your heart do with a Jesus/God that serves you instead of requiring you to serve him?
What does it look like for you to go and live Jesus’ pattern out to those in our community? What happens for you as you consider becoming like Jesus to pursue and wash the “dirty feet” of those in our community?