Summary: Becoming the person that God envisions us to be will require that we learn to lead & learn well. That is challenging because different styles of leading are required at different stages of the learning process. By following Jesus & learning from the way he led, we help fulfill the mission he gave us of helping make disciples from all nations.
Big Idea: Jesus will help us to learn and lead well.
Ice-breaker question: Do you someone in your life who has been a great mentor for you? If so, how has that person helped you?
Read: John 3:1-17
- What are some possible reasons why Nicodemus came to see Jesus?
- Why did Nicodemus come at night?
- In verse 3, notice that Jesus does not respond to Nicodemus’s words of praise. Instead he makes a clear, direct statement that “… no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Why do you think Jesus ignored Nicodemus’s praise? What are some possible reasons why Jesus made this statement about our need to be born again? What do you think it means to be born again, or born of the Spirit (v. 8)?
- What great gift has God given to the world? Why did God give that gift? What difference does it make whether people receive that gift or not?
- Is there someone around you in your life who has not yet received that gift? Would you like them to?
Read: Luke 9:1-6, 10-17
- After giving his twelve apostles some very basic instructions, Jesus sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. Imagine that you are one of the Twelve. What thoughts and emotions would be running through you as Jesus sends you out?
- Imagine that you are among the apostles when they returned and reported to Jesus what they had done and experienced. How would your thoughts and feelings be different than they were before you were sent out by Jesus? How does gaining experience help us to grow and learn?
- The experience of being sent out to do ministry is only one step among many as Jesus leads His followers into becoming mature disciples. He immediately leads them into another opportunity to learn and grow when a teachable moment presents itself. A large crowd of people had gathered to see and hear Jesus. The time for the evening meal was approaching and people were getting hungry. When the Twelve came to Jesus with this dilemma, Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat.” Why did Jesus say that instead of saying, “Don’t worry, I will take care of this for you?” Is it possible that we sometimes take away opportunities for growth when we solve other people’s problems for them?
- Jesus’ statement forced the apostles to take stock of what they did have and give it to Jesus. What happened next? How were the apostles involved in the process? In what ways might they have grown because of their involvement in Jesus’ miraculous work?
Read: Matthew 28:16-20
- Why is it important for us to go and make disciples of all nations for Jesus?
- What are some things we can do to learn and lead well?
This Bible Study focuses on the same passage as the sermon on Jan 26/20 from Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Langley BC. It is based on A Passionate Life and The Passionate Church both by Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad.
Farewell to Shadowlands 