Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | February 1, 2026
Matthew 11:28-30, Ezekiel 36:25-28, John 16:7, Romans 8:10-11, Galatians 3:2-3, Galatians 5:25
1. When you realize that the invitation to follow Jesus means we actually are expected to become like Him, how do you respond to that idea? Why can that thought be overwhelming? Does this seem impossible? Why or why not?
2. Read Matthew 11:28-30
What were the two uses of the word “yoke” that Jesus is referring to here? Describe the imagery of being “yoked” to Jesus like two oxen? How does that imagery help us understand how we are to walk our life with Jesus? How does this help us to become like Jesus?
3. If we are weary and burdened in our life, what does that say to us about our walk with Jesus and our connection to Him? How can Jesus actually make our yoke easy and our burden light? Does that mean that everything in life will be easy and light? Why or why not?
4. True life in Jesus is found when we surrender our lives fully to Him. What does it mean to surrender fully to Jesus? Why can that word be difficult for us to deal with? What makes actually surrendering difficult for you?
5. How does surrendering to Jesus actually bring freedom and life to our souls? Explain. What things in this life can we become free of through surrendering? Explain.
6. The opposite of surrender is control? How can trying to control everything in life be exhausting? (making us weary and burdened)
7. Reflect on the illustration from the sermon of the clenched fist vs the open palm. What did that experience show you? Where in your life do you need to unclench your fist and open your hands?
8. Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
What wisdom do you see in this simple prayer? How could this be helpful in your learning to surrender?
9. Describe Spiritual breathing…
What is exhaling? → why is confession of sin important?
What is inhaling? → how can we tangibly give control to the Spirit?
10. If peace in your soul is evidence of a surrendered life…
How surrendered is your life today on a scale 1-10? Explain.
If anxiety in your soul is evidence of a need to surrender…
How anxious is your life today on a scale 1-10? Explain.
11. Where do you need to surrender control in your life to Jesus today?
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