Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church (Toowoomba)

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sermon from our Maundy Thursday Service 2022.

DOWNLOAD the Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eleventh sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Greedy Traitor’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 19:1-10

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What distracts you from hearing God’s Word? How could you avoid it or lessen it?

WARM-UP

1. What’s significant about Jericho? Where was Jesus passing through to?

Read Luke 19:1-4

1. What do we know about Zacchaeus? Why were tax collectors considered to be traitors and cheats?

2. How could tax collectors become wealthy? What did it mean that Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector?

3. Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus? What did he need to leave behind to climb the tree?

4. In order to follow Jesus are there any aspects of your pride that you have needed to leave behind?

1. Can you think of any modern examples of how people might just ‘peek’ at Jesus from the sidelines? Do you know anyone who looks to Jesus from a distance? How could you encourage them closer?

Read Luke 19:5-10

1. How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus spotted him and called him? Who is taking the initiative?

2. What does Jesus say? How is it clear that this is more than Jesus inviting simply himself over for dinner?

3. How does Zacchaeus respond? What does it mean that he welcomed Jesus gladly? (cf. Revelation 3:20)

4. In what way are we still able to welcome Jesus gladly into our lives today? When did you first do this?

5. Why was everyone so upset that Jesus went to eat with Zacchaeus? Can we ever be resentful like this?

6. Is there anyone in your life (or on your frontlines) whom you sometimes are tempted to think is beyond salvation? How should this encounter reshape that view? How could you better respond?

7. How is it evident that Zacchaeus was deeply convicted of his sin and wanted to repent of his ways? How does Zacchaeus compare to the rich young ruler from earlier in Luke? (cf. Luke 18:18-23)

8. How do you think Zacchaeus’ employees would have responded to his new found ways?

9. On one of your frontlines (e.g., work or friends), how is it evident to others that grace has taken a grip on your life? In what area of your life do you think grace needs to have a greater ‘re-ordering’ effect’?

10. What is Jesus’ mission? How did Jesus becoming the ultimate ‘outsider’ make that possible?

APPLY: In light of God’s grace, what one area of your life needs some further ‘re-ordering’?

How can your conversations about the Easter long weekend point to Jesus and the events of Easter?

On Your Frontline This Week: Where are the places that you spend the most time during the week? What are your current frontlines?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Seeking the Lost” by Rico Tice:

• Audio: “God’s Work in God’s World” by William Taylor:

• Audio: “Jesus’ Meal with Zacchaeus” by Tim Keller:

• Audio: “Luke 19-20” by Gary Millar:

• Video: “Why did Jesus eat with an oppressor” with Erica Hammence:

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the tenth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Contrary Sisters’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 10:38-42

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you reach out to Jesus this week?

WARM-UP

1. What are some everyday situations that you find yourself in where it’s not good to be distracted?

Read Luke 10:38-40

1. What are the two different actions that Mary and Martha do?

2. What do you think may have motivated Martha to go about being busy when Jesus was there?

3. Is there anything wrong with serving Jesus or doing acts of service? Why or Why not? 

4. How could our good acts of service go wrong or prove to be unhelpful?

5. What is so remarkable about what Mary was doing? 

6. Are we ever in danger of being too busy with good things that we miss the best thing? Specifically, what can pull you away from spending time with God?

7. Why do you think Martha appealed to Jesus instead of Mary with her complaint? What response may she have been expecting from Jesus?

Read Luke 10:41-42

1. How did Jesus respond to Martha’s request? 

2. What sort of things was Martha worried about? Were they bad things?

3. What is the main thing that is needed? Why is this more important than being busy?

4. Does this mean that we should drop everything and just read and not worry about doing any acts of service or ministry? Why/why not?

5. Why do you think Luke placed this passage right after the parable of the Good Samaritan?

6. How then should we prioritise how we spend time in God’s word and how we serve God on our frontlines? What should drive us into service?

APPLY: What distracts you from hearing God’s word? How could you avoid it or lessen it?

Loving Father, thank you that we can listen to and study your word. Please help us to prioritise this and make time for it in our lives. Give us discernment and wisdom as to when we need to leave good things behind to pursue this best thing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Where are the places that you spend the most time during the week? What are your current frontlines?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “The Only thing that Matters” by William Taylor:

• Audio: “First things First” by Alistair Begg:

• Audio: “Luke 9-10” by Gary Millar:
  

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the ninth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Bleeding Woman’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Luke 8:40-48

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How might you take a stand against the ways of evil this week?

WARM-UP

1. Have you been caught up in a surging crowd? How did that feel?

2. Who or what has helped you through a complex situation (health or otherwise)?

Read Luke 8:40-46

1. How is this situation similar and different to the healing of the Centurionʼs servant? (see Luke 6:1-3)

2. What are the differences between Jairus and the woman with bleeding?

3. Have there been times when you identify with Jairus or the woman in terms of approaching God?

4. What medical condition does this woman face? Why is it so disabling?

5. What has this woman tried so far? What have been the consequences? (see also Mark 5:25-26)

6. Why couldnʼt this woman approach Jesus directly?

7. What was the difference between Jesus and her other so-called ʻhealersʼ?

8. What does this womanʼs actions tell us about her faith?

9. How did Jesus heal the woman? Was the healing complete? How would this healing change her life?

10. Have you experienced healing from Jesus? Share your experiences, if you are comfortable to do so.

Read Luke 8:47-48

1. Jesus stops on his way to heal a dying child. How would Jairus be feeling?

2. Have you ever felt impatient with God?

3. Why does Jesus ask the woman to identify herself in front of the crowd? How would it benefit her?

4. Do you feel accepted by God as a son or daughter?

5. If so, how do you experience Godʼs peace? If not, what is the next step you can make towards Jesus?

APPLY: How can you reach out to Jesus this week?

Loving Father, thank you that you know us and our deepest needs. Help us to know that, like the bleeding woman, we can reach out to you confident that you will stop, take notice and respond with compassion and kindness. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Where are the places that you spend the most time during the week? What are your current frontlines?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Fear and Illness” by William Taylor

• Audio: “Turning Round Disaster” by Chris Wright

• Audio: “Luke 7-8” by Gary Millar

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Possessed Man’. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Luke 8:26-39

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we live in a way that demonstrates how thankful we are for our forgiveness?

WARM-UP

1. What are the common conceptions or ideas about evil in our culture? How does this contrast to a biblical understanding of the problem of evil?

Read Luke 8:26-29

1. What has just happened before this encounter? How have we witnessed Jesusʼ authority so far?

2. How did the demon-possession affect him physically, relationally, and emotionally? How does that make you feel? Why do you think he had been ostracised from his community?

3. What is the ultimate goal of evil? How do we see the manifestation of evil today?

4. How does the demon-possessed man greet Jesus? What does this show us about evilʼs capacity to recognise the identity of Jesus yet still fail to submit to him as Lord?

5. How–in Christianity–can we be in danger of paying too much attention or too little attention to the reality of evil? How should this encounter shape our approach?

Read Luke 8:30-39

1. Why would evil be afraid of Jesus? How should this be a cause for confidence for us?

2. Does Jesus seem phased by the scale of evil at play? Why not?

3. What was the name of the man? What is the significance of this?

4. What did the demons beg Jesus to not happen? Why did Jesus send them into the pigs?

5. What questions does this part of the story raise? What might the fate of the pigs point to?

6. How did Jesus ultimately defeat evil and when will evil finally be destroyed? How should this reality and future shape our perspective today in the face of evil?

7. What are the two responses by those present? Why were some afraid of Jesus? Should we be?

8. How is it good news–for you and for the world–that Jesus is Godʼs solution to evil?

APPLY: How might you take a stand against the ways of evil this week?

Almighty Lord, thank you that in Jesus you have defeated evil once-and-for-all. Please help us to stand guard against the ways of the enemy, trusting in your Son, and looking forward to his return when evil will be dealt its final blow. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What window in your day do you pray for your three people to become followers of Jesus? It might be helpful to set a daily alarm.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Luke 8:26-39” by Andrew Sach

• Audio: “Surprised by Power” by Christ Wright

• Chapter: “But First Demons” (in World Next Door) by Rory Shiner & Peter Orr

• Book: “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S.Lewis

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Sinful Woman’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 7:36-50

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we live in a way that points to the certain hope that we have of resurrection?

WARM-UP

1. Can you recall a time when you have felt out of place in a social event or gathering?

2. What attitude does Australian culture have towards sin and ʻthe sinnerʼ?

Read Luke 7:36-38

1. What is so remarkable and surprising about Jesus going to eat at the house of the Pharisee?

2. How is the woman described in the passage? What is your initial reaction to hearing someone being described in this way?

3. What does she do for Jesus? Why does she do this? What has caused her to be overwhelmed with emotion?

4. Can you remember when you first accepted Jesusʼ forgiveness? How did you react?

Read Luke 7:39-50

1. How did the Pharisee react to this womanʼs actions? Why did he react in this way? What is Jesusʼ response?

2. What is the meaning of this parable? If someone was to pay your electricity bill how would you react towards them? If someone was to pay off your housing loan, how would you react?

3. How much have we been forgiven by Jesus? How then are we to act towards him?

4. What are the differences between Simonʼs welcome of Jesus and that of the woman? What does this tell us about the condition of their hearts?

5. What is the relationship between forgiveness and love? Should we sin more so that forgiveness may increase? Why/why not?

6. Why is it so important to recall our sins and confess them to God? What does this achieve?

7. How can we grow in our love and gratitude for who God is and what he has done for us?

APPLY: How can we live in a way that demonstrates how thankful we are for our forgiveness?

Gracious Lord, you are our just and loving heavenly Father. Thank you that because of Jesusʼ death and resurrection we donʼt have to fear condemnation but can enjoy peace with you for eternity. We are sorry for when our lives donʼt reflect this. Help us to grow in our love for you and gratitude for all you have done. Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline is finding life challenging at the moment? How can you take extra time and care to show them Godʼs love?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Can I be raised from the dead” by Rico Rice

• Audio: “Jesus: An Example of Compassion” by Alistair Begg

• Audio: “Salvation and Death” by William Taylor

• Article: “5 Minute Jesus: How are we to view Jesusʼ Miracles” by Dr John Dickson

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

BONUS: Collect the St Bartʼs Kids Family Lenten Devotional Pack.
If youʼre an online member of St Bartʼs, contact the St Bartʼs Kids Team and they will send one out.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Grieving Widow’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 7:11-17

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we be a humble example of faith on our frontlines this week? Think of one setting/scenario.

WARM-UP

1. In the face of human suffering, have you ever been willing to help but unable to do so? How does it make you feel when you are in this situation?

2. Have you ever been able to help but unwilling to do so? What is at the heart of your unwillingness?

Read Luke 7:11-13

1. What do you think this funeral would have been like? How does it differ to typical funerals in Australia?

2. Who were the people with the widow in this procession? Where would they have been going?

3. What are the ways we express grief in the context of community? What could we learn from this one?

4. How would the sonʼs death been devastating to his mother on many levels? Why was the widow now potentially destitute?

5. When Jesus sees the woman, what is the immediate response in his heart? How is this a great comfort?

6. What does it mean for you to know that in Jesus we find the one who is full of compassion?

7. What does Jesus say to the woman? Is he being insensitive? Why would he say this?

Read Luke 7:14-17

1. What does Jesus say to the man? Who would you have been looking at? What happens next?

2. What are the ways in which Jesusʼ authority have been demonstrated in Luke? Whatʼs notable here?

3. Was this resurrection final? What purpose did it ultimately serve? Why for this widow? (cf. vv.21-22)

4. In what way does the crowd recognise who Jesus is yet still not have a complete picture of him?

5. How in Jesus do we witness that God is both willing and able to address our greatest need? How should that fill us with great security and hope?

6. When you put your trust in Jesus, how is this manʼs resurrection like ours? How is it different?

7. How is a choice for Jesus a choice for life? How should this future reality impinge on our lives today?

8. In what ways - as individuals and a community - should we both grieve and hope in the face of death?

APPLY: How can we live in a way that points to the certain hope that we have of resurrection?

Compassionate Father, thank you that Jesus has broken the stranglehold of sin and death! Please help us to live in a way that points to the reality of life that awaits those who trust in Jesus. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline is finding life challenging at the moment? How can you take extra time and care to show them Godʼs love?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Can I be raised from the dead” by Rico Rice

• Audio: “Jesus: An Example of Compassion” by Alistair Begg

• Audio: “Salvation and Death” by William Taylor

• Article: “5 Minute Jesus: How are we to view Jesusʼ Miracles” by Dr John Dickson

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Faithful Centurion’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Luke 7:1-10

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way in which forgiveness from God is evident in your day-to-day life?

WARM-UP

1. Share with the group a “marvelous” experience you’ve had. What made it so special?

2. Share with the group how others have helped you through a time of illness?

Read Luke 7:1-6a

1. Why is the centurion a surprising Why did the centurion not go to meet Jesus himself?

2. How are the centurion’s reasons for not going directly to Jesus similar to people’s reasons today?

3. How is the centurion’s position like our own or different from ours?

4. What role do the elders play in the story? Why do we think these particular people have been sent to talk to Jesus on behalf of the centurion?

5. What do we learn about worthiness? Who is worthy in this encounter?

Read Luke 7:6b-8

1. How does the centurion compare his authority to Jesus’ authority?

2. Does the centurion attribute more, or less, authority to Jesus than Jesus actually has?

3. How does our own view of Jesus’ authority compare to the centurion’s?

4. How does our view of Jesus’ authority influence how we approach Jesus in times of trouble?

Read Luke 7:9-10

1. Why is Jesus amazed by the centurion’s faith?

2. What is his message to those listening when he commends the centurion’s faith?

3. What did Jesus teach about faith just before this encounter (see Luke 6:46-49)?

4. What do we learn from the centurion’s example?

5. How can we be bold in approaching God, but also submit to God’s will in our lives?

APPLY: How can we be a humble example of faith on our frontlines this week? Think of one setting or scenario.

Loving God, we thank for the example of the faithful centurion. Help us to confidently approach Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, trusting in his power and authority, so that we can grow in our faith and demonstrate that faith on our frontlines. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who has God placed on your frontlines recently that you can intentionally invest in relationship?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “The Authority for Change” (Luke 7:1-23) by William Taylor 

• Audio: “An Outsider’s Amazing Faith” (Luke 7:1-10) by Chris Wright

• Audio: “Can I have Faith?” (Luke 7:1-10) by Rico Tice 

• Audio: “Faith in Jesus” (Luke 7:1-10) by Tim Keller (PAID)

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Injured Man’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 6:1-11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way in which forgiveness from God is evident in your day-to-day life?

WARM-UP

1. What do you know about the Sabbath and do you put it into practice now? In what way?

2. In the passage today weʼll see that Jesus is controversial. How does Jesus cause controversy today?

Read Luke 6:1-5

1. What were the disciples doing that caused the Pharisees to speak up? How might this have broken some of the Sabbath regulations?

2. What was the original purpose of the Sabbath? What had the religious leaders turned it into?

3. How did Jesus respond to their criticisms? What type of person was David? Why was David permitted to eat that bread reserved for the priests?

4. In what ways is Jesus similar to and greater than David? What does this then show us about Jesusʼ authority to not follow the religious traditions of the Sabbath?

5. Do we now have to follow these extra Sabbath traditions? Why/Why not? What should be our approach to the Sabbath?

Read Luke 6:6-11

1. What were the scribes and Pharisees looking for Jesus to do? What were their motivations for this?

2. How does Jesus react to their close watch? What does he tell the man with the withered hand to do? Why do you think he does this?

3. How would this injury affect this manʼs way of life and livelihood? How does Jesusʼ healing restore him? What does Jesusʼ response in V9 tell us about indifference to suffering?

4. What are the two different reactions to encountering Jesus that we see in V10 and V11?

5. If our rest isnʼt found in strict rule following, where can we find it? How can we shape our week to be able to make time to rest in him?

6. How can we have assurance of our eternal rest?

APPLY: How does the rest that Jesus offers impact how you live on your frontlines?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness in giving us the gi of the Sabbath. Keep us from legalism and refresh us in your grace. Help us to remember that we can rest in you now and we will rest with you in eternity because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. In his name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: With schools recommencing, who do you regularly interact with in that community? How could you intentionally invest in the relationship with that parent, teacher, coach or administrator?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Luke 6:1-16” by William Taylor

• Audio: “Lord of the Sabbath” by Alistair Begg

• Article: “Sabbath: An Enduring Principle” by Justin Huffman

• Podcast: “Resting Well” by John Dickson

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Paralysed Man’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 5:17-26

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can Jesusʼ example better equip you to actively resist the temptations of the enemy?

WARM-UP

1. Do you think that most people in our culture consider forgiveness as really necessary?

2. Have you ever encountered a radical story of forgiveness between people?

Read Luke 5:17-21

1. Who are gathered and where did they come from? For what reason do you think they were there?

2. Why were the paralysed manʼs friends desperate to get the man to Jesus? What effort had they made?

3. How could Jesusʼ words have come as quite the shock to the paralysed man?

4. What is the deepest need that Jesus is addressing? How would that have been a shock to those listening?

5. How is forgiveness also our greatest need? Is that a controversial message today? Why or why not?

6. How do people respond to Jesusʼ claim of authority to forgive sins? Why is it so radical?

7. Read Jeremiah 31:34 and Micah 7:18-19. Does this vision of forgiveness excite you? How do we already know this in Jesus?

8. What was the significance of Jesusʼ reference to being the ʻSon of Manʼ (cf. Daniel 7:13-14)? How is Jesus being the ʻSon of Manʼ inherently linked to his authority to forgive?

9. Which is easier to say: ʻyour sins are forgivenʼ or ʻget up and walkʼ? For whom?

10. Does this mean that every person who receives Jesusʼ forgiveness is also healed physically straight away? How is this a pointer to that which is yet to come?

Read Luke 5:22-26

1. How does Jesus ultimately make forgiveness possible whilst also being perfectly just?

   14. How has your encounter with Jesus brought forgiveness into your life?

   15. Why do you think some people have difficulty in accepting Godʼs forgiveness? How is Godʼs offer of forgiveness open to every single person?

APPLY: What is one way in which forgiveness from God is evident in your day-to-day life?

Gracious God, please grow our understanding of the extent of forgiveness that you have made possible for us through Jesus. Please help us to recognise the desperate nature of our need and the completeness of the cure which we find in you alone. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: With schools recommencing, who do you regularly interact with in that community? How could you intentionally invest in the relationship with that parent, teacher, coach or administrator?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Audio: “Luke 5:17-26” by William Taylor

• Audio (Paid): “Which is Easier” by Abraham Cho

• Book Chapter: “Where is God in all the Suffering” by Amy Orr Ewing

• Book: “Exclusion and Embrace” by Miroslav Volf
  

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview booklet

• Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO

• Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)

• Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright

• St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook