Won’t You Be My Neighbor Week 3 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
Become a good neighbor who loves, knows, and includes your neighbors.
Discussion Starter:
Most of us have at least one neighbor that stands out from our childhood memories. Who is your memorable neighbor? What makes him or her so memorable?
Introduction:
This week we continue Won’t You Be My Neighbor, and learn to become comfortable in the uncomfortable act of including our neighbors.
Watch this brief intro together with your group (click picture below):
Encounter God
Primary Scripture: Luke 19:5-10
Discussion Questions:
- Read Luke 19:5-10. Jesus spotted Zacchaeus in a tree and told him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, because today I must stay at your house.” Two words stand out: HURRY and MUST. Discuss the importance of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name and showing a sense of urgency.
- Zacchaeus hurried down from the tree and was joyful. There were some that were not happy with Jesus spending time at the home of a “sinful man.” Why do you think this was the case? Why did Jesus choose to hang out with a man many saw as off limits to the religious crowd?
- Zacchaeus thought he was looking for Jesus, but it turns out Jesus was looking for him. Discuss how this transformed Zacchaeus. How have you experienced God seeking you when you were trying to find Him?
- Pastor named three “unasked” actions that Jesus took.
First, unasked, Jesus stops to speak to Zacchaeus.
Second, unasked, Jesus invites Himself to be a guest at Zac’s house.
Third, unasked, Jesus offers forgiveness and grace to him.
Discuss each one of these proactive approaches by Jesus and how they changed Zacchaeus’ life. How can we as Christ-followers follow this example with our next-door neighbors?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Luke 19:1-10 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
How are you doing this holiday season? Are you more stressed or excited about Christmas? How can you pray for one another and remain connected to Jesus during the busyness this time of year?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: As we add services for the Christmas Spectacular we need more Promisors to serve. There are opportunities ranging from FPkids, to parking lot duty, to catering. Sign up at your campus!
Engaging in Community: This week we will make it our goal to meet our neighbors. If you do not know your neighbors, introduce yourself. If you already know them, invite them over for dinner or to watch a Christmas movie.
Engaging the World: Just this week consider taking part in Family-to-Family or All is Bright and make a difference the world immediately around you. Each opportunity will make a Kingdom impact and world of difference.
Expand God’s Kingdom
The holidays can be hectic and frustrating. However, during the hustle and bustle you can bring cheer to another by offering a smile, friendly hello, or allowing someone to step ahead of you in a shopping line. This is a wonderful opportunity for Christ-followers (and that is exactly what Promisors are) to BE the Church in our community. If we show Jesus living through us everywhere we go, it will impact those we meet. It begins in our community and will spread throughout our state, then our country, and eventually throughout the world.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
