Missional Heart (Week 3—Physical Provision)
In our series, Missional Heart: The Restorative Nature of the Gospel, we will dive into the four pillars that make up the heartbeat of our mission to make Jesus famous by becoming more like Him.
1. Think about a time when either a physical need of yours was met by someone else, or when you helped meet someone else’s physical need. Discuss the situation and the impact this had on you or on the other person.
2. Read Luke 5:17-19. In your mind, picture the scene that is described. What would you be thinking or feeling if you were in the crowd witnessing the paralyzed man being lowered in front of Jesus? Are you in awe? Are you frustrated that your needs aren’t being met?
3. In this week’s sermon, Pete mentioned that the Pharisees in this story likely viewed a physical challenge like the man’s paralysis as a sign of spiritual deficiency. Have you ever found yourself judging someone’s character because of exterior appearances? Have you ever been judged in this way? If so, how did this feel?
4. Read Luke 5:20-26. Discuss the Pharisees’ outrage over Jesus’ words and actions. Why do you think they were so bothered by Jesus here?
5. How did Jesus’ action of physical healing relate to Jesus’ act of spiritual healing (the remission of sin)?
6. Read the church’s statement below about the mission pillar of physical provision and discuss how physical provision can become a doorway to spiritual restoration:
When Jesus cares for the crowds, he meets them in their need. In attending to their foundational spiritual needs, he does not neglect their physical hunger and sickness. Instead, he regularly provides food for the hungry and healing for the sick. This physical expression of his restoration is synonymous with his spiritual redemption. As a church, we too seek to meet the needs of our community in order to alleviate the suffering of God’s children and provide a bridge to experience the love of God.
7. Finally, if you watched the service this week, discuss Pete’s interview with Vitaliy Smolin of Open Door: Ukraine. How were you inspired or challenged by this conversation?
