January 27th- February 1st Life Group Notes

Open in Prayer 

• Welcome/Introductions/Cast Vision - Remind the Life Group of the Guidelines- See bottom of page.

•  Doing the Mission: Did anyone share Jesus or last week's passage?  

• Does anyone have a God story? An undeniable encounter or experience with God that creates an impact or breakthrough in your day-to-day life. These moments can be extraordinary or very humble, but always personally powerful. 

• Opening Question: Have you ever met someone that you would love to follow around and learn how they do what they do? If so, who would that be?

• Share background for the passage: Jesus is in the business of seeing the crowds, assessing their needs and calling people to follow Him.
• Thought/Focus:  Jesus is modeling for his disciples how to discern people’s needs, when to meet them, and seeing through the “religious” ways of the Pharisees. The focus is not on the old ways, but the new ways.
• Have someone, or a couple of people, read this week's passage: Matthew 9:9-14, 35-38, 10:1, 7-8, 40-42

Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

1. In verse 9, Jesus chooses Matthew to follow him.  Who was Matthew? Do you think it was odd that Jesus would choose him? If so, why?
2. Jesus went to dinner at Matthew’s house. Who else was there eating with them? What did the Pharisees have to say about this? See verse 10.
3. The Pharisees were concerned that Jesus would eat with “tax collectors”, and “sinners”. Notice that the Pharisees directed their questions to the disciples, not Jesus, yet Jesus answered them. What was His answer? Vs. 12-13. 
4. From what you just read, how might this change the way you think of people?  Would you share a meal or time with someone who is "different" than your family?

 5. What does Jesus see when he looks at the crowds in verses 35,36?
 6. Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. What did he tell his                 disciples to do about this?
 7.  Read verses 40-42.  Do you consider yourself a disciple?  What are some ways that you       have "given a cup of cold water", so do speak?
 
 Next week's passage/story: Matthew 9:9-13, 35-38, 10:1,7-8, 40-42
 Dismiss in Prayer  

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.
 
LISTEN: Let's value one another during the  discussions by really listening to what is  being shared. Try to avoid thinking about  how you are going to respond or what you  are going to say next.
 
PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing a  chance to finish and the group the  opportunity to consider what was just  shared before responding.

NO "CROSS TALK": Be considerate of others  as they are sharing- no side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each  other. Jesus does that part. Speak truth is love, give  
encouragement, empathize,  point to Jesus.  You may share  solutions God has led you through. The  other person should never feel shame or  failure, but rather connection & hope.

NO HIJACKING of shared stories.

NO RESCUING: When people are sharing  something deeply personal, there can be a  tendency to try to make them feel better  about themselves or the situation by  providing immediate condolences. This will  often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the  temptation to rescue people.
 
SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time  you share.
 
SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the  group as it provides an opportunity for someone  else to share and for members in the group to  process the topic or question being considered.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are  personally affecting the environment through your  words, actions, and non-verbal communication.
 
"I"STATEMENTS: It's easy to talk about the issues  of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put  yourself on the table. Try to use "I" statements rather than "them', "they", "you", "the church", "us", "we", etc.
 
FIGHT FOR RELATIONSHIP: We will commit to resolve conflict  biblically. When conflict or sin issues arise between  group members, we want to make sure that  we are honoring God and each other in the way we  deal with these issues. We will fight for  relationship.  I will discuss the struggle with the person I am in conflict with first, & if not resolved, seek wise advice. The following are a few key Scriptures  in this regard (there are many others.)

• If someone sins against you: Mat. 18:15-20
• Restoring someone in sin: Gal. 6:1-5 
• Forgive a sinner: Col. 3: 12-13 
• Reconciling differences: Mat. 5:23-24, Mat. 7:1-5