The Invitation - End of Week 4

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN QUESTIONS
What was one of the most unique gifts you’ve ever been given?  Maybe it was a birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or just because, and perhaps it wasn’t because the gift was expensive, but because it meant so much to you.

HEAD

1. Read Luke 21: 1-6 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading.
2. The receptacle they dropped money into would have made noise when coins were thrown into it.  Because of that, it’s like the widow slid her small offering in to go unnoticed.  What do you think her first response was to getting called out by Jesus?
3. Do you think Jesus is saying that it’s a sin to be wealthy?  Explain your answer.
4. As the disciples admired the temple's glory, Jesus told them it would be gone one day.  Especially in light of the story about the widow's offering, what point do you think Jesus is trying to make?  What matters in the kingdom of God?
5. Read Luke 21: 7-38 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading.
6. Does any of this passage scare you?  Or has this passage been used before to scare you?
7. Is there good news in this passage? (see verses like 15, 28, 31, 33)
8. Speaking of fear, knowing Jesus has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age, and knowing He who is in us is more significant than he who is in the world (I John 4:4). Should we ever fear?  Explain your answer.

HEART

1. Concerning the widow's small gift, have you ever felt that your gifts or offerings to God were inadequate, too small, and unable to make an impact?  What courage do you find in Jesus admonishing the widow for your own life?
2. Does knowing that Jesus has promised to be with you always offer comfort when reading passages like this one?  Why or why not?

HANDS
On a clear night, take some time to wander outside and look up at the stars.  Don’t focus on the challenges of the end times, but spend some time using your imagination to imagine Jesus coming on a cloud surrounded by angels.  What will it be like?  What sounds will you hear?  Who will you see?  What will you feel?  Just spend time in that moment.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT