Belonging (S2) : WK 1 - GROUP GUIDE

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
As you gather with your group or study partner, take some time to reflect on how you experienced God this past week. Share both your ups and downs. Share as much as you are comfortable.

HEAD

1. Why do you think such a large crowd followed Jesus (v. 2)? What does this say about people’s expectations of Him?
2. Why is it significant that the boy’s lunch was used for the miracle? What stands out to you about this part of the story?
3. What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ character, especially in how He responds to the needs of the crowd?
4. Why do you think the people wanted to make Jesus king after this miracle (v. 14–15), and why did Jesus withdraw?

HEART

1. Where in your life right now do you feel like you don’t have “enough” — time, energy, resources, faith?
2. Have you ever felt like your contribution was too small to matter? How does this story speak into that feeling?
3. When have you seen Jesus take something small and do something unexpectedly meaningful with it?
4. What “miracles” or provisions in your own life are easy to overlook? What leftovers are you not paying attention to?

HANDS
We all want to serve God. Sometimes we feel we have nothing to offer. But we all have resources that God can use to do great things. Get with someone you trust and ask him or her to help you to identify what you have that God is asking for. When you discover it, prayerfully consider surrendering it to God.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT):
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”