Why in the World? - Week 1

Why in the World

Week 1:  To Communicate and Demonstrate 

INTRODUCTION 

One of the unique things Christians believe is that God became one of us. For thirty years he lived undercover as a carpenter, surfaced as a miracle worker and rabbi for three years, and allowed himself to die in the most degrading way imaginable. He came as one of us but was treated as less than one of us. Why in the world would God do that? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1. What, if anything, do you to feel close to God?

• What is it about that habit, practice, or approach that makes you feel God’s presence? 

2. In what ways have you seen people look in the wrong places to discover what God is like?

• How did it shape the ways they view God? 

Read John 1:14.  

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

3. What do you think it means that Jesus is “the Word”?

• What does this tell us about Jesus’ connection to God? 

4. During the message, the pastor said, “Jesus didn’t claim to have the best explanation of God. He claimed to be the best explanation of God.”  

• Do you find that statement challenging, disturbing, or offensive? 

5. Other than Jesus, what are some of the places you’ve looked to find out what God is like? - religious traditions, your circumstances, nature, within yourself

• What limitations did you discover in these attempts to find God? 

6. At the end of message, the pastor challenged you to read the four Gospels with this question in mind: “What do we learn about the Father from the Son?”

• Which gospel will you begin with?  

• What can this group do to help you follow through on this homework? 

MOVING FORWARD 

Like any father, our heavenly Father wants to be known. While it is true that Jesus came to die for our sins, he lived his life to explain the Father. Look past Jesus and you will miss the Father. Look in another direction and you will miss the Father. 

CHANGING YOUR MIND 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John 1:14