Why in the World? - Week 3

Why In the World

Week 3: Like Father Like Son 

INTRODUCTION 

If there is a God, we all want to know what he’s like. We’re curious. Our tendency is to look in nature, outer space, or within ourselves to find clues about him. But that only provides us with an incomplete picture. Jesus made a radical claim. He said if you want to know about God, look no further than him. If you’ve seen the Son, you’ve seen the Father. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1. When was a time when you overcame adversity, large or small?

What did you learn from that experience? 

2. During the message, Pastor used an example of the Pharisees allowing their theology to become an obstacle to mercy for a man cured of blindness.  

What are some modern examples of people mistreating others because of what they believe? 

Read John 9:1–2 

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  

3. Do you ever wonder if your suffering is your fault?

If so, how has that shaped your view of God? 

Read John 9:3  

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

4. During the message, the pastor said, “God sometimes chooses to display his power through our pain.” 

• How does this statement make you feel?  

• How does it bother you?  

• In what ways is it comforting? 

5. Do you find it difficult to believe that God takes an interest in you individually? Why or why not? 

6. Last week, Pastor asked you to read one of the Gospels with this question in mind: “What do I learn about the Father from the Son?”  

• What is one insight you gained about God as you read? 

MOVING FORWARD 

Jesus didn’t claim to have the best explanation of God. He claimed to be the best explanation of God. 

That’s an insane thing for anyone to claim . . . unless it’s true. 

If you didn’t start your homework last week, then pick a gospel and begin reading with this question in 

mind: “What do I learn about the Father from the Son?” 

CHANGING YOUR MIND 

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” - John 9:2