Why in the World? - Week 5

The Plural of U is Us

INTRODUCTION

Isn’t it funny how two people can look at the same situation and come up with two completely different conclusions? Think about Easter. For some people, the Easter story is. about the incredible truth of the most inclusive, welcoming, amazing message the world has ever known.

For others, the holiday is tainted by the belief that God is disappointed in them. People who believe God is disappointed in them drift away from him.

But what if God isn’t disappointed? What if he’s a rescuer? What if he wants us to run toward him instead of away from him?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why is it so easy for people to believe they’re too small for the gospel, too unimportant to receive God’s grace?

• In what ways does the church tend to reinforce people’s idea that God is disappointed with them?

2. What do you think God thinks about when God thinks about you?

Read John 12:12-16

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

3. What do you sticks out to you in these passages?

• According to the message what was Jesus real destination?

• During the message, Pastor said, “Jesus made his way through the cross to make his way to you.”

• How does that change your view of what God thinks about you?

4. You are not too small for the gospel... but the gospel is too big just to stay with you.

• How does the first part tell you about what God thinks about you?

5. Who is one person in your sphere of influence you need to invite to church on Easter?

• How can this group support you in being bold and making that invitation?

MOVING FORWARD

The plural of u is us.

The message of Jesus cannot be contained. It must be shared. That’s why we do what we do: create churches unchurched people love to attend. Be bold. Invite someone to church with you on Easter Service.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8