BIG IDEA
We live in a world where people tend to be harsh, unkind, and even cruel. We are taught to look out for ourselves. Yet, when we study the life of Jesus, we see something completely different. Jesus came to earth and showed great kindness in all of his interactions, especially with the people who would have been considered outcasts of society. He truly cared about people. He cares about you and me today, too, and He calls us to treat all of the people around us with His kindness and love.
BREAK THE ICE
When was the last time you encountered someone impatient or rude? Why do you think we hold onto these moments more than others?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What do you think keeps many people today from showing kindness to others?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Luke 5:12-15. What stands out to you about this man’s request to Jesus?
Luke 5:12-15
12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”
13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 14 Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.
3. What was significant about Jesus’ response to this man with leprosy?
4. Read Ephesians 4:31-32. What should be our motivation for showing kindness to others?
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Application
1. Have you ever felt like your mess was too much to bring to God? Why or why not?
2. How does Jesus’s interaction with the man with leprosy in Luke 5 show that Jesus is not afraid of our mess? How should this change you?
3. What is one way this week that you can show kindness and love to others?
MOVING FORWARD
God’s kindness and care for us is a call to show kindness toward others. Take a few minutes to evaluate your own life. How are you showing kindness to others in your own life? What is going well? What needs improvement? Share these things with your group, along with one way you will seek to show kindness this week. After everyone has prayed, thank God for the kindness He has shown you. Ask for eyes to see the needs around you and a compassionate heart to show kindness to others. Why not just invite a person to church who has never been before? One of the most caring things you can do is invite a friend.
Going Deeper
When we think about the truth that God cares for us, and He calls us to care for and love the people around us, one of the things that holds us back from embracing God’s kindness and showing kindness to others is worry. We worry, wondering if God can truly love us because of our past. We worry if we will be taken care of if we help others by giving our time, energy, or even our financial resources. We worry about what others will think about us if we associate with certain people. We are so worried about ourselves and our lives that we miss seeing the people around us and their needs. Because of this, today, we will take a deep dive into worry, how it impacts how we view ourselves and how we treat and love the people around us.
Read Matthew 6:19-34. These verses are part of a sermon Jesus gave that we often call the “Sermon on the Mount.
· What are the things in this passage of Scripture that Jesus taught us not to worry about?
· What reasons does Jesus give for not needing to worry (there are several)?
· If you could summarize Jesus’ teaching in one sentence or less about worry, what would it be?
The truth is, worrying impacts so many areas of our lives.
· How might worry impact our relationship with God?
· How have you seen worry impact your relationship with other people and your ability to show them love and kindness?
· What is one area of your life right now where you are worried? How has this worry impacted you, especially in your relationship with God and the people around you?
· How does this passage we have studied from Matthew 6 specifically encourage you in the area you are worried about?
One of the ways we can wage war against our worry is by remembering how God has taken care of us in the past. God’s past faithfulness is a reminder that He will continue to be faithful. Spend a few moments with your group listing three ways God has been faithful to you in the last year. Please share them with your group. After everyone has shared, talk about how remembering God’s care and kindness towards you impacts you, specifically in the area of worry.
A second way to combat worry is to look past our own concerns and needs and help someone else who is struggling. Who do you know right now who is going through a hard time? How can you reach out to them this week and show God’s love and kindness to them? Please share what you would like to do with your group, and make plans to follow up next week to tell your group how it went.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
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