Bgroup Lesson Sep 01
Big Idea: Jesus’ call to his disciples was, “Follow me.” When we answer the call to follow Jesus we may say to ourselves, “I am willing to follow you, Jesus, but where are you going?” In Luke 15 we see three parables from Jesus that give us clues to understand his primary focus and primary mission.
Key Scripture: Matthew 4:18-19 “One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers - Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew - throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, ‘Come follow me and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him.”
In these three parables we read about a man who lost one of his sheep, a woman who lost one of her coins, and a father who lost one of his sons. In each situation Jesus tells us that the focus was not on the 99 sheep that the man still had, the nine coins that the woman still possessed, or the one son that never left his father. Instead, the main focus was on that which was lost. Read Luke 15:3-32.
Discussion Question: Have you ever lost something important? Share with the group what that experience was like.
Jesus sees the lost as out of place. They need to be restored to their proper place in the family of God. He said, “I have come to seek and save that which is lost.” (Luke 19:10). His heart is to see them restored. The story of the lost son is a perfect example of the heart of our heavenly father who does not want any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Discussion Question: Have you had the privilege of leading someone to the Lord or is that something in the future for you? If you have, share with the group what that experience was like.
Jesus gave the disciples the opportunity to follow him and he would make them fishers of men. To follow him is to do what he does, to share his heart for the lost, and have an urgency to see people saved. A great example can be found in the life of John Harper, who was aboard the Titanic when it sank April 14th, 1912. Before perishing in the freezing waters, he led many souls to Christ quoting Acts 16:31, ”Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”
Discussion Question: Do you find it easy or difficult to talk to people about Jesus? Take a moment to explain your answer.
Following Jesus means staying close enough to him that we keep him in focus. If we allow ourselves to become more distant we will find it harder to hear his voice and be led by his Spirit. The scriptures encourage us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus who is not only the author, but the finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Discussion Question: What are some of the things that will cause us to lose our focus on Jesus? How do we keep our spiritual vision clear?
Jesus’ main focus is on that which is lost. That is where he is going. Jesus is heading to find the lost sheep, coin, son/daughter–on the way, looks at us over his shoulder, into our eyes and says, “Follow me.” Will you respond? Will you help to find people who need to be restored to their Heavenly Father? Talk as a group about a possible outreach to reach the lost. What could you do as a team?