Apprenticing to Jesus- Part 1
Introduction
Drawing from Matthew 11:28–12:14, Pastor Tim highlights the deeper meaning of the Sabbath. Sabbath rest is not a burdensome command, but a restorative gift from God. During the whirlwind of ministry, Jesus offers “rest for your souls”, reminding us that rest, Sabbath, and restoration are interconnected throughout Scripture. The Sabbath reorients us from performance to presence, from striving to abiding. It is an act of faith that trains us to trust God, recognize our limits, and live out of our identity: not defined by our productivity but simply loved by Him. Sabbath is where we rediscover that peace comes not from control, but from Christ.
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- Can you share a time in your life when you struggled to rest or let go of control? What was the outcome?
- What does “Come to me and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28–30) mean to you personally? When have you felt burdened in life, and how did Jesus meet you in that space?
- Read Matthew 12:1–13. What stands out to you about how often the word “Sabbath” appears in Matthew 12:1–13? Jesus restored a man on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9–13). How does that challenge your view of what rest should look like? Can ‘doing good’ be restful?
- Why were the Pharisees so upset by Jesus healing on the Sabbath, and what does that reveal about their understanding of God? (Matthew 12:10–14; Hosea 6:6)
- The Pharisees weaponized the Sabbath. How can we be at risk of turning spiritual practices into performance or obligation? (Hosea 6:6)
- Read Hebrews 4:9–11. How does keeping the Sabbath reorient your weekly rhythm toward God’s grace?
Who is your Person of Peace?
At Crossway, we use the phrase ‘Person of Peace’ to describe someone in your life right now who likes you, listens to you and serves you. Starting this week, we’ll include a focus question in each guide to help you stay outward-focused and aware of people in your world who might be open to God.
As you reflect on rest and restoration, take a moment to consider someone in your world who may be weary; someone God might already be drawing near. Who might be a ‘Person of Peace’ in your world right now? Ask God for an opportunity to simply listen, share your life, or extend an invitation – perhaps to share a meal, a walk, or a conversation about rest.
Respond
For the next three months, commit to one intentional Sabbath hour each week. Use it to disconnect from noise and ask: What truly restores me? What helps me be present with God and others? It could be a slow walk, an unhurried meal, or saying no to work. Each week, reflect: Did I experience God’s rest, or just temporary relief? What did I learn about trusting Him?
Apprenticing to Jesus – Part 2
Introduction
As apprentices to Jesus, we’re invited to walk closely in His ways – not merely believing His words but living His lifestyle. One powerful way Jesus cuts through ‘the fierce tyranny of the urgent’ is by practising fasting. Whether we fast as a regular pattern or in pursuit of deeper intimacy or breakthrough, fasting reorients our hearts to what is eternal, not just immediate.
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- What’s one ‘urgent’ thing this week that diverted your attention from what really matters?
- Read Matthew 4:1–4. What was the enemy tempting Jesus with? How did Jesus respond, and what does this teach us about His priorities?
- Read Mark 1:12–15. What do you notice about the connection between Jesus’ time in the wilderness and the start of His ministry? What might that say about how God prepares us?
- Pastor Heather said, “Fasting is a way to feed your spirit and starve your flesh.” What do you think that means based on how Jesus responded to temptation in Matthew 4?
- What does Matthew 6:16–18 reveal about the heart behind fasting? What instructions does Jesus give His disciples?
- Have you ever sensed God’s leading or breakthrough through a time of fasting, prayer, or sacrifice? If not, how could this become part of your discipleship?
Who Can You Fast For?
Fasting isn’t just for personal growth. It is also a powerful way to stand in the gap for others. Who in your life doesn’t yet know Jesus? Who is your Person of Peace? Consider fasting on their behalf, asking God to move in their heart and open doors for spiritual conversations.
Respond
Fasting helps us say, ‘I want more of God than I want to satisfy my own appetite.’ It’s a way to lay down the urgent and temporary to make space for the eternal and transformational. What’s one thing you can give up this week to help you hunger for God instead?
Apprenticing to Jesus – Part 3
Introduction
Spending time in God’s presence is one of the most vital pursuits for any Christian. We need to withdraw from the constant demands on our attention to find stillness, both physically and spiritually, where we can truly listen and experience the voice of the Spirit. It is there that God speaks words of comfort, encouragement, wisdom, healing, and strength for the journey ahead. Jesus modelled this throughout His ministry; should we do any less?
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- What patterns do you notice about when and why Jesus withdrew to pray? Look at what was happening before or after each moment. How can we follow His example in our own lives?
- How important is it for followers of Christ to remove themselves from the noise of everyday life? How easy or hard is it for you to find a suitably quiet place to do this? How do we stop the noise in our own heads and hearts?
- Read 1 Kings 19:11–12. Elijah was complaining about the state of the nation, claiming he was the only zealous prophet left. He wanted God to do something dramatic. When God answered, it was in a still, quiet whisper, and it was not the answer Elijah was looking for. When was the last time you clearly heard God speaking to you, or prompting you? Can you relate to Elijah not being able to hear God because of his own agenda and complaint?
- Read John 15:4–5 and Matthew 13:22. What is the fruitfulness referred to in these scriptures? The word ‘nothing’ in John is absolute. How should this affect the way we use our time? Many get stuck in the trap of measuring our worth by what we do. What do these scriptures tell us about our worth?
- Jesus never stayed too long in the ‘quiet place’ but retreated to prepare for His next step in the purpose of God. What fruit can we expect from regularly drawing aside to a quiet place like Jesus did (think of this in terms of ‘in us’ and/or ‘through us’)? If you share your home with family, what practical steps can be taken to make this part of the culture of your home?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
In a world that’s always busy and noisy, who around you might need to be reminded of the gift of stillness with God? How might you gently point them towards this?
Respond
Today’s world is full of electronic communication signals, but without an appropriate receiver, we cannot see or hear them. Similarly, God’s creative, redemptive, victorious, and powerful Word is constantly permeating the realm of the Spirit, and the redeemed of the Lord are equipped to receive it – if we tune in and listen.
Starting this week, take at least 10 minutes each day to be still before God, quieting the noise outside and in, so you can listen to Him. As part of this time, seek God for your ‘person of peace’ with whom you can journey and share Christ through the Scriptures.
Apprenticing to Jesus – Part 4
Introduction
Jesus knew how to use God’s Word, especially when facing temptation and everyday challenges. Even though the Scriptures were about Him and He came to fulfill them, He still had to learn and memorise them from a young age. He often quoted them at key moments in His life. As apprentices of Jesus, we’re called to do the same: knowing and using Scripture, especially when our faith is tested. But studies show that many Australian Christians are less familiar with the Bible today. So how can we change that?
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Read:
Matthew 3:16–17,
4:1–11 |
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.- How well do you know your Bible? Have you ever memorised scripture? Do you have a favourite verse?
- Read John 5:39. Have you ever thought that the entire Bible was about Jesus? Knowing this, does this change how you might read the scripture, particularly the Old Testament?
- Read Matthew 4:1. Jesus was both fully God and fully man. In his humanity, he was tempted, and so are we. How do you usually respond to being tempted? Read Matthew 4:4, 7 & 10. How did Jesus respond to being tempted?
- Read Ephesians 6:12. Have you ever considered temptation as spiritual battle? Read Psalm 119:11. What is one of the ways we can equip ourselves to fight this battle? Have you ever quoted scripture to deal with temptation?
- What are some of the main things shaping how you think and live—like your values, opinions, and decisions?
- Read Hebrews 4:12. How can God’s Word help us recognise and respond to the cultural pressures that try to influence us?
- Read Hebrews 10:24–25. Be encouraged that you are growing in faith by doing the Going Deeper studies either by yourself or in a Life Group. What other ways can you increase your biblical literacy?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
This study reminds us that knowing and using Scripture is essential in resisting temptation and fighting spiritual battles. But the Word of God isn’t just for us—it’s also meant to be shared. Is there someone in your world that you feel brave enough to ask the question, “I am looking for someone to read the Bible with, would you be interested?”
Respond
“The Scriptures were not given for our information, but for our transformation.” – D.L. Moody.
Jesus often used Scripture to show who He was as the promised Messiah and to stand strong during temptation and spiritual battles. We face temptations too, but unlike Jesus, we sometimes fall. The good news is found in 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and make us clean. Take a moment to reflect and bring anything before God that you need to.
Pastor Dale encouraged us to engage with the Bible in different ways: personally, with others, by learning from teachers, and with a heart willing to obey.
What’s one small step you can take this week to grow in knowing the Bible better? And how might you use what you learn to speak God’s truth into a challenge or situation in your life?
Download PDFApprenticing to Jesus – Part 5
Introduction
Discipleship is not merely about recognizing Jesus as Saviour, it’s about learning to live like Him, shaped by His love and truth. Throughout life, we are constantly ‘exchanging’ our time, our energy, even our hearts. The Bible tells the story of many such exchanges – some that brought destruction, and others that led to redemption; but the greatest exchange ever made was when Jesus took our sin upon Himself and gave us His righteousness. That divine trade changed everything. Today, let’s reflect on what we are exchanging in our daily lives. Are our exchanges drawing us closer to Christ, or pulling us away?
Read: Matthew 16:26, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 1:9, Ezekiel 36:26, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Philippians 4:6–7
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- What have you been exchanging your time, energy or attention for lately? Is this filling your spiritual bank account or draining it? Are you getting closer to Jesus or taking a detour?
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What does it mean to be “clothed in the righteousness of Christ”? What holds you back from receiving God’s gift of grace fully and freely?
- Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. How has God used a personal weakness to show His strength in your life?
- How do you usually handle stress? Do you turn to prayer or other coping methods? Can you recall a time when God’s peace surprised you even though life felt chaotic? (Philippians 4:6–7)
- Pastor Dale shared Jim and Elizabeth’s story to illustrate that we can trust God to use our loss for eternal good. Have you ever seen God bring purpose from your pain?
- What are some examples of us trying to be ‘good enough’ for God or others? How does that compare with the gospel of grace? (Ezekiel 36:26)
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Discipleship isn’t just about our personal growth in Christ, it’s also about helping others discover Him. As we reflect on the great exchange Jesus made for us, consider: who in your life might be open to hearing about that kind of grace?
Respond
Take a moment today to pause and reflect on the exchanges you’re making with your time, your heart, and your choices. Ask yourself: “Am I aligning my life with the great exchange Jesus made for me?” Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any area where you’ve settled for less than God’s best.