Close Encounters – Part 1

At times it may feel like we are living on cruise-control and just going through the motions. Finish school? Check. Find a job? Check. Earn money? Check. Start a family? Check. Drive within the speed limit? Check? But the life that God has for us is far more than that. Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b). Life is better with Jesus, and it begins when we first encounter Him.

Read John 3:1-8

Discuss

1. If you were to excel and top the ranks in your field (or any field), would it change the way you see life? Why or why not?
2. In our reading, who is Nicodemus? What sort of authority or position does he have within the Jewish society? Why did he step out of his way to meet Jesus?
3. Pastor Mark says that although Nicodemus was a religious and prestigious man, he was empty. How was that possible? How much did Nicodemus know about Jesus (John 3:2)?
4. What is your understanding of “an encounter with Jesus”? Have you seen someone who has been transformed by their encounter with Jesus? What did or didn’t you notice? If you have experienced it yourself, share your own Spirit-led transformation.
5. Pastor Mark teaches that when we step out of our way to meet Jesus, we need to be ready to leave our past life and values. Why? What are some of the things that are difficult for you to let go?
6. As Jesus’ followers, we are not to live just to ‘tick the boxes’. What are some areas in your life right now that feel like boxes to be ticked? What can you do differently?

Respond

Following Jesus is not about being religious. It is not about simply obeying rules to attain a certain rank. Those things will not bring us to the Kingdom of God. It is about being born again in Spirit – accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour, living a Spirit-filled life. Have you invited Jesus to come into your life?

If you haven’t, your Life Group leader can pray with you, or you can talk to one of our pastors about your desire to accept Jesus. If you have accepted Jesus, how can you live a Spirit-filled life this week?

Close Encounters – Part 2

After encountering Jesus, many of His followers are moved to give up their old lifestyle and follow a new life with Jesus at the centre. This was certainly true for the woman who brought the alabaster jar and anointed Jesus. After an initial encounter with Him, our challenge as believers is to let Jesus through the Holy Spirit continue to change and transform us in every living moment. As we submit to Him daily, we become more like Him and more obedient to His calling on our lives.

Discuss

1. What is a Christian? What traits do you believe a Christian should have? Do you reflect these traits?
2. Have you ever had your “Sacrificial Threshold” tested by Jesus as to how much of your time, energy, money, or resources you were willing to give up for Him? Share this with the group.
3. Read Luke 7:36-50 out loud twice, using two different Bible versions, then retell the story aloud in your own words. What stood out to you in this story? Why?
4. Read verse 44. What was Jesus saying to Simon when He asked, “Do you see this woman”? Of whom is Jesus asking you, “Do you see this person”? What can you do about this question from Jesus?
5. Pastor Ben quoted that, “proximity breeds empathy, distance breeds suspicion”. Where have you seen this happen? What can we do to change this? Who do you need to be closer to, in order to gain a different perspective on their life?
6. Read verse 47. What does this verse say to you? Why could this be hard to accept for some people?
7. Read verse 50. What does it mean to be saved by faith? Why was this important for the woman to hear? Whom do you need to tell this to?

Respond

A true encounter with Jesus will change our life forever. From this time on, we should see and interact with the world around us differently to those who are yet to meet Jesus. Pastor Ben suggested we may evaluate our Christian priorities and values by looking at where we spend our time and money in a week, and consider how this aligns with our proclaimed Christian faith. What is one thing you could change this week to better align your time and finances with your values as a disciple of Jesus? Commit to making the change this week.