WARM UP

1. In this weekend’s story, friends carried a paralyzed man to Jesus. If you had friends who could carry you anywhere, where would you want them to take you?

• Additional Thought: This lighthearted question mirrors the idea of community, friendship, and going out of your way for someone. You may hear answers like beaches, ballgames, or reminding them of Jesus!
• Additional Scripture: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
• Additional Question: Who has “carried” you in a hard or important season of life?

Conversation Caution: Some may feel isolated or lack strong friendships. Gently affirm the Life Group as a space for support.

2. If you could choose a fun or creative way to enter every room, what would it be?

• Additional Thought: This connects humorously to the paralyzed man’s roof entry in the story. It opens the door to laughter and creativity.
• Additional Question: What “entrance” from a movie or show sticks with you? For example…for me it’s from Mulan when Mushu is asked, “Who are you?” and his response is, “Your worst Nightmare.”

3. What is something that stood out to you from this weekend’s message?

• Additional Thought: This question allows personal reflection, especially for those still processing the message.

Conversation Caution: If responses turn toward criticism or confusion, gently guide back to personal reflection and impact.

KNOW IT

1. This weekend saw Jesus dine at Matthew’s house and the stir it caused. In Luke 19:1-10, Jesus dines with another tax collector. Read both passages (Matthew 9:1-13 and Luke 19:1-10). What similarities do you notice in these two stories? What differences?

• Additional Thought: Both Matthew and Zacchaeus are tax collectors changed by an encounter with Jesus. Jesus initiates with both and shocks the religious crowd.
• Additional Scripture: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
• Additional Question: What do these stories tell you about the kind of people Jesus moves toward?

Conversation Caution: Some may default to reading this as just “Bible history.” Keep the focus on Jesus’ character and how He surprises us.
Group Dynamic Tip: Split the group—have half read Matthew, half read Luke, then come back together to compare.

2. If you had to describe Jesus’ values or what seems important to Him from His interactions in these stories, what would you say?

• Additional Thought: Words like compassion, pursuit, inclusion, mercy, and mission will likely come up. Help the group identify why those values matter.
• Additional Scripture: Matthew 20:28 – “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• Additional Question: What values in Jesus challenge you the most personally?

Conversation Caution: Avoid cliché answers like “love” without unpacking them. Push for clarity and connection to the stories.

3. How do these stories challenge the way we think about who is ‘worthy’ of God’s attention?

• Additional Thought: These stories flip expectations. Jesus doesn’t gravitate to the “religious elite” but seeks the overlooked, rejected, and morally messy.
• Additional Scripture: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
• Additional Question: Who might we overlook or avoid that Jesus would walk toward?

SHARE IT

1. In this weekend’s story, the friends expected Jesus to heal the man physically, but He forgave his sins instead. Have you ever asked God for something and received something different than you expected? How did you respond?

• Additional Thought: Like the paralyzed man’s friends, we often ask for physical relief, but God may address a deeper spiritual need.
• Additional Scripture: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” Ephesians 3:20</li
• Additional Question: Looking back, can you now see how God’s “different answer” was actually better?
• Conversation Caution: Be careful not to minimize painful seasons. Hold space for disappointment and trust-building.2. People were shocked that Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners. Have you ever been welcomed into a space you felt like you didn’t belong? How did that change the way you see yourself or others?
• Additional Thought: This is a deeply human experience. When someone takes us in, especially when we feel disqualified it shifts our identity.
• Additional Scripture: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
• Additional Question: What did that moment teach you about grace?
• Conversation Caution: This could bring up painful memories of exclusion. Make sure everyone feels safe to share or stay silent.

LIVE IT

1. Jeff challenged us to think about who we’re bringing to Jesus. When you think about inviting someone to experience Him, what fears or hesitations come up for you? What would help you overcome those hesitations?

• Additional Thought: Many believers feel fear around rejection, awkwardness, or not knowing what to say. This question gives language to that and offers freedom to grow.
• Additional Scripture: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
• Additional Question: Who has helped you grow in courage with your faith?

Group Dynamic Tip: Ask each person to write a name they want to pray for and commit to encouraging each other throughout the week.