WARM UP

1. This weekend we learned it’s not about having a lot of faith—just a little can go a long way. What’s your favorite (or least favorite) “a little goes a long way” ingredient—something that can totally transform a meal to a masterpiece or a disaster for you?

• Additional Thought: To kick things off, use the mustard seed metaphor to blend in some fun flavors and laughter. For me, I’d choose some liquid smoke!
• Additional Question: Have you ever misjudged an ingredient? I’ve definitely done it with salt…. ruined me.
• Conversation Caution: Remember to keep the atmosphere light and avoid long-winded food stories.
• Group Dynamic Tip: To get everyone engaged, go around the group and share quick thoughts popcorn-style. It’ll get everyone talking and keep the energy up.

 

2. Jesus used the metaphor of a mustard seed to teach us about faith (see Matthew 17:20). Bring an object to group that could serve as a metaphor for your faith and share why you chose it.

• Additional Thought: Objects make abstract concepts tangible. This is a creative way to hear how each person views their faith journey—fragile, steady, growing, hidden, etc
• Additional Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
• Additional Question: If you didn’t bring an object, what would you have chosen and why?
• Conversation Caution: Some may feel put on the spot. Affirm that it’s okay to describe an object instead of bringing one.

 

3. What point or idea has stuck with you the most since hearing this weekend’s message? 

 

KNOW IT

This weekend, we read several amazing stories about faith. Let’s read Matthew 9:18-35 again, paying attention to anything new that jumps out at you.

1. Five people were healed of significant physical ailments, but we know that Jesus wants more for us than just our temporary needs being met. What are some of the broader personal and social transformations that might have come from each of these miracles?

• Additional Thought: Jesus heals bodies, yes—but He also restores dignity, relationships, and identity. The healings changed not just the individuals, but the communities around them.
• Additional Scripture: Isaiah 61:1 – “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted… to proclaim liberty to the captives…”
• Additional Question: Which of the miracles feels most personal or relatable to you right now?
• Conversation Caution: Some may feel distant from miracle stories, remind them that transformation isn’t always physical.

 

2. What similarities and differences do you notice in the way these five people approach Jesus?

• Additional Thought: Some come with boldness, some with desperation, some through friends, Jesus responds to each.
• Additional Question: What does this tell us about how Jesus responds to different personalities and approaches?
• Conversation Caution: Don’t let this become a “ranking” of who had the best faith. Emphasize Jesus’ compassion across the board.

 

SHARE IT

1. It’s not the amount of our faith that matters, but who we place it in. Can you share a story of a time when you felt you had “little” or not enough faith, but you stepped out anyway, and God honored it?

• Additional Thought: These are often powerful testimonies. Moments of “just enough” faith often become the turning points of our lives.
• Additional Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
• Additional Question: Looking back, how did that moment shape your confidence in God?
• Conversation Caution: Some may feel they don’t have a story like this yet or think things failed because they lacked faith. Risk hopes things work out; faith trusts God’s character no matter the outcome.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Let a couple of people go deeper if it feels appropriate. Sometimes hearing can be just as beneficial as sharing about how God has moved.

 

2. We saw in Matthew 9 some amazing faith stories that we still learn from today. Can you share a story of someone in your life with a faith story that has increased your own faith as well?

• Additional Thought: This helps highlight spiritual role models and testimonies that inspire. For me, it’s Missionaries, past and present.
• Additional Scripture: Hebrews 13:7 – “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith.”
• Additional Question: What about their faith stands out to you the most?
• Group Dynamic Tip: After sharing, encourage group members to send a thank-you text or note to the person they mentioned.

 

LIVE IT

1. Even small faith like a mustard seed can still grow. Imagine a friend came to you and said, “I want to have more faith.” How would you explain what actually grows or increases someone’s faith?

• Additional Thought: Faith often grows through practice and obedience, doing what you know you ought to do, through prayer, community, Scripture, and trusting God with the future because you have seen and learned about who He is.
• Additional Scripture: Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
• Group Dynamic Tip: Close the discussion by having group members name one small habit they want to try to help their faith grow, maybe it’s using the NCC app for a week.

 

2. In the stories this weekend, we saw five courageous acts of faith. Where in your life right now are you stepping out in faith because you know God’s got this? Is there anywhere you’re struggling to step out in faith?

• Additional Thought: This is a vulnerable invitation to real-time reflection.
• Additional Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…”
• Additional Question: What’s one thing you could do this week to lean into faith rather than fear?
• Conversation Caution: Respect privacy. Let people choose how much they share.