Luke 18:31-43
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This is the sixth sermon in our series on God’s Kingdom. This sermon is ‘Kingdom Barriers’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: What are the things which would tempt you to walk away from Jesus?
WARM-UP
- Can you remember a time in which you were “blind” to who Jesus was or the importance of the cross?
- Do you think you’re ever in danger of being ‘spiritually blind’? How might you pray for help from God?
READ Luke 18:31-34
- So far in Luke, what are the mistaken ways that people thought were the paths to salvation? Who were the surprising examples of people who approached Jesus differently to the religious or successful?
- What does Jesus describe will happen to him when he arrives in Jerusalem? Why did he have to die?
- How is it evident that what Jesus faces in Jerusalem is necessary for us? How is his suffering, death, and resurrection fulfilment of what the prophets have foretold?
- How did the disciples respond to Jesus foreshadowing his death? Why do you think they failed to see?
- What was the turning point that enabled the disciples to see with clarity? How is this good news for us?
- Why do you think that people can have a tendency to diminish the importance of the cross? Do you ever minimise the necessity of Jesus dying for you? How can we safeguard against this?
READ Luke 18:35-43
- What (and how) did the blind man cry out to Jesus? What was the significance of the title he used?
- How does Jesus’ response to the blind man differ to others who heard the cry? How should we respond to the cries of those who are in need?
- What happened to the blind man? What was the greatest healing that happened that day?
- What did Jesus mean by “your faith has healed you”? Why must we understand this correctly?
- Are all people healed physically when they put their trust in Jesus and become Christians? How about in the perspective of eternity?
- Whilst blindness is a physical condition how are all people susceptible to spiritual blindness? How can we be on guard against this and also be of help to one another?
- What was the OBJECT, CONTENT, and RESPONSE of the man’s cry for mercy? How is this a model for anyone who longs to come to Jesus?
- How can we pray, live, and speak in a way that points to the true identity of Jesus?
APPLY: Who are you praying for this year to see Jesus clearly and to become a passionate follower of him? How can you encourage them particularly this week?
Prayer
Lord, how we thank you that it was always your plan to rescue us even at great cost to yourself. Please help us to grow in confidence in the Good News, turn in repentance to your Son, and share this Gospel with the world. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: Who do you frequently interact with? How can those interactions demonstrate patience, self-control, and kindness?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- AUDIO: “The Crucified King” by Charlie Skrine:
- AUDIO: “The Vital Master” by William Taylor:
- AUDIO: “The Faith that Makes You Well” by Abraham Cho
- AUDIO: “Luke 17-18” by Garry Millar
Series Resources:
Some helpful resources for our Series:
- OUTLINE: for Series with key verses, big ideas, and reflection questions:
https://bit.ly/39w5Ggk - FOR FAMILIES: Download the St Bart’s Kids Lego Devotional Guide: https://bit.ly/2YrP3Mf
- WEBSITE: “Gospel of the Kingdom of God” by the Bible Project: https://bit.ly/2NFP2SJ
- BOOK: “Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, the Gospel in Revelation” by Graeme Goldsworthy
- BOOK: “Luke for Everyone” by Tom Wright
- Course: “The Bible Overview” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).
https://bit.ly/3pGDVH7 (We’ll also be offering this in Term 3 of 2021 at St Bart’s.)
