Masquerade Wk 3: The Mask of Perfection

Connection Group Questions

October 16, 2011

Opening

We have several upcoming events for Connections- youth events, breakfasts, etc- make sure everyone is aware.

We also have many ministry areas where we’d like Connections to grow.  Take some time to go over some of the key volunteer roles as outlined on the Connection Card.  Some areas where we are always looking to grow is in our Family Ministry, especially those who can teach.  Other key areas right now are running the media program and the camera during worship.  Talk to use if you have some skill in these areas, or are willing to learn.

Now, open your time of study/discussion with a fun question: If you could have one super power, what would it be, and why? 

Digging Deeper

Read Matthew 9:1-13

Take as long as you need as a group to pour over the text.  Let these stories really soak in and speak for themselves.  Perhaps your group leader will set up the bible reading by sharing some background and context to the text.  

Some helpful questions to ask and talk about as a group:

• Where does this happen in the life/ministry of Jesus?
• What people or groups are present?
• What’s the problem being addressed in the passage?
• What’s the solution being presented? 
• What do we learn about who Jesus is?
• What do we learn about what Jesus does?
• What do we learn about who we (people) are?
• What we we learn about what people do?
• How do the different people in the stories respond/react to Jesus?
• How do you respond/react to Jesus in light of this passage?

Here are some other questions you can ask of this passage:

What impresses me more: the forgiveness of sins, or the physical healing of the paralytic?

What do you make of this simple invitation of Jesus, “Follow me.”  What would it look like for you to follow Jesus?  

Is anything holding you back from moving forward with Him?

Discuss the radical acceptance/affirmation behind this “follow me” invitation.

Jesus declares that he has come for the sick, not the righteous.  Does that totally shatter your perceptions of the church and being a Christian?

How can our church or your group become more like a “hospital for the sick” rather than a “museum for the righteous?”  What can we “sick” people learn about living a mask-free life from groups such as AA?

Closing Thought: As soon as we say we are sick, Jesus works to make us well!

Close with a time of prayer for one another, our church and our world!  Encourage one another to follow Jesus this week!