LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
We serve a God who is able to understand us. There is a reason for this: God became flesh in the form of Jesus Christ. He was miraculously conceived, yet naturally delivered. He was born, yet born of a virgin. Had Jesus simply descended to earth in the form of a mighty being, we would respect him but never draw near to him. After all, we would wonder how God could understand what it means to be human. On the other hand, had Jesus been biologically conceived with two earthly parents, we would draw near to him but not want to worship him. After all, we would wonder if he was any different than you and me. But because Jesus is both—at once God and human—we have the best of both worlds. He is fully human, so we draw near to him. He is fully divine, so we worship him. Our God gets us. As a result, we are not left to languish on our own but find mercy and grace when we need it. This week, we will be studying God’s promise in His Word that He understands us and everything we will face on this earth.

Passages we’ll review:
Colossians 1:15-23; Luke 2:41-52; Matthew 26:23-46; Hebrews 5:7-10; Hebrews 10:19-23; Isaiah 40:28-31

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

When you “blew it” as a child, how did you feel about your mistake? About yourself? About others involved?

From whom did you draw comfort?

READ

Material has been adapted from Unshakable Hope Study Guide by Max Lucado.

Read Colossians 1:15-23

How would you answer someone who genuinely asked, “Who is Jesus”?

Of the list of statements Paul makes of Jesus, which one is most meaningful to you? Which one surprises you most? Which one have you not thought of before?

What would cause you to lose hope and shake your faith? How does Jesus’ deity give you confidence in His ability to overcome anything you face?

Read Luke 2:41-52

Why is the humanity of Jesus important in building an ongoing relationship with Him? How does Jesus’ humanity give you a greater appreciation of His ability to understand what you face in this life?

Read Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus told His disciples to stay with Him and pray during His hour of need, yet they could not stay awake. What distracts you from living as a faithful disciple?

How does Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane help you relate to some of your own trials, temptations, or struggles?

Read Hebrews 5:7-10 and Hebrews 10:19-23

How do these passages remove any barriers to approach God with your struggles and increase your confidence that He will hear your prayers?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Isaiah 40:28-31

Isaiah wrote this passage in response to the Jews who had been held captive in Babylon for many years. They were refugees in a foreign place. They had no power and no leaders to lead them. They were weak and helpless, unable to fight for themselves. They had rebelled against God and, as a result, found themselves destitute and humiliated. But God had not forgotten them! He had a plan for them, but first, they had to redirect their focus from themselves to the God who loved them and had plans for them. —Editor’s Note

How was God described in this passage? What encouragement can we get from being reminded of Him in this way?

Why do we find waiting on the Lord so difficult?

To whom does God want to give renewed strength? Why does He want to do this?

On our own, we will fail, but if we put our trust in God’s promises and His timing, we will have the strength to endure whatever comes our way as we exchange our weakness for His power! —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Write down a few areas in your life that you view as weaknesses. Commit this week to reminding yourself that you have a high priest who understands and accepts you, and that you can - and will - approach Him with confidence in these areas.
   

2. In what difficult situation in your life do you need to experience the comfort of the Lord? You may need the prayer of others for this. Find a friend who will pray for you or share with your LifeGroup.
   

3. There are people in your life who need the confidence of knowing God understands their weaknesses. How can you pray for one of these important people in your sphere of influence?