Connect

When was the last time you reached out to a friend for help? Tell the group about this experience.

Why is it hard to say we need God? Why is it hard to accept help from others?

Recap the illustration of the messy house with guests coming. Could you relate in any way to its message?

Engage and Apply

Name some people in the Bible who were considered “a mess”. Spend time discussing how God used them despite their mess.

Read Luke 19:1-10.
Can you relate to Jonathan’s illustration of looking neat on the outside, but messy on the inside?
Have you ever read this passage about Zacchaeus and thought of it in this context before?

Read Luke 19:7. What was the people’s reaction when they heard Jesus invite himself into Zacchaeus’ home? Have you ever felt unsure about someone receiving grace and forgiveness for something they did? Why do you think that tends to be our first reaction?

Jonathan talked about the cost of having success, wealth, family, influence, etc.

Read Matthew 16:26. What does this verse say will happen if we gain what the world says is valuable? Discuss times when you have fallen into this trap.

Has there been a time in your life where you’ve felt so determined to accomplish something that you haven’t let anything stop you? How did it turn out in the end?

Have you ever felt that Jesus is hard to find? Maybe he’s been silent when you’ve prayed for something or hasn’t felt accessible through his Word.

Read Psalm 145:18. What can we do when we don’t “feel” like the Lord is near to us?
Read Jeremiah 29:13. What does it look like to seek Jesus with all your heart?

Challenge

What kinds of internal soul wounds do you have that need healing? If you feel comfortable, share them with the group; as a group spend some time praying for each person who shared about their struggle.

Commit to bringing your “messy house” to God in prayer this week. Tell him you’re done pretending, that you want healing for your wounds and brokenness.
Encourage each other to bring your real selves, mess and all, to those around you. What does that look like with the real struggles in this room?

Prayer

Lord we come before you, our internal soul wounds and all. We ask that you’d help us not only be honest about our own mess, but also be alert to those around us who may be pretending they’re okay. Bring healing, restoration, and forgiveness to each person in this room. Help us to support and always point one another back to You. Thank you for being steadfast and true, and loving us so fully no matter what. We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.