Main Idea:
Jesus made exclusive statements, but narrow doesn’t mean bad and sometimes truth is exclusive.
Check-In (Highs & Lows) 15 min
A great, quick way to catch the highlights of what is happening in the lives of the people in your group is to take turns quickly sharing the “highs & lows” of your week. High: What was your biggest highlight since we last met? Low: What was the low point during this time?
Settle-In (Ice-Breaker) 10 min
Share with the group about a time you have been excluded from something.
Dig-In (Scripture) 35 min
1. Read John 14:5-14. What are the two statements from the disciples?
2. How does Jesus answer their questions/statements? What truth claims are being made by Jesus in these answers?
3. How could you use the example of having only one way to get to somewhere (i.e. Fernley) to explain Jesus’ statement about being “the way” and how no one comes to the Father except through him?
4. What are some of the responses you’ve heard from people regarding this exclusive claim of Jesus? How might you respond to these responses from others?
5. Read Matthew 7:13-29 (buckle up, it’s a long one!). What are the four main themes of this section? How is the thought process connected?
6. When Jesus says, “Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life,” how does this fit with other places of your life where narrow is a hard but good thing?
7. How have you seen the truth in “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction” in your life?
Gear-Up (Application) 15 min
1. What’s a way you could establish your life on the “solid rock” this week?
2. How could you support one another in walking the narrow road together?
Step-Up (Homework)
1. Forming the rhythm or habit of daily devotion is a powerful way to establish your life in the teachings of Jesus. This week read 1 Peter one section at a time. Ask yourself: What is the Word saying about God, the Christian life, and me? What should I do about it?
2. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12! Reach out to Veronica, our Local Outreach Pastor, to serve at a school with your group. What a wonderful way to show Christ’s love to our community.