Who is Jesus? #5 - Jesus Seeks Us
Matthew 1:14-15
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Part of Who is Jesus?—November 9 - December 8, 2024
December 6, 2024

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Message Notes and Group Study Guide

Date: December 7-8, 2024
Speaker: Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Series: Who is Jesus?
Message: #5 - Jesus Seeks Us
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Scripture

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” —Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. —Matthew 6:32-33 (NIV)

20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. —Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:1-3 (NIV)

The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. —Matthew 22:2 (NIV)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. —Romans 14:17 (NIV)

Notes

“Into Galilee”

“Proclaiming the Good News of God”

“Time has Come”

“The Kingdom has Come”

“Repent and Believe the Good News”

Study Guide

Step One: Icebreaker (Optional)
What is something new you have been getting in to and enjoying recently? This could be a new hobby, a new life change, or even a new show?

Step Two: Open
Ask someone in your group to pray to open your time together. Ask another person to read Mark 1:14-15.

Step Three: Discuss

  1. Weekend Message: What was most challenging, encouraging, confusing, or stood out most to you?

  2. The Kingdom of God: What do you think Jesus meant when he proclaimed, “The time has come. The Kingdom of God has come near?” How does this message resonate with your understanding of God’s purpose?

  3. Personal Reflection: Can you share a time when you felt sought after or valued by some? How did that experience impact you? How does that experience help you in understanding Jesus’ mission?

  4. The Call to Repentance: In verse 15, Jesus calls for repentance and belief in the good news. What does repentance mean to you, and why do you think it’s considered a necessary step in our spiritual journey?

  5. Inclusivity: How does the concept of Jesus seeking sinners challenge or affirm your views about who is worthy of love and grace? How does this perspective influence your relationship with others?

  6. Understanding Grace: How has the concept of grace changed your view of your own shortcomings? Is grace good news to you, or is it something you struggle with? What teaching on Jesus has been the most encouraging in your walk with him?

Step Four: Close in Prayer
Ask someone in your group to close in prayer, focusing on specific requests for people to find and follow Jesus.