Learning Curve

Throughout the gospels, Jesus asked more than 300 questions. Asking questions was Jesus’ preferred way of teaching because questions have the power to focus our attention. Questions stir up curiosity. Questions build a connection. Questions are an invitation to deeper reflection. Wherever you are on your journey of following Jesus, without questions there are no answers. And the answers to life's greatest questions are found in Jesus. 

SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE

Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are new in your faith, this 13-week study is designed to help you read, understand and apply God’s Word. Use this study guide to read the weekly passage for yourself, take sermon notes and access discussion questions to share with your small group.

DOWNLOAD HERE     

BIBLE READING PLAN

This 12-week reading plan is designed to help you slow down and encounter the life and ministry of Jesus. Immerse yourself in the text and picture yourself in each scene as you follow Jesus through the gospel of Luke and explore the greatest story ever.

START NOW

WEEKLY MESSAGE 

Miss this week's sermon? We encourage you to listen or watch online prior to attending your small group. This will help you come prepared and be ready to participate with your group as you press the truth of God's Word into every day life. 

LISTEN HERE

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

WEEK 1: Which is easier?

  1. The story involves significant risks taken by four friends, including Jesus and a paralyzed man. What are the potential risks for each character in this story? Why are they necessary?

  2. Can you imagine the homeowner's reaction upon seeing their roof destroyed? How would you respond if you were the owner of that home and witnessed this miracle unfold?

  3.  Jesus often illustrates the spiritual world through physical miracles. In this scene, what is Jesus trying to reveal or convey to everyone watching? What's the main point in this passage?

  4.  Luke suggests that the paralyzed man received his greatest gift—forgiveness—first. How does this challenge our typical understanding of needs and priorities?

  5. The four friends were willing to damage the roof and go to extreme lengths to help their friend. What aspects of your life need to be wrecked or transformed for you to experience a similar breakthrough in your relationship with Jesus?

  6. Everyone was filled with awe as the paralyzed man walked out of the house. When was the last time the power and presence of God left you in awe?

  7. How do you see the five core values of Northview reflected in this one passage? Messy Grace, Walking Together, Full Surrender, Serve First, One More

WEEK 2: Why do you call me, Lord, Lord?

  1. With rapid-fire teaching, Jesus unleashes four vivid illustrations in eleven short verses: The blind falling into a pit, sawdust stuck in an eye, trees producing fruit and the importance of building a strong foundation to prepare for the storms of life. Which parable stands out to you the most? Why?

  2. What does it mean to call Jesus "Lord"? How is the concept of “Lord” different from turning to a coach for guidance or a consultant for occasional advice?

  3. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Lord over your life?

  4. What are the dangers of partial obedience or delayed obedience?

  5. More than hearing, reading, studying or talking about the Bible… Jesus expects His disciples to obey everything that He teaches (Matthew 28:19-20). In what areas do you struggle or have a hard time obeying?

  6. A good builder doesn’t just wing it; they follow a detailed blueprint with clear instructions. A blueprint shows what you are building and how to build it. What kind of instructions guide your life? Be specific.

WEEK 3: What credit is that to you?

  1. What is the greatest picture of love you have ever witnessed? Describe the situation and why this example stands out to you.
  2. The passage contrasts loving those who love you with loving your enemies. What does this truth reveal about the nature and extent of God's love?
  3. Who is someone in your life that you find challenging to love? What makes loving them difficult? What does it look like to love this person without expectations or conditions? 
  4. In the Bible, love is a verb. This means love is an action and something we do—not a feeling. What are some practical ways you can love the people around you this week? Be specific. Who will you love and what will you do?
  5. Can you think of a time when you experienced a conflict with someone but chose to love them? How did this transform your relationship? 
  6. As a Christian, how can you manage expectations and not be surprised when a non-believer acts like a non-believer? According to this passage, what should your response be to those who are not Christians?

WEEK 4: Where is your faith?

  1. If Jesus was asleep in the boat the whole time, why did the disciples wait to wake up Jesus after the storm got bad? How have you done the same thing in your life?
  2. Storms often swoop in unexpectedly and catch us by surprise. Like the disciples who accused Jesus of not caring, have you ever felt anxious or angry with God?
  3. What’s worse, when God feels distant or you know He is near but He doesn’t seem to do anything?
  4. In the end, Jesus is more interested in shaping your faith than solving your problems. How does this truth shift your perspective on suffering or difficult circumstances?
  5. While Jesus asked over 300 questions, He never asked a question that started with “when”. What are some “when” questions that you are currently wrestling with? 
  6. A key part of faith is learning to trust God’s timing when it doesn’t align with our desires or expectations. In what areas do you need to release control and trust the Lord?

WEEK 5: Are you expecting us to buy this?

WEEK 6: Who do you say I am?

WEEK 7: Which of these was a neighbor?

WEEK 8: Who can add a single hour?

WEEK 9: Will you go after the lost?

WEEK 10: Who will trust you with true riches?

WEEK 11: Are you the Son of God?

WEEK 12: Why are you troubled?

WEEK 13: Why do you stand here?

Want to Go Deeper?

A Commentary on Luke

Rather than unpacking each verse, this commentary is designed to help you grasp the key themes and main ideas of each chapter. At the end of each chapter is also a list of reflection questions that are designed for small group discussion or personal study. 

BUY HERE

A Case for Christ

Is there credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God? Former atheist and Chicago Tribune journalist Lee Strobel takes an investigative look at the evidence of Jesus from the fields of science, philosophy and history.

BUY HERE

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

This book is more than one man's pursuit of answers to the most important issues of life and faith. Ultimately, it's the story about the transformative grace of the one true God in the dramatic journey of Nabeel Qureshi from Islam to Christianity.

BUY HERE

Mere Christianity

This classic book explores the core beliefs of Christianity by providing a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. Topics include right and wrong, human nature, morality, marriage, sins, forgiveness, faith, hope, generosity, and kindness.

BUY HERE