Discussion Guide for Week of April 13, 2014 Who is This Jesus?

Matthew 21:1-17 Introduction: Matthew 21 begins Jesus final week as he enters Jerusalem for Passover week with a reception fit for a king. For many of those present and readers today Jesus entrance raises many questions about who He is and what He is about. Through our study of Matthew 21:1-17, we find challenging yet comforting answers to the question, Who is this Jesus? Opening Question: To begin conversation about who Jesus is, ask the group to talk about ways Jesus has been portrayed or talked about in popular culture: movies, television, music, sports, etc. In todays sermon, Tim unpacks four portraits of Jesus that reveal in greater clarity who Jesus is: controversial, confrontational, compassionate, and the crucified one. Discussion Questions (select those most appropriate to your group): Have someone read Matthew 21:1-17 1. What is controversial about who Jesus is and what he does in this story? How is Jesus controversial today in our culture? Tim made a statement, Our expectations of how God will come through for us often get in the way of having vibrant faith. Do you agree with this? How have you seen this in your own life or in someones close to you? Why is this important? Have someone read Jeremiah 7:1-11 2. What does this passage and Matthew 21:12-13 tell us what God wants most from us in worship? Why is this so important to God? How have you experienced the temptation to make faith a routine? Tim read a quote by Richard Sibbes in reference to Matthew 12:15-21 Are you bruised? Be of good comfort, he calls you. Conceal not your wounds, open all before him and take not Satans counsel. Go to Christ, although trembling We shall be healed and have a gracious answer. 3. What does this quote tell us is the comfort and compassion Jesus provides? What are some common reasons people dont naturally turn to God and open all before Him? How does this quote and Bible passage inform your understanding of Jesus compassion and/or encourage you in what you are currently facing? Share which of the main four pictures of Jesus in this story (Jesus is controversial, confrontational, compassionate, and the crucified one) impacts you most in what you are facing today. 4. How should the reality that God is near to us change our way of thinking? Ultimate Journey Step: In closing take a few moments for your group members to write in their Life Application Journal or bulletin thoughts on the three questions Tim challenged us to think about this week:

1. Am I a Christian? 2. Who is leading my life? 3. How am I doing with helping others understand, who is this Jesus? Encourage group members to share with you or another trusted Christian friend if they are struggling with any of those questions. This could be a great chance for you to connect on a deeper level with someone(s) in your group. Prayer: Conclude your time together by praying for everyone in the group to reflect meaningfully this week on Jesus life and death and its impact on our lives.