Big Idea:
The most powerful thing we can do when telling people about Jesus is to share our own story.
Scriptures:
John 9
Questions:
- What is something you find easy to talk about with other people (favorite restaurant, hobby, sports team, vacation spot, etc.)? Why is that so easy to share?
- What is something you find more difficult to talk about with other people (faith, politics, social issues, etc.)? Why is that more difficult?
- Revisit John 9 before and as you consider the following questions:
- The sermon emphasized that Christian faith is deeply personal but always unfolds in community. How have other people helped guide, encourage, or support your faith journey? We often learn so much from the faith stories of others.
- After the man was healed, people noticed that something had changed in his life. What are some ways a growing relationship with Jesus becomes visible to others?
- The formerly blind man repeatedly tells the same simple story about what Jesus did for him. Why do you think we sometimes feel like we need more knowledge, training, or expertise before talking about our faith?
- The man's parents knew something significant had happened but remained silent because the risk felt too great. (And there was real risk if they spoke up.) Have you ever experienced a situation where it felt easier to stay quiet about your faith? What made it difficult?
- The religious leaders kept asking questions, not because they wanted truth, but because they wanted a different answer. Have you ever seen someone resist a truth because of what accepting it might require of them? Have you ever done that yourself?
- One of the key statements from the sermon was: "We are responsible for bearing witness. We are not responsible for controlling the outcome." How does that perspective change the way you think about evangelism?
- The man's story begins with blindness and ends with worship. Looking back on your own faith journey, how has your understanding of Jesus grown over time?
- If someone asked you today, "What has Jesus done in your life?" what is one part of your story you would feel comfortable sharing?
- The sermon concluded with the phrase: "An encounter with Jesus changed everything." In what specific way has an encounter with Jesus changed your life, your priorities, or your perspective?
Optional Closing Challenge:
Take a few minutes as a group to think of one person in your life who might benefit from hearing part of your faith story. Pray for that person by name and ask God to provide an opportunity for a meaningful conversation in the coming weeks. This fits naturally with the Invest & Invite posture of helping people consider for themselves what Jesus might do in their lives.
