Introduction
It's common for Iowans to think it's better to plan for the worst and be surprised if things go well. Why set yourself up for failure by hoping? When you choose to follow Jesus, hope is different than naivete, and the Bible has a lot to say about it. In week three, Pastor Jesse taught that there’s hope for the future because Jesus has ransomed our past.
Discussion
1. Take a few moments to share a memorable story from your past that people in your group probably don’t know. It doesn’t have to be serious – just memorable to you!
2. Revisit and read Luke 5:27-32. Levi’s (Matthew’s) choice to become a tax collector created distance from his community and faith. If you’re comfortable, share a story (even a simple one) of a time when your choices created separation between you and someone else?
3. Revisit and read Romans 5:8 & 2:4. Jesus watched and invited Levi to follow him, even amidst his sin. How does this remind you of your own story, encourage, or challenge you right now?
4. Revisit and read Isaiah 53:4-6 & 2 Corinthians 5:21. Then take a deep breath, reflect on these for a few minutes, and reread those verses. When you slow down and take the time to sit and be reminded of the reality that Jesus paid the price of your sins through his death on the cross, what do you start to think about? What do you feel? What happens to your heart and perspective?
5. Levi responded to Jesus’ invitation by following Him immediately. In responding to God’s invitation and grace, what of your past do you need (and get) to leave behind? What will it take to believe that’s true for you?
Application
Spend time in quiet reflecting on these truths this week:
- Sin is never inconsequential. It always separates. Where are you experiencing distance from God or others right now? Evaluate whether it’s a current a past sin creating that space.
- God’s love is unconditional. He always pursues. No matter your past or present sin, God will never stop pursuing you. He wants to close the distance. Invite him in again (and again.)
- Because Jesus paid it all. He ransoms. He is the one who brings you and God back together by paying for your sin on the cross. How does this truth make you want to respond?