Lent 2 - Small Group Questions

If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Luke 13:31-35
1. When you think of Jesus, what is the image (or images) that come most readily to mind?  Why do you think this is so?
2. Can you picture Jesus, and God, lamenting over us?  What does this look like?  Why is it so?
3. Can you recall a time when you created in your parents the kind of grief that God appears to be experiencing on our behalf?  Share the circumstances with the group.  What was going on within you that brought this situation to a head?
4. Can you recall a time when your child created in you the kind of grief that God appears to be experiencing on our behalf?  Share the circumstances with the group.  What was going on with you and/or your child that brought this situation to a head?
5. Were you raised with an image of God that was rule-bound, that appeared to be looking for a reason to punish or reject you?  Or were you raised with an image of God that was gracious and loving, like the father of the prodigal who waits for us with open arms?  How has the image of God that you first came to know affected your relationship with God?  Your ability to trust God?
6. Why do you think the history of God's people is to turn from God, to want to set our own course apart from relationship with God?
7. Have you experienced God searching you out and calling you back to him?  Close your eyes and imagine God calling you to himself.  What is this image for you?
8. What do you think is your greatest barrier to accepting God's grace and goodness?  Why do you think this is?