27/08/2023
Questions & Answers
Home Group Study Notes: 27 August 2023
With thanks to Rev. Dr. Derek Webber at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/- year-a-small-groups
Theme: “Who do you say I am…?”
This format is a guide to you for your small group meeting. Feel free to change and adapt it according to the needs of your group. The objective is for you to build authentic relationships within the group, relationships that enable you to learn to love others who are different to you, and to discover as a reality the treasure of relationships built on the foundation of a relationship with Jesus, his life, and his teaching.
Meeting and Greeting:
Begin with general conversation and sharing about how the past week has gone.
Worship and Prayer
Click on the link below on your smartphone, Smart TV, or computer, to select songs to sing; and then spend a few minutes in song and prayer.
PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL SONG’S PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbsAkwbV_S1vXdZVPkZ0_tQW5n9RqeZX0
And if you need to check on the Message for the week again, then click on:
PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL (MESSAGE): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1X4YYw1KLpda1yGnqKgfw/videos
This time of worship and prayer will encourage you to move your thoughts from daily worries and pressures to our time of Bible study and prayer.
You do not have to answer all the questions below.
READING: Matthew 16:13-20
Discussion and Sharing
Rev. Dr. Derek Weber writes: “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’” (Mathew 16:13) The region of Caesarea Philippi (northeast of the Sea of Galilee) was a pagan city known for various gods and idols. Some say it was important for Jesus to hear his disciples claim who he was to separate him from false gods and idols. In our world today, some people seem to “worship” money, sports, and clothes more than Jesus.
How have you experienced this?
“Jesus said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:15-16).
Who do you say Jesus is? For example – Savior, Redeemer, Bread of Life, Lord, Prince of Peace, Friend, Son of God, Alpha and Omega, Prophet, Teacher, Master, Shepherd, Interesting Person. What do those names mean to you?
“Maybe for us, it could mean what St. Francis of Assisi is reported to have said: “Preach always; use words if necessary.” Maybe Jesus’ stern warning to us is to not be casual with his name. Don’t tell unless you are willing to live. Don’t announce if you can’t reflect. Don’t bear witness with your words if your habits won’t witness to him too.”
What might it look like to “Preach always; use words if necessary” for you? Are there things you could do to proclaim his name?
Imagine holding a ticket for transportation (bus, train, airplane, etc.) for somewhere God wants us to go. What spiritual journey does God want us to take? What is your first step this week to being closer to your spiritual destination?
Prayer: Share prayer requests and then pray together. End your prayer with praying the Apostles Creed together:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic (or universal) church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Benediction Prayer: And now may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now, and forever more. Amen
Have a wonderful week. God bless. Tim.