The perfect HMO system

John 4: 46 – 54

Why is your favorite billboard you have ever seen your favorite billboard?

Why does John mention that Jesus was back in the town of Cana?

What is ironic about one of Herod’s officials going to Jesus for help?
How would you describe the attitude of this official who is asking for help for his son?
Why does Jesus respond so curtly to this man when he is first asked for help?
Why does Jesus heal this officials son immediately from a distance rather than going and visiting him?
How would you have felt if you were the official as Jesus sent you away?

What does the fact that the father further interrogates his employees about the timing of his child’s healing show us about the level of the guy’s faith?
Why do this official and his family not believe until they receive the evidence of a sign?\
What makes “signs” a unique category of miracles?
When are some seasons in your life that you demanded a sign from God before you would trust him?
What are some signs that God has given you that have helped to encourage your faith?
Why is relying on signs a bad idea in developing a life of faith?
How does a person learn to trust God without having to rely upon signs?

Jesus provides the ultimate battle triage

Luke 22: 47 – 53

If you had to pick a favorite kind of weapon what would it be and why?

Take a look at the context of the passage, why are some of the disciples armed at this point?

Based on the passage, why is this disciple assault the servant of the high priest with a deadly weapon?

What are some clues in this passage that it is based upon eyewitness testimony?

Why does Jesus immediately heal the servant who had his ear cut off?

How is Jesus’ healing of this guy similar to and different than his other healing experiences?

How would you feel if you were Jesus at this moment? How would you feel as one of his disciples?

What are the elders and chief priests doing with the soldiers out on this dark night?

Why are they arresting Jesus with the aggressive use of secretive force when he was still appearing often in public?

What are some different kinds of darkness present that Jesus says are in control of that moment of time?

How is Jesus able, in such a healthy way, to cope with the horrible fate that awaits him?

When are times that you have tried to force God’s Kingdom purpose by your own efforts?

What tends to spark in you a tendency towards violence?

How is Jesus’ definition of the Kingdom of God different than the definition his disciples use?

How is Jesus’ definition of the Kingdom of God different that the definition the religious leaders use?

How is Jesus’ definition of the Kingdom of God different than the definition that you use?

How can we transform our perspective of the Kingdom to better match Jesus?

Appreciated alternative medicine

Luke 17: 11 – 19

What is the most meaningful thank-you note you have sent or received?

Why do the authors of the gospels often go to great lengths to describe where Jesus is located geographically?

How would you imagine the relationships between the lepers being, inside of their little colony?

Why do these guys cry out so intensely to Jesus for assistance as he passes by?

Why does Jesus send them towards priests as a condition of their healing?

Describe what the Samaritan does to express his thankfulness to Jesus for being cleansed.

Why is Jesus so surprised about this guy’s returning to say thanks?

Why might only the Samaritan return to thank Jesus for the healing?

What does this demonstrate about the spiritual openness of Jesus’ own generation in Israel?

Why is it that those who are marginalized tend to be more open spiritually?

What is something for which you have forgotten to praise God in your life?

How are you going to express thanksgiving to Jesus for this work in your life this week?

Spend time actually writing thank you notes to Jesus for what he has done.

Take a few minutes to meditate on the phrase “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”