Study Questions for Groups
By Michael C. Mack
1. How did you emulate the centurion’s “great faith” last week—in his humility, surrender, or generosity?
2. During the past week, how have you seen Jesus bring healing to you?
Ask two people to read aloud Luke 9:28-36 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the events of the passage.
3. If you had been one of Jesus’ three disciples present with him on the mountain, what would have been most surprising to you?
4. Let’s dig deeper:
• In your own words, describe Jesus’ appearance as he was transfigured.
• Moses represented the Old Testament Law. Elijah represented the Old Testament prophets. There are many reasons these two men may have been chosen, but how does their meeting help explain Jesus’ self-declared mission: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17)?
• What do you make of Peter’s idea?
• What is significant about God calling Jesus (1) his Son and (2) the one he chose?
• What is significant about God saying, “Listen to him”?
5. What do you learn about God from this passage?
6. What do you learn about people?
7. Of course, listening to Jesus is critical for his followers. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” How will you focus on both listening and doing this week?
8. Spiritual mountaintop experiences can bolster our faith. But it’s been said we must return from the mountain to the valleys, to be able to minister to others. How can your time with God provide you with what you need to serve others well?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”
10. What encouragement do you need for this upcoming week?
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Luke 2:5-20 as we continue a four-week study in the book of Luke with the theme, “Surprise!” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Author: Christian Standard
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