Dec. 5 | Discovery

Study Questions for Groups

By Michael C. Mack

1. Last week, how did you show faith that was pleasing to God?

2. During the past week, what Bible figure or story most inspired you to live by faith?

Ask two people to read aloud Luke 7:1-10 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to summarize the events of the passage in a minute or less.

3. For fun, we will repeat a question from last week’s Discovery: “From this passage, describe what real, biblical faith looks like.”

4. Let’s dig deeper:

• How does the centurion model faith?

• How does the centurion model respect?

• How does the centurion model humility?

• What do you learn about servanthood and leadership from this passage?

• In Roman-occupied Israel, this centurion had authority over all the people. Yet somehow this centurion recognized the authority structure of God’s upside-down kingdom. What does this demonstrate about him?

• How does the centurion’s intercession for his servant and the Jewish leaders’ intercession for the centurion reflect, in a way, Jesus’ intercession for us?

5. What do you learn about God from this passage?

6. What do you learn about humans?

7. What connections do you see between authority and living in obedience to God?

8. What is one specific way you will emulate the centurion’s “great faith” this week, perhaps in his humility, surrender, or generosity?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”

10. Put yourself in the position of the centurion’s servant. What healing do you seek from Jesus, and how can we intercede with you?

For Next Week: Read and reflect on Luke 9:28-36 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.