April 10 | Discovery

Study Questions for Groups

By Michael C. Mack

1. Over the last several weeks or so, how has God been curing you in some way (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually)?

2. To whom did you share “what you have seen and heard” about Jesus and his love and power last week?

Ask two people to read aloud Luke 7:36-50 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to restate the passage quickly and simply.

3. How does Jesus deal with broken people in this passage?

4. Let’s dig deeper:

• How would you describe the unnamed woman? What was her reputation? What was her flaw?

• How would you describe the Pharisee (Simon)? What was his reputation? What was his flaw?

• What change in Simon’s perspective or beliefs was Jesus trying to achieve through his parable and subsequent three comparisons of Simon and the woman?

• The sinful woman was saved by her faith in Jesus (v. 50). Her outrageous actions (vv. 37-38) that flowed from her “great love” (v. 47) were in response to the great forgiveness she had freely received. How does her story illustrate God’s grace?

• How have you experienced the connection between God’s forgiveness and your love for Jesus?

5. What do you learn about God from this passage (especially from Jesus’ story about the moneylender)?

6. What do you learn about yourself and others?

7. In response to God’s forgiveness, what outrageous action could you take to honor and obey Jesus?

8. How does God’s forgiveness compel you to love other people around you?

• With whom can you share the good news of God’s forgiveness this week?

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

10. What “broken” area of your life needs mending?

For Next Week: Read and reflect on Luke 23:44-49; 24:1-12. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.