GOODNESS (2): Sermon Prep Guide

READ Luke 19:1-10 

What do you most resonate with in this passage? What do you most resist in this passage?

How does Jesus define his purpose in coming to Earth in this story? Earlier in the book of Luke, how is Jesus' mission is defined? (see Luke 4:18) How does the story illustrate that Jesus is "on mission" in both of these respects? 

This and last week, we've been looking at the spiritual Fruit of Goodness, as "setting things to right." Last week we saw Jesus set things to right for the demoniac. Where do we see things set to right in this story (hint: this is slightly a trick question)?

What do you learn about Goodness through this story? Where do you see this type of Goodness flowing forth from the Body of Christ as members dwell in the Spirit? 
 

What do you learn about God through the process of reading and reflecting on your reaction to these verses? What do you learn about yourself?

What do you learn about your role in community through reflecting on this story as it may intersect with your own life?

GOODNESS: Sermon Prep Guide

READ Mark 5:1-20

Describe the condition of the man who approaches Jesus in this passage.

In your assessment, is the condition of this man right or wrong? 

What does Jesus do in reaction to this encounter? 

At the end of the story, is the man's condition right or wrong?  

What do we learn about who Jesus is through this story? 

Re-read verse 4. Now re-read verse 19. What might it have meant for him to re-enter his community, now set free by the Most High God, as Legion called him, and tamed by Jesus' compassion?  

With regards to the Fruit of the Spirit, Goodness is righteousness in action. Goodness boldly does what’s right, and encourages others to do good as well. An act of goodness might be seen as "setting things right." How do you see Jesus demonstrating Goodness in this story? 

Where do you see the Fruit of Goodness flowing forth from people who dwell in the Spirit? [other stories in scripture are great, AND also try to come up with examples of people you interact with directly in person too]

What is it like to taste the Fruit of Goodness [be on the receiving end of the Spirit's outpouring through another] like that? What does it mean to encounter the type of God who would aim to indwell those who love Him AND flow through them to bless others in that way?