Power-Full
Compassion for the Outcast
Rachel, January 24, 2020
Read: Luke 5:12-16
Big Idea: Jesus’ hand is still stretched out to us. We are never outside of the loving touch of Jesus.
Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here):
- Have you ever felt like an outsider?
Going Deeper:
- When you have felt desperate and hopeless, how has Jesus met your needs?
- When you have met someone “different” from you, how have you treated them and showed them the love of Jesus?
- Have you ever felt so unclean that you have stayed away from God?? Luke 5:12-13 clearly states Jesus wants to make us clean (whole, healed). Why then do we back away from Jesus at times?
- Do you feel outside of the loving touch of Jesus? What are truths found in scripture that remind us that we are never beyond the touch of our Lord?
- Who is Jesus asking you to touch with His compassion this week? How do we clothe ourselves with compassion? Colossians 3:12-17?
- It’s easy to heal a disease or fix a problem and be on the way. How do you show love to people who are ostracized, but don’t have a physical need that can be healed?
- We know that Jesus can heal us, but sometimes we aren’t sure if He is willing to. How does that affect the way we pray?
- Who are the outsiders of Regina or of your social circle? What could you do as a community group to bring relationship and restoration?
Apply it:
Write a personal history of how and when you have been ostracized or have done this to others. Pray over what comes to mind and pen. Confess what needs to be confessed and forgive what needs to be forgiven. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you through this process.
Spend time praying for and with each other. (If you are comfortable allow moments of silence to linger to hear from God).