Sermon Response Guide

PRIMARY SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 23:6-12 ESV

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Key Points

• You are worth more than:

  1) Your position

  2) Your performance

  3) Your plans

Memory Verse

Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
-Galatians 2:21 ESV

Questions for Reflection

Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:

1: Read Mark 2:27 and answer the questions that follow.

• How would you define Sabbath rest?
• Why do you think God created the Sabbath?
• How does Sabbath rest relate to our position?
• What keeps you from resting?
• What is something you can do this week to help you rest?

2: Read Matthew 11:28-30 and answer the questions that follow.

• Where do you need to perform in your life?
• In what ways do you feel pressured to perform for God?
• How are you encouraged to know Jesus does not require your performance?
• If not a performance, what do you think Jesus does require of us?

3: Read Proverbs 16:9 and answer the questions that follow.

• What is the difference between a plan and a purpose?
• When was a time your plan fell through, but God’s purpose prevailed?
• What do you believe is God’s purpose for your life?
• How is God inviting you to adjust your plans according to his purpose?

4: Review this week’s memory verse (Galatians 2:21) and answer the question that follows.

• What does this verse have to do with today’s message? 

5: What is the primary truth God revealed to you today?

• How will you respond?
• Who do you know who you can encourage with the truth this week?

Pray

Lord, in a world where we are valued based on our position, our performance, and our plans, thank you for the treasure of being valued based on nothing but your love. Just as we cannot earn your love, neither can we exhaust it. Teach us to rest in your love – freed to live our lives based on your position, your performance, and your plans for us.