Discussion Questions: Luke 7:1-10

For the message, Amazing Faith given by Pastor John Ferguson at New City Church on October 27, 2013

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures. You can use these by yourself for reflection, or you could use these with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction: What do you think is the most popular definition of faith in our culture? Questions: 1. Remember the context: Jesus has just asked his disciples a penetrating question: Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say? (Luke 6:46). Now Jesus encounters a man who calls him Lord and has an amazing faith. Read Luke 7:1-10. 2. We read that when a centurion heard that Jesus was in town, sent Jewish elders to him to request that he come and heal his servant. And the Jews went and pleaded with Jesus. What is unusual about this situation? 3. The centurion obviously had a good reputation, but what is significant in how the reputation was cast before Jesus by the Jews and the centurion himself? What does that teach us about approaching Jesus on our own merits? 4. Reflect on this quote by commentator & pastor, Phillip Ryken, How do you see Jesus, and how do you see yourself? The two questions are connected, because when we see Jesus as he really is in all his splendorwe also see our true spiritual need This is not poisonous pessimism, but a healthy realism that helps us breathe the fresh air of the gospel. How might some people view seeing our true spiritual need before Christ as poisonous pessimism? Why does Ryken think it is not? What does it mean to breathe the fresh air of the gospel? 5. In the centurions response about speaking to those under his authority, how does Luke use this to subtly shift our attention from the request for healing to the person of Jesus (v. 8). In other words, what assumptions about this man Jesus does the centurions statement presuppose? 6. The Gospels record only two instances of Jesus marveling or being amazed. One is in this text and the other is marveling at the unbelief of his hometown of Nazareth (Mark 6:6). What was it about the centurions faith that amazed Jesus? Think in terms of his background, occupation, wealth, and certainty that stood in contrast to those in the crowd that were following Jesus. 7. Pastor John summarized the lesson by stating, To have great faith in Jesus is to place our complete trust in Jesus. Then he said what makes our faith great is the object of our faith. What is meant by that?

8. Pastor John concluded by quoting the Victorian English minister, Charles Spurgeon, who said, the more you know about Christ, the less satisfied you will be with superficial views of him What is meant by that? Can you think of what some superficial views of Jesus might be? 9. The hymn, Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, has the refrain, Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him / How Ive proved him oer and oer / Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus / O for grace to trust him more. In what areas of your life do you need more grace to trust him more? Conclusion: What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your life? How does this text help you understand your need for Jesus? How does this text challenge you to follow him?

Renewing your mind: John 14:1, Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.