Discussion Questions: Luke 7:11-17

For the message, The Powerful Compassion of Jesus given by Pastor John Ferguson at New City Church on November 3, 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: Do you think of death very often? What sorts of questions do you have about death? What have you always wondered about? Questions: 1. Place yourself in the shoes (or sandals!) of the widow of Nain. What kinds of things would be going through your mind having first buried you husband, and now your only son? What are the implications? Why does death seem all powerful? So final? 2. The Bible highlights the fact that Jesus not only saw the woman, but also had compassion on her. What do you think is the connection between really seeing people and compassion? What does compassion look like? How does it show in ones countenance? 3. Jesus touches the brier and speaks, Young man, I say to you, arise. Pastor John mentioned that these words would be blatantly comical at best and tragically misguided if just anyone spoke them. What did he mean by that? What is Luke trying to get us to see? What questions does he want to provoke in the mind of the reader by relaying this account to us? 4. In verses 1-10, Luke quotes the centurion saying, Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Now in verses 11-17, the account has Jesus saying the word and this young man is raised from the dead. What is Luke wanting his audience to see about Jesus? 5. Pastor John said that as amazing as this miracle was, its not the central event in Christianity. Rather, the resurrection of Jesus was and is. How does understanding the resurrection of Jesus help us to understand and accept the miracle in this passage? How does verse 17 help solidify Lukes account? 6. In the application section of this message, the pastor said we need to properly identify Jesus. He said that a lot of people speak highly of Jesus, but not highly enough. What did he mean by that? Look up Revelation 1:17, John 5:28-29, and 1 Corinthians 15:24-25. What do these verses teach us about Jesus Christ? 7. Read Revelation 21:1-5. How does the fact that God in Christ will say to use, Arise! Weep no more! comfort you in life and in death?

Reflect on the first question and answer to the Heidelberg Catechism, What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I belongbody and soul, in life and in death, not to myself but to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil. 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 14:25-26, Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?