Jesus, Giver of Life
Questions:
- What things do you tend to rely on to “improve” your life instead of Jesus?
Select at least two of the following passages to read together and answer the questions.
Hebrews 2:14-17
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Why was it important that Jesus was made “like his brothers in every respect”?
Do you ever fear dying? Why or why not?
What was the role of the high priest in Jewish culture? What does it mean that Jesus has become our “high priest”?
John 14:1-7
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
In our culture, many people believe that there are several different paths or “ways” to God. Based on these verses, what does Jesus think about our culture’s approach?
How does Jesus say we come to God?
What do you imagine the Father’s house is like? What do you hope the room Jesus is preparing for you is like? Be as imaginative as you like!
Romans 6:1-11
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
What is sin?
Do you consider yourself dead to sin? Why or why not?
What does it mean to be alive to God in Christ?
What can you do practically to remind yourself of this truth even when you don’t feel alive to God?
Final Question:
- When was the moment that you met Jesus and knew you’d passed from death to life? If that hasn’t happened for you, where would you say you’re at with God? (Go around and have everyone share their own experience)