Form & Substance
Group Discussion Guide
Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community who desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out to you about this week’s teaching?
What stood out to you about this week's teaching?
Does Jesus’ interaction with the fig tree shift your thinking and/or feeling about Jesus?
Do the prophet Micah’s words compel you to think about Jesus’ interaction with the fig tree? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Woe is me! For I have become as when the summer fruit has been gathered, as when the grapes have been gleaned: there is no cluster to eat, no first-ripe fig that my soul desires. The godly has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net. Micah 7:1-2
If a “substantive life with God is one of faith & trust in Jesus” how do we cultivate faith?
(This is an intentionally broad question to help you think/consider/wonder about what faith is, is not, and how it can lead to a substantive life with God.)
What does it mean for us that Jesus’ disciples are the place where forgiveness is found immediately following Jesus’ judgment on the temple?