They Thought They Knew Him
One of the biggest obstacles to trusting Jesus is becoming too familiar with Him, which dulls our ears to His will. This Sunday, Pastor Joseph Ouano urges us to let God’s grace challenge us to listen, repent, and see our Savior with fresh eyes each day.
Read Today’s Scripture Passage
Mark 6:1-6
Life Group Discussion Guide
1. Start with a prayer
2. Engage one another (15-30 mins)
– Share a time when you thought you already knew someone or something, only to later realize there was so much more to discover. What changed your perspective?
3. Engage the mind (15-20 mins)
– Read the passage. How did familiarity with Jesus cause the people of Nazareth to miss out on truly knowing Him? How do we see this in our church today?
– What does Jesus’ response in not performing miracles teach us about the connection between faith and relationship with Him?
4. Engage the heart (15-20 mins)
– In what ways have you assumed you already “know” Jesus and may have closed yourself off from hearing fresh truth from Him?
– What encourages and hinders you from giving Jesus’ teachings and authority full control in your life?
5. Engage the hands (15-20 mins)
– What practical steps can you take this week to pursue a fresh encounter with Jesus, whether through prayer, silence and solitude, confession and repentance, Scripture, or obedience?
– How can you help others (especially those familiar with Jesus or the church) stay open to encountering Him anew?
6. Engage with God in prayer (20-30 mins)
– Praise the Heavenly Father for the living and active Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. Thank Him for continually pursuing us, even when we become resistant or overly familiar with His ways. Express your gratitude that He challenges our hearts so we can know Him more deeply. Thank Him for His grace that calls us back into true relationship with Him, again and again.
– Repent for the pride and complacency that cause you to assume that you already know all there is to know about God. Ask for forgiveness for the ways you’ve resisted His voice and hardened your heart because of familiarity. Surrender the desire to keep God within your control and comfort zone. Pray that your heart may be softened so you may hear and follow Him with reverence, faith, and awe.
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