The Gospel Project® for Adults

Leader Guide CSB, Unit 21, Session 2

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AMAZED BY THE MESSIAH

SESSION OUTLINE

• Jesus’s powerful teaching prompts astonishment (Luke 4:31-32).
• Jesus’s power over unclean spirits fuels amazement (Luke 4:33-37).
• Jesus’s proclamation of the gospel reveals His mission (Luke 4:38-44).

Background Passage: Luke 4

WHAT WILL MY GROUP LEARN?

Jesus’s power over evil and sickness
showed people that He is the Messiah,
the One who had come to usher in God’s kingdom.

HOW WILL MY GROUP SEE CHRIST?

When Jesus approached the man who was possessed by demons,
even the demons recognized His authority.
Jesus would later demonstrate His authority over sin and evil
in a greater way through His crucifixion and resurrection.
Sin no longer has power over all who trust in Jesus.

HOW SHOULD MY GROUP RESPOND?

Because Jesus has set us free from sin and death,
we recognize and embrace His authority
over every area of our lives
as we proclaim what Jesus has done for us.

GROUP TIME

INTRODUCTION

Click on the link or scan the QR code for a reproducible handout of this session’s Scripture passages:

Setting:

In contrasting the rejection of Jesus in His hometown
with the events that followed later in Capernaum,
Luke purposely drew a comparison between these two narratives.
Though the Nazarenes demanded Jesus give them a miraculous sign,
He responded with a rebuke.
But in Capernaum, Jesus provided several displays of His power.
Though we may not always know why Jesus worked one way
in one place and worked another way elsewhere,
we can trust that He is omniscient, omnipotent,
sovereign, and perfectly working out His will
to do the will of His Father.

Discuss:

• What is the most awe-inspiring, powerful thing you’ve experienced?
  What emotions were present during this event?
• (this could be something in nature like
  viewing a vast mountain range, enjoying the unique beauty of a national park,
  or standing on the edge of the ocean;
• this may also be something more personal, like
  the birth of a child
  or watching someone accept Jesus as his or her Savior;
• emotions will vary, but these acts of God often propel us
  toward humble appreciation of His power, creativity, and grace)

Transition:

Awe-inspiring acts filled many of the moments of Jesus’s life,
leading those around Him to experience astonishment and amazement.
Ultimately, His purpose was not to impress people but to save them.
Jesus came to proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom
to rescue people from their sin.

Optional Question:

• Looking back on your salvation,
  what are some details that lead you to astonishment at God’s
  powerful hand of grace on your life?
• (people He puts in our path;
• healing He brings to our hearts;
• bondage of sin He breaks)