31–Days on the Life of Jesus

Luke 2:1-21

1. What do you imagine Jesus’ birth looking like?
2. What should our response be when we discover what God wants us to do, like the Shepherds?
3. In what ways can you praise God for Jesus’ arrival into the world this week?

Luke 4:1-13

1. Has there ever been a time when you were very hungry or thirsty? What happened?
2. What physical needs or desires make us vulnerable to temptations?
3. How can we prepare to withstand tempting situations?

Matthew 12:16-42

1. What would you say a great leader looks like (name their character, skills, knowledge, etc.)?
2. In what ways do you seek to bring justice or fairness to your relationships?
3. What is one practical thing you could do in your daily life that would be “bearing good fruit” like Jesus said?

Matthew 22:1-14

1. What is your funniest wedding story?
2. Who do you think eventually showed up to the wedding feast? What does that say about God’s love?
3. What is one practical way you can show God’s love to someone who might not be “invited to the party”?

Luke 10:25-37

1. When has someone gone out of their way to help you?
2. Have you ever “passed by” like the priest or Levite instead of helping like the Good Samaritan? Why?
3. What is one way you could help someone in need like the Good Samaritan?

Luke 16:1-18

1. In what ways does our culture pressure us to love money?
2. Why is it so difficult to keep a proper perspective on money?
3. What is one way you can use money to serve others and show them the love of God?

John 10:1-42

1. When you hear about sheep, what comes to mind? Do you have any specific images, memories or associations with sheep or shepherds?
2. In what ways is Jesus like a shepherd? In what ways are we like sheep?
3. What is one way you could be more intentional about listening to God’s voice?

Mark 11:1-11

1. What is the best parade you have ever been to? Briefly share about it.
2. What do you think the disciples thought about what Jesus asked them to do?
3. The Caesars of Rome in Jesus’ day would have had grand “power parades” often, as opposed to Jesus’ humble “one-donkey” parade. What does this tell us about Jesus?

John 17:1-26

1. Why are religious beliefs divisive?
2. How is Jesus’ relationship with God the Father a model for how Christians should treat each other?
3. What is one way you can show love to other Christians?

Luke 24:1-12

1. Do you have a story that is hard to believe? Briefly share.
2. Why do you think the disciples doubted the resurrection, despite the fact that Jesus told them it would happen?
3. How can you reaffirm the good news of the resurrection this week?

Acts 1:1-11

1. How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus left them?
2. What do you think Jesus’ final instruction to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth,” means?
3. What is one trait, skill or talent you have that you can use to share God’s love with others?

Luke 2:41-52

1. What would you have wanted to ask Jesus had you been around during those three days in the temple?
2. In what way should we strive to grow in wisdom and stature in favor with God and others, like Jesus?
3. What difference might it make to you this week if you prepared for church as if it were a visit to your father’s house?

John 2:1-12

1. What makes an event miraculous or supernatural?
2. How does Jesus reveal his power to us today?
3. What is one specific habit or characteristic you will ask God to change in your life this week?

Matthew 16:24-28

1. What are some ways people try to “find themselves”?
2. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross” and follow Jesus?
3. What is one thing you could do this week to “deny yourself” and follow Christ?

Matthew 24:1-25

1. Why do people enjoy apocalyptic, “end-of-the-world” stories (Zombie books, movies and games, “The Day After Tomorrow,” etc.)?
2. Jesus didn’t give us a specific time or date for his return. Is that helpful or frustrating? Why?
3. Does knowing Christ will return someday give you hope? Why?

Luke 11:1-13

1. How do children act when they want something (a snack, toy, etc.) desperately?
2. Why do you think the disciples needed to be taught how to pray?
3. What is one way you can apply something from this passage to the way you pray?

John 3:1-21

1. Why do you think Nicodemus came by night to Jesus?
2. What do you think Jesus meant by being “born from above” or “born of the Spirit”?
3. How can you thank God for sending Jesus?

John 15:1-27

1. What do you do to stay connected to friends and family?
2. What are some ways we “remain in Jesus” like he says in the passage?
3. What is one way you can commit to staying connected with Jesus?

Matthew 26:17-35

1. In what ways does sharing a meal bind people together?
2. What would it have been like to be one of the disciples, and eaten the last supper with Jesus?
3. What does Communion mean to you personally? Why?

Luke 22:47-71 | Luke 23:1-25

1. How do people typically react when bullied, insulted or attacked by others?
2. How would Jesus want us to react to criticism (like the guards and crowds) or our friends betraying us (like Peter)?
3. What is one example of how we can respond to evil with love?

Luke 24:13-35

1. Have you ever been surprised by something you didn’t realize at first? Briefly share.
2. What is a Christian truth that you didn’t understand at first, or still have trouble fully understanding?
3. How do you think we can work through our misunderstandings and doubts about the Christian faith?