When we think of sharing the Christian faith with other people we often feel like Jesus has to be the answer to every question or that we have to be able to answer and explain everything. So let me ask you a question do you think its better to say I’m gonna tell you something or I’m wanna ask you a question. Which one is more engaging or relationship building?
One of the questions posed is whether Jesus was a great teacher or whether he was a total failure. I mean he ended up getting killed so what kind of success was that?
Which do you think would be more effective?
Totally persuasive, Bottomless depth of knowledge, tells you how it is, convincing argument.
OR
An active interest in people, energetic and passionate, allows you to work it out, provoking etc.
So in line with Jesus’ style I’m not going to give you any more answers but allow you to meet with Jesus and the questions he poses.
We are going to use a concept called a labyrinth. An old tradition which is kind of symbolic forms of pilgrimage people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel.
So there are different rooms set out around the school have been set out to help you on this journey and we’ll meet back here at 6pm
STAFF ROOM – WHERE ARE YOUR LOYALTIES?
Paying Taxes to Caesar
Mark 12
They sent some Pharisees and followers of Herod to bait him, hoping to catch him saying something incriminating. They came up and said, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, that you are indifferent to public opinion, don’t pander to your students, and teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
He knew it was a trick question, and said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at it. “They handed him one.
“This engraving-who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”
“Caesar,” they said.
Jesus said, “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”
Do you give “Caesar” his due?
Are your taxes up to date?
Are you honest with your employer?
Do you hide your finances from your partner?
Do you pursue monetary wealth?
Is financial security a real concern for you?
Are luxury goods a sign of your success?
Are you often jealous of others?
TRANSFORMATION LOUNGE – WHO IS YOUR NEIGHBOUR?
Defining “Neighbour”
Luke 10
Looking for a loophole, the religion scholar asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbour’?”
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan travelling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill-I’ll pay you on my way back.’
“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbour to the man attacked by robbers?”
“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.
Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
Do you share what you have with others?
What wouldn’t you share?
Would you get your hands or your reputation “dirty” to help someone?
Does helping someone have to be on your terms?
Or can they make demands?
Do they have to be grateful or appreciative?
Do you have the time to serve your neighbour?
GYM – DO YOU STILL NOT GET IT?
Contaminating Yeast
Mark 8But the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Except for a single loaf of bread, there wasn’t a crumb in the boat. Jesus warned, “Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of Pharisees and the followers of Herod.”
Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus overheard and said, “Why are you fussing because you forgot bread? Don’t you see the point of all this? Don’t you get it at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”
They said, “Twelve.”
“And the seven loaves for the four thousand-how many bags full of leftovers did you get?”
“Seven.”
He said, “Do you still not get it?”
What do you understand about following Jesus?
What questions do you have?
To trust him more do you have to have answers?
What does Jesus have to do to convince you?
Is it OK to have questions?
“Good Christians” don’t have questions – is that what you think?
STAGE – WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
The Messiah
Mark 8Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?”
“Some say ‘John the Baptizer,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah.’ Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’”
He then asked, “And you-what are you saying about me? Who am I?”
Can Jesus be trusted to take care of you and those you love?
Do you have a Plan B just in case Jesus doesn’t deliver?
What will calming the storm in your life look like?
Are you comfortable having a friend who can control the elements?
Would you rather have a safer, more manageable friend?
Closing words
Jesus’ questions attempt to open up the lines of communication. Just like a child asks questions , why, why, why?
Jesus asks questions because he wants our attention; he wants to relate to us, to have a genuine interaction.
He wants to help people realise where they stand
He wants to start a conversation
He wants to help us to become all that we can be.