06: Discipling the Ordinary – Lesson Plan
Key Thought : People who know their limitations and trust God for guidance can accomplish extraordinary things for Him.
[Lesson plan for Discipling the “Ordinary” February 3, 2014]
1. Have a volunteer read Luke 2:21-24.
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Why did Jesus’ parents offer two turtle doves rather than a lamb or bullock for His purification?
c. Personal Application: What hindered you from accepting Christ and living the Christian life? Family? Environment? Lack of knowledge? Pride? Not wanting to obey His teachings? Love for unchristian things? Another person? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I think a lot of people don’t come to Christ because they say they had a bad childhood, a poor family, a tough neighborhood, and Jesus can’t relate to their situation.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 15:32-39.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What was the purpose behind Jesus feeding the four thousand plus people in the wilderness?
c. Personal Application: How well do we as Christians take care of people’s physical, emotional, and social needs? How does it relate to the gospel and cultivation of their spiritual needs? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Jesus seemed to gravitate toward the common people. But we tend to gravitate toward the rich and successful. How do your church members learn to value all people, regardless of status, education, or wealth?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Luke 5:4-11.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What did Peter say to Jesus that showed he was open to the working of the Holy Spirit?
c. Personal Application: How do we keep from being judgmental on those that we might not think are redeemable? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “What do you do with someone who joins the church and then does something against the Ten Commandments and church rules blatantly? Should we confront them and shun their company to show that we don’t agree with their behavior?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Luke 13:1-5.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What principle was Jesus trying to convey to His people about the Galileans?
c. Personal Application: Do Christian leaders in your church balance the role of leadership with that of a fellow member? What people would you miss if they stopped doing their jobs in the church? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.