The Lord Who Abundantly Provides

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

Jesus is able to abundantly provide for his sent and opposed followers.

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 9:1-17

1. For Jesus’ disciples in this passage, what was the job he gave them to do?

2. As Jesus’ followers, we are called not only to receive the Kingdom of God, but also to proclaim it (9:2). In other words, God wants, not only to extend his grace to us, but also use us, as instruments in his hand, to extend that grace to others. How often do you think about God’s desire and purpose to use you (“send you out”) in this world? What are some of the contexts in which you believe God has sent you and wants to use you? What might intentionality in those contexts look like for you?

3. Why do you think Jesus instructed his disciples not to take anything with them (vs. 3)?

4. Opposition was part of being a disciple of Jesus (see verse 5). Have you faced opposition for being a follower of Jesus? If so, what was it like?

5. How does Jesus’ ultimate opposition at the cross transform any and all opposition we may face for him?

6. The feeding of the 5,000 is almost identical to an account of Elijah feeding a large number of people with little to start (read 2 Kings 4:42-44). What do these similar stories tell us about Jesus?

7. Among other things (like protecting and leading), good shepherds provide for their sheep (cf. Ps. 23:1-4). Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). As we have seen, miracles are signs that point beyond themselves. What does this “sign” of abundant provision (“…and they all ate and were satisfied.” v.17) tell us about who Jesus is, and about what those who trust him to be their Good Shepherd can expect from him?

8. It has been said that our hearts are “idol factories.” Sadly, we often take the good things God has created for us to enjoy and turn them into substitute / counterfeit gods; things to which we look for provision, protection, and guidance. To what extent are you aware of this propensity to create counterfeit gods in your own heart? What are some of the things that can draw your devotion or love? How might we (together) help one another put our idols to death?

9. Where in life right now are you in faith that God will provide for you?

10. What would it look like to confidently believe that God is an abundant provider?

11. How can this group be an encouragement to you as you wait on the Lord to provide?

12. Where in life right now do you sense God calling you to step out in dependence on him?

13. How can this group be an encouragement to you as you consider taking a spiritual risk?

Prayer