How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the video and read this week's materials
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passage(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest sermon:
background
There is something inside all of us that instinctively pushes back against authority. We desire independence, control, and autonomy. At the same time, we also long for strong leadership. We want someone to guide us, protect us, and fight for us. This ongoing tension is not new. In 1 Samuel 8, Israel asks for a king not just to be like other nations, but because they seek security and direction. Samuel warns them that a human king will ultimately take advantage of them, but they will not listen.
Jesus steps into our longing and reveals a very different kind of king. Unlike earthly rulers who command followers to go and do, Jesus invites us to come. In Matthew 11:28-30, he calls the weary and burdened to come to Him; not to take on more weight, but to find rest for their souls. His invitation is not to religion or performance, but to a relationship. He offers to carry what we cannot: the burden of sin, guilt, and striving. True rest is found not in independence, but in submission to a good king who is gentle and lowly in heart.
Jesus steps into our longing and reveals a very different kind of king. Unlike earthly rulers who command followers to go and do, Jesus invites us to come. In Matthew 11:28-30, he calls the weary and burdened to come to Him; not to take on more weight, but to find rest for their souls. His invitation is not to religion or performance, but to a relationship. He offers to carry what we cannot: the burden of sin, guilt, and striving. True rest is found not in independence, but in submission to a good king who is gentle and lowly in heart.
OPEN
1. What do you enjoy most (or least) about spring cleaning?
REFLECT
2. Read Matthew 11:28-30. Who does Jesus invite to come to him? Why is this significant?
3. Read Matthew 23:4. What are some ways people impose heavy burdens on themselves or others that might influence how they see God? How is Jesus’ yoke different from the burdens described in Matthew 23:4?
4. Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart.” How does this influence the way we should approach him, especially when we feel burdened or inadequate? Why is it difficult for us to let go of our self-imposed burdens?
3. Read Matthew 23:4. What are some ways people impose heavy burdens on themselves or others that might influence how they see God? How is Jesus’ yoke different from the burdens described in Matthew 23:4?
4. Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart.” How does this influence the way we should approach him, especially when we feel burdened or inadequate? Why is it difficult for us to let go of our self-imposed burdens?
APPLY
5. Jesus welcomes everyone who surrenders to his mercy. How has his welcome made a difference in your life? How would you describe your experience to someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
6. Why do you think submission is often seen as restrictive, when Jesus describes it as the path to rest and freedom? What are some ways you remind yourself that true freedom isn’t independence but submission to Christ as King?
7. What are some areas where you are still seeking approval instead of resting in his grace? What would it look like for you this week to actively walk in step with Jesus instead of relying on your own strength?
6. Why do you think submission is often seen as restrictive, when Jesus describes it as the path to rest and freedom? What are some ways you remind yourself that true freedom isn’t independence but submission to Christ as King?
7. What are some areas where you are still seeking approval instead of resting in his grace? What would it look like for you this week to actively walk in step with Jesus instead of relying on your own strength?
RESOURCES
If you are interested in joining a group next semester, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.