Highlight Reel – Week 2 Discussion Guide
There are 168 hours in each week, and we get to spend ONE of those learning and worshipping together as a community, but we want to give you the tools to carry this into your daily life.
Use the following guide to dive deeper into Ryan’s teaching, and have discussion with those you do life with. You can do that all week in a Growth Group or Mission Team, with your Few, or over in our Digital Community (https://www.facebook.com/groups/OLHendo).
Open:
Have you ever had someone who mentored you well? What was that experience like?
Have you ever had the opportunity to be someone’s mentor? How was the experience?
Exploring the Text:
Read the key passage again:
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV)
Use our Bible study tools to help you unpack this passage more deeply (for more instruction on these questions, check pg. 9-10 in The 167):
- Observe: What does it say?
- Interpret: What does it mean?
- Apply: What am I supposed to do with it?
Exploring the Context:
Ryan noted the Bible is a Text that is FOR you, but it was not initially written TO you. Because Matthew, the author of this text, was himself marginalized, he chose to highlight the way Jesus interacted with the marginalized in his present day. The way Jesus painted the picture of the Kingdom of Heaven was very “upside down” when compared to Kingdoms this audience would have been familiar with.
This sermon, as captured by Matthew, was very likely a compilation of many of Jesus’ teachings throughout his ministry. While these teachings were probably heard by many, it is probable they were pointed more directly at forming, or “mentoring,” his 12 Disciples..almost a “road map” on how to identify and form others.
- Considering their cultural context, what do you think Jesus’ Disciples heard from this sermon?
- What do you think the other people hearing these teachings may have thought?
- Considering our own culture today, what stands out? Are there parts of this Kingdom of Heaven that still feel “upside down” today?
Exploring the Teaching:
- Jesus’ 12 Disciples were directly mentored by him, even when other people may have been around to observe it. What might being “mentored” by Jesus have looked like?
- What impact do you think there would be from your life being formed by Jesus?
- What do you believe your response to being formed by Jesus should be?
- How are your relationships/community affected when you are formed by Jesus?
- What does actively using this “road map” Jesus gave us in the Sermon on the Mount look like today? How can we use this to identify and “form” people in our lives today?
Practical Application:
We need to be formed by Jesus so we can form others to be like him, and this happens inside of authentic, Christ-centered community. We are called to do more than just appreciate the value that comes from community, but to multiply that value to others.
- Using Jesus’ “road map,” how can you identify someone who may be marginalized in your life?
- How can you create a space for that person(s) to experience the value provided by authentic, Christ-centered community?
- In what ways will you help create spaces for those in your life to have a place to belong, learn, and live out their Made For This?
Challenge:
Take one small step toward being that “mentor” in someone else’s lives. Invest in one of their biggest “highlight reel” moments coming up.
While you’re at it, snap a photo of one of their highlights. Maybe you can share it with others, maybe you can just share it with them. Just take a moment to acknowledge the highlight.