6.19.22 Huddle
Intro Question:
- What is a favorite memory you have of your dad, or a father-figure in your life?
Lesson Intro:
Pastor Bret ended our series on hope by looking at how trees and fruit can paint a picture of grace, truth, and time that will help bring healing. This teaching comes from a parable that Jesus told about a fig tree.
Read and Discuss:
Luke 13:6-9 NASB
6 And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
- What would the original Jewish audience thought of this parable?
- Why was the man upset about his fig tree, and what did he want to do about it?
- How did the vineyard-keeper respond to the man, and what was his solution?
- In what ways did the vineyard-keeper show grace to the fig tree?
- How would you define grace?
- How have you experienced grace in your own life?
- The vineyard-keeper wanted to dig around the tree to find the root of the issue. Why is it important that we have people in our life who will dig through the mess to help us grow in our relationship with Jesus?
- What are some ways God digs around in our life?
- When it comes to change in our own life, what is difficult about change, especially when it’s a character flaw or something we need to work on?
Challenge Question
- What is something in your life that you would like to change because it is hindering your relationship with God and others? (This question may need to be answered with one or two trusted followers of Christ and not a group setting)
Memory Verse:
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace.
Romans 6:14
Closing Prayer:
Ask the Lord to show you those areas that are blindspots in your life. Areas that aren’t bearing fruit and need some extra work. Ask the Lord to give you boldness to confide in some people this week about those struggles and that you would take the time to work on those things in the context of Christian community. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness and for setting the example of how we should live.