Weekly Teaching Reflection

June 21st Reflection

Discussion Questions

1. Growing up, what messages did you receive about what it means to "take sin seriously"? How have those messages shaped the way you relate to people who believe or live differently than you?

2. The teaching contrasted the method of the Pharisees with the method of Jesus. What differences stand out most to you between "holiness by separation" and "holiness by association"?

3. Why do you think sinners, outsiders, and socially rejected people were consistently drawn to Jesus? What does that reveal about His character and ministry?

4. Looking at the framework of covenant love (commitment, presence, advocacy, and direction) which of those comes most naturally to you? Which is most difficult? Why do you think that is?

5. In John 8, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, "Neither do I condemn you" before saying, "Go and leave your life of sin." What do you learn from the order of Jesus' response? How might that challenge the way we often approach people?

6. The message ended with the idea that the church should be "a community of people at all different places in their proximity to Jesus." What would need to change in your own life, group, or our church for that vision to become more visible?