Sometimes we can create a division between words and actions regarding love. We can fall into the trap of thinking that action is a superior kind of love to ‘mere talk’. However, we are saved by a message -the gospel- and we are commanded to teach. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” - Teaching people, therefore, is loving to God and one another. In fact, we cannot love if we are not taught what it is and how to do it!
Readings and reflections
1. After Peter’s denial of Jesus, we overhear this interchange,
“Do you love me” “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
From this text, what activity shows that we love Jesus and people?
2. Love also means being prepared to be Jesus ambassadors to teach those outside of the church.
‘Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)
What two things does Jesus do in the towns and villages?
What did Jesus feel about lost people and why?
What is plentiful and what does this mean?
What is lacking and why do you think this is?
What, according to Jesus’ example, are the workers to do, say and feel?
Let’s pray today for our love
It’s vital that we learn and then do what Jesus’ teaches. Therefore, let’s Pray, asking the Holy Spirit, “How do you want me to love you and show your love today?”
To memorise this week
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
To consider this week
Who are you praying for each day? Who, both inside and outside the church family, are you loving through faithful prayer each day?
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - DISCIPLES ARE LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
When have you felt most loved in the last month and why?
Introduction - please share in your group
On Sunday we saw that a vital aspect of being a disciple of Jesus is that we learn to love like Jesus.
The main text for our message on Sunday, which is also our memory verse, was,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Love is a command, it's not optional for Christians. Love, a word often distorted, is to be defined by how Jesus has loved us. Jesus has loved us by leaving heaven and going to the cross for sinners - Love, therefore, is giving our lives for the good of others, particularly those who don't deserve it.
Love toward our church family (and this community group) is to be marked by sacrifice. Our love for the lost is to be marked by a willingness to serve and share our faith.
Discussion questions
1. Would you like to share anything that struck you or something that God spoke to you about from Sunday's message or the devotionals this week?
2. Please read John 13:34-35 and discuss:
i) In what ways can we practically express the love of Jesus to our church family? (Let's try and list as many as we can).
3) Please read Matthew 9:35-38 and discuss:
i) What did Jesus feel about lost people and why?
ii) What is plentiful and what does this mean?
iii) What is lacking and why do you think this is?
iv) How can we demonstrate Jesus' love to our neighbours and friends outside the church?
Investing and inviting
i) Who has God put into your life that we could pray together for?
ii) How are you planning to 'invest and invite'?
iii) Finally, Who are you planning to invite to our carol service on the 20th?
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