Week of November 24, 2024
Thanksgiving is a season where all people can set aside differences and come together for a meal. But what about every other day? Are we able to see others for who they are and give thanks to God for the gifts he gives? In this text, Jesus highlights how easy it is for us to get caught up in giving thanks for the wrong things. What are some things you are thankful for? Is there anything you’re thankful for that you aren’t? (i.e., I’m thankful I’m not a Bears fan!)
Monday | Luke 2:41-47
Jesus himself came up to the Temple when he was twelve years old. He asked questions and demonstrated his trust in the Father from a young age. People marveled at his faith. How is this a demonstration of what the Church should continue to be today? Why is the faith of children a priority for the church? What are you doing to foster faith in the upcoming generations?
Tuesday | Luke 19:45-48
Jesus took it personally when the Temple was misused. Although people were abusing God’s holy sanctuary, Jesus came to be our perfect, holy sanctuary. Where do you go to pray to God? What role does the church building fulfill in your spiritual journey?
Wednesday | Psalm 51:1-4
Each of us is a sinner. Each of us has done wrong. Each of us can pray with David and confess with the tax collector, “Have mercy on me, O God.” Why do you think confession is so important to our faith? What do you need to be confessing to God? How do you relate with this prayer of David?
Thursday | 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Jesus came for sinners. He made that very clear. Even as we acknowledge that everyone is a sinner, the temptation for us is to see everyone else as a sinner- or at least, a worse sinner. Are you able to say that you are the “chief of sinners”? If not, what makes it so challenging? Why is it essential that each of us is able to confess this?
Friday | Romans 3:21-26
God has given Jesus to cover over our sins- to be the propitiation, the source of mercy. Jesus has made the payment for us and therefore has qualified us to a place of honor and grace in his family. You are justified in Jesus’ name. Why is justification by grace through faith alone such a big deal? How does it change your outlook on yourself, others, and God?
