Scripture: Luke 6:1-16
Main Themes: Sabbath, Mercy, Offense, Compassion, Justice
Discussion Questions:
1. Expectations of Worship & Preaching
• In the sermon, Pastor Mark shared a story about someone who was disappointed in a sermon, only for the preacher to ask, “What did you bring to it?” What do you expect from a sermon each week? How do your expectations shape what you take away from worship?
• Jesus often offended his audience, even angering religious leaders. Why do you think that is? Have you ever heard a sermon or teaching that challenged you in a way that was uncomfortable? What did you do with that discomfort?
2. The Meaning of Sabbath
• Walter Brueggemann describes Sabbath as “withdrawal from the anxiety system of Pharaoh.” How does this understanding shift the way you think about Sabbath?
• What are some ways you currently practice Sabbath (rest, worship, work stoppage)? Are there ways you could more fully embrace the spirit of Sabbath in your life?
3. Mercy as Offense
• Jesus states, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” What do you think he meant? How does mercy shape your understanding of justice?
• Can you think of a time when showing mercy felt countercultural or even offensive to those around you? How did you respond?
4. God’s Mercy & Our Response
• Richard Rohr writes, “Every time God forgives us, God is saying that God’s own rules do not matter as much as the relationship that God wants to create with us.” How does this challenge your view of grace and fairness?
• How does experiencing God’s mercy in your own life help you extend it to others?
5. Applying the Sermon
• Mercy is not always easy. It asks us to let go of fairness and step into grace. Who in your life is in need of mercy right now? What might it look like to extend it?
• How can we, as a church, become a community known for radical mercy, even when it is uncomfortable?
