Discussion Questions:

1. Waiting, Fear, and the Golden Calf:

• The Israelites became anxious when Moses delayed coming down from the mountain. Why do you think uncertainty and waiting can make people turn toward false comforts or quick solutions?
• What “golden calves” do people today sometimes rely on for security, certainty, or control?

2. God’s Mercy and Anger:

• The sermon explores the ancient rabbinic question: “Does God pray?” and suggests that God prays for mercy to outweigh anger. What do you think about this image of God?
• How does this passage challenge or deepen your understanding of God’s character?

3. Freedom and Love:

• The sermon suggests that God gives humanity freedom because love cannot be forced or coerced. How do you respond to that idea?
• In what ways have you experienced both the beauty and difficulty of human freedom?

4. Arguing with God:

• Moses disputes with God and reminds God of compassion and mercy. The sermon suggests that arguing with God can actually be an act of faith. How does that idea sit with you?
• Have you ever wrestled honestly with God through anger, doubt, grief, or disappointment? What did that experience teach you?

5. Partnership with God:

• The sermon claims that “God chooses not to be God without us.” What do you think this means?
• How might this understanding change the way we think about prayer, justice, compassion, or responsibility in the world?

6. Applying the Sermon:

• The sermon challenges the idea that “God will fix everything” while we remain passive. Where do you feel called to participate more actively in God’s work of healing and compassion?
• This week, how can you practice loving God and loving others in ways that reflect the mercy and compassion described in the sermon?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Seeing the Signs

• John’s Gospel refers to miracles as signs. What do you think is the difference between a sign and a miracle?
• How does viewing healing as a gift, rather than something we earn, change how you think about suffering and God’s presence?

2. Faith, Intercession, and Advocacy

• In this story, the father pleads with Jesus on behalf of his son. Have you ever advocated or prayed for someone else’s healing or well-being? What was that experience like?
• How does this story encourage us to be advocates for others—in prayer, in our community, and in the world?

3. God Chooses Partnership

• Pastor Mark highlighted that “God chooses not to be God without us.” What does that mean to you?
• How might viewing ourselves as “co-workers with God” influence how we live out our faith day to day?

4. Holy Trouble and Speaking the Truth

• The sermon confronts the misuse of Christianity in public life and challenges us to discern what truly reflects the Jesus of the Gospels. When have you felt called to speak the truth in love? What made that easy or difficult?
• What does “holy trouble” mean in today’s world? Where do you see the need for compassionate disruption?

5. Living as Beloved Children of God

• Pastor Mark says, “We are all sons, daughters, children of God—even Caesar.” What does this statement ask of us in how we treat others, especially those we disagree with?
• How does being God’s beloved help you face injustice, division, or brokenness in the world?

6. Applying the Sermon

• What specific action can you take this week to live as a co-worker with God for healing and justice?
• How can our church community continue to build up a beloved community in this time and place?

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Discussion Questions

1. Humor and Scripture

• Pastor Mark suggests that parts of the Bible are meant to be humorous, and that we often miss the joke because we don’t expect it.
  • Have you ever encountered humor in Scripture before? If so, where?
  • How might humor open us up to deeper spiritual truths or catch us off guard in a helpful way?
  • Why do you think it’s important that we approach the Bible with curiosity and openness to unexpected interpretations?

2. Deception, Identity, and Family Dynamics

• In this story, Jacob deceives his father Isaac with help from his mother Rebekah, disrupting birthright norms.
  • What emotions or reactions do you have to this act of deception?
  • Have you ever felt like you had to “prove” yourself to receive something you already deserved or hoped for?
  • How do family dynamics—favorites, rivalry, expectations—shape our understanding of identity and worth?

3. Striving vs. Receiving

• Pastor Mark suggests that Jacob’s mistake—and often ours—is fighting for something already given.
  • What are the “rabbits” you feel you’re chasing in your life?
  • What would it look like to live from a place of already being blessed, instead of always striving?
  • How does the idea of grace challenge the belief that we must “earn” God’s love or success?

4. The Ladder and God’s Presence

• Jacob dreams of a ladder with angels ascending and descending—yet it is God who comes down and stands beside him.
  • What does it mean to you that God comes down the ladder to meet Jacob where he is?
  • Have you ever had a moment where you realized God was present in a place you hadn’t expected?
  • How might we begin to trust that God is already with us, not just waiting at the top of the ladder?

5. Blessing and Becoming a Blessing

• God tells Jacob: not only are you blessed, but you will be a blessing to others.
  • What’s the difference between receiving a blessing and being a blessing?
  • How do you see yourself living as a blessing in your community, family, or workplace?
  • What unique gifts might God be calling you to share right now?

6. Applying the Sermon

• Pastor Mark uses humor, storytelling, and a Fred Craddock parable to challenge how we see ourselves and our spiritual journeys.
  • What part of the sermon surprised you, challenged you, or made you laugh?
  • What is one thing you will carry with you this week from this sermon?
  • How can we, as a church, encourage one another to stop chasing the “not-real rabbits” and instead trust the love that already surrounds us?

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