Questions for Individuals/Connect Groups:

• This week we discuss the scripture in Luke 18: 35- 43. It is a story about a blind man at the gates of Jericho asking Jesus for a miracle. So far in this series we have talked about faith in terms of what God isn’t (the unjust judge) and what God desires for us (the trust of a child). Now we see this blind man who is on the outskirts of the crowd. This story is about a man who has been kicked out of religious circles (because of his blindness) and how Jesus responds to his cries. Read the passage again. What are some initial things that strike you?

• Brad speaks to us about the question Jesus asked. He states Jesus is asking if the man wants God’s best offer. How does your perspective change when we understand the context of this question? Think about your life. When has there been a situation where you have had to struggle with an outcome? Think of a time when you have wondered if God’s best is something you want. How did it work out for you?

• Let’s reread the scripture, but this time focus on verses 38 and 39. This time we are going to read it in a different translation (the Message). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A+35-+43&version=MSG What is the man doing from verse 38 to verse 39? What does he change? (Hint: he gets all the louder). There is actually a different word used in the original language here. The second shout is a word they used for screaming “an ungovernable emotion, a scream, an almost animal cry.” What does this tell us about the man? Think back on your life. When have you felt completely desperate? What have your prayers been at that time? How can we understand this man’s call?

• Now let’s look at Jesus. Prior to this, we know Jesus was going through this place as he needed to get to a Passover festival in Jerusalem.  He was teaching as they traveled (as most Jewish teachers did) and he could of kept on moving, but what was his response? Jesus was about his actions matching his words. What huge action did Jesus do; besides give him sight? (Hint: it has to do with question 1 above.) He stopped and validated his cry. How is this depiction of Jesus significant to you? Jesus didn’t keep talking about God’s kingdom, but instead he showed us a picture of God’s kingdom. There are many characters in this story: the blind man, the crowd, those who led, and Jesus. Which character do you most relate to and why? Now spend some time in prayer asking God to show you those who are needing him, and how you are to participate in his kingdom.

Questions for Families:

• This week we learned that God always wants what is best for us. We talked about the example of waiting for things that are hard. What are some things that you have waited for that has been very difficult? 

• In Children’s Church we talked about how plans can change. This can be very difficult for us to accept when we are not in control. Can you think of a time when you had to handle some change you didn’t want? What was your reaction? Ask the adults around you if they have ever had to deal with things they didn’t want? Ask them how they handled the situation? Was it much different from you?

• If we all have times where unexpected things happen and we have to adjust to a different thing, what can we learn from this week’s lesson of trusting God? When is trusting God hard for us? Read the scripture in Luke. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A+35-+43&version=NIV The question Jesus asks the man is about trusting him with God’s plan. What is the blind man’s answer? How can we learn to be more like the blind man? Now say a prayer with your family and ask God to help you trust him when things don’t go your way. When this happens, be sure to talk about it again and talk how God is teaching us.