For Generations: Just Say Yes

Jesus’ invitations always lead to something better.

Discussion Questions

Start Talking 

• Think of a time someone gave you really direct advice or a hard "no" that turned out to be exactly right. What made you actually listen instead of walking away?
• If you're honest, when someone points out something specific you need to change, is your first instinct to lean in or to get defensive?

Read This

• Read Luke 18:18-30
  • Mark's account adds that "Jesus looked at him and loved him" right before giving the hard instruction. Why does it matter that this request comes from love, not judgment?
  • Jesus doesn't tell the man to be more devoted in general — He names one specific thing: sell what you have, give it to the poor, follow me. Why do you think Jesus gets that specific instead of speaking in general terms?
  • The man walks away sad — not angry, not defiant. What does his sadness tell you about what was actually happening inside him at that moment?
  • Jesus doesn't chase him down, negotiate, or soften the ask. He lets him walk away. What does that tell you about how Jesus treats invitations — and how seriously He takes our freedom to say no?
  • Peter points out that the disciples already gave up everything to follow Jesus (v. 28). Look closely at Jesus' answer in verses 29–30 — what does He actually promise in return, and on what timeline?

What Now

• The man in this story heard exactly what it would cost him — and walked away sad rather than saying yes. Jesus doesn't chase him down or negotiate. If Jesus were that direct with you about something specific right now, what would make it hard to say yes?
• Where in your life is fear of loss currently outweighing trust in what Jesus says is on the other side?
• As a group, how can we help each other actually notice when we're quietly walking away sad from something Jesus is asking of us, rather than naming it and working through it together?

When Jesus invites us to something—let’s say yes.

Additional Series Resources

For Generations Website

Song: Better Hands by Pat Barrett

For Generations: Give A Little Bit

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Discussion Questions

Start Talking 

• When have you been content with something until you saw what someone else had?
• What's something you've been given, like a skill, a person, or an opportunity, that you didn't earn but would hate to be without?

Read This

• Read Luke 21:1-4 and Mark 12:41-44
  • Jesus sits down and watches people give. What does it tell you that He notices this, and that He notices her?
  • Jesus says she gave "more than all the rest." What words does He use to explain why? 
    • What's the difference between what the others gave and what she gave?
  • Mark adds that she gave "everything she had to live on." What does that extra detail add to the picture?
  • The passage never says the widow compared herself to anyone, and she could easily have felt her two coins were pointless. What do you think made it possible for her to give anyway?
  • Jesus doesn't criticize the wealthy givers. He simply points out the difference. What do you think He wants His disciples to take from this?
  • Someone could read this and think, "I have too little for it to matter," and someone else, "I have too much for this to apply to me." How does this story speak to both?

What Now

• Where do you notice comparison pulling you away from being faithful with what you've been given, whether money, time, or ability?
• What's one specific step of faithfulness you could take this week with something God has given you? 
  • How can this group help you follow through?

Be faithful with what God has given you.

Additional Series Resources

For Generations Website

Song: Take My Life 

For Generations: In God We Trust

We are all managing money that God has entrusted to us. 

Discussion Questions

Start Talking 

• Imagine someone trusted you with their house or car for a year. How would you treat it differently from your own?
• Jesus says no one can serve two masters. When have you tried to answer two demands pulling in opposite directions, and how did it go?

Read This

• Read Luke 16:1-13
  • In verses 1-2, the manager is accused of wasting "his possessions," meaning the rich man's. What does that tell us about whose money this is, and what do you think "give an account" would feel like to hear?
  • In verses 3-7, the manager is about to lose his job and acts fast. What is he doing with his master's money, and what is he thinking about?
  • In verse 8, the master commends him, but not for honesty. What exactly is being praised, and what does verse 9 say Jesus wants His followers to do with worldly wealth?
  • Verses 10-12 say how we handle small things shows whether we can be trusted with more. Why might money be such a revealing test of character?
  • In verse 13, Jesus uses the language of masters, devotion, and contempt. Most of the time money seems like a tool. What makes Jesus say it can become a master?
  • What do people tend to look to money for, and what does it seem to promise? 
    • What would Jesus say it can't deliver?

What Now

• Josh Bayne offered three mindsets: Everything I have is from God. It's His job to protect it, not mine. My resources are available to others. Which one would change your everyday money decisions the most, and what makes it hard to believe?
• What's one small step this week to put that mindset into practice, such as a prayer of thanks, giving something away, or writing the three mindsets where you'll see them? 
  • Share it so the group can check in next week.

If you’re good at making money, use that money for eternal things. 

Additional Series Resources

For Generations Website

Song: All I Have Is Yours by Sojourn Music