The Controversial Jesus

December 15, 2024 | Josh Bayne


"I didn't go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of [wine] would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don't recommend Christianity."-C.S. Lewis

Discussion Questions

Start Talking 

  • Do you have someone in your life who is anti-God or anti-Christianity?

    • What is your relationship with them like?

  • Have you ever felt rejected or misunderstood because of your faith? 

    • How did you handle it?

  • How do we navigate relationships with those who don’t share our faith, especially when there seems to be tension or hostility? 

    • How can we balance holding firm to our beliefs while showing love and compassion?

  • In what ways do you see Jesus and Christianity still being controversial in modern society?

Read This

  • Read Luke 2:25-35

    • What is the significance of Simeon’s statement that Jesus will cause "the falling and rising of many" (Luke 2:34)? 

      • How does this apply to our own experiences or relationships with others who may oppose or misunderstand our faith?

    • Simeon’s blessing includes a prophecy that Mary’s soul would be "pierced by a sword." What did this mean for Mary? 

      • How does this relate to the challenges we might face when following Jesus?

    • Simeon says that Jesus will reveal the thoughts of many hearts (Luke 2:35). How does Jesus reveal what is truly in our hearts, both for those who accept Him and those who reject Him?

      • In what ways can we respond when others are hostile or indifferent to our faith in Christ? 

      • How does this passage challenge our understanding of evangelism or personal relationships?

  • Read John 3:19

    • John 3:19 says that "people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." How do you interpret this in the context of your relationships with people who don’t believe in Jesus?

    • How can we shine as lights in a world that often rejects the truth of Christ, and how do we trust that God will work in the lives of those who are still in darkness?

What Now

  • Do you think that Christians today face similar opposition as Jesus did? 

    • How might this understanding help us prepare for conflict or rejection because of our faith?

  • How can prayer help reduce anxiety when we face relational tension due to our faith?

  • How can we trust God more deeply in our relationships with people who are not open to the gospel?

  • What are some ways we can remain faithful to Jesus in a culture that might be increasingly indifferent or hostile to Christianity?

  • What are some practical ways to stay true to our faith without being overly anxious or defensive when others oppose or misunderstand us?

  • Reflect on the statement by Tim Keller, "If you live like Jesus, there won’t be room for you in a lot of inns." How does this challenge us to live with integrity and boldness, even when we know it may lead to rejection?

  • What does it look like for us to "make room" for Christ in our own hearts and lives during the Christmas season?

Jesus reveals how people feel about God.

Additional Series Resources

Bible Reading Plan

Song: Above All by Michael W. Smith

Video: One Solitary Life by Dr. James Allen Francis

Book: Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller