1. Knowing our value to God quiets the voice of fear.

The fears of life won’t matter as much when we understand how much we matter to God.

2. Our value is determined by the price Jesus paid.

6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins (Greek two assaria - Roman coins equal to 116 of a denarius)? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

3. God will not forget about me and nothing will separate me from his love.

Have each person share a high and low from this past week.

Don’t be afraid. You are more valuable to God than you think. Knowing our value to God quiets the voice of fear.

What is your most valued possession? What is God’s most valued possession?

Choose one or two questions for your group to discuss as time allows.

- Share a story of a time when God came through in a surprising way and met a need unexpectedly.

- Together, make a list of areas or situations people need to hear, “Don’t be afraid!” in our world today.

- Pastor Matt said, “How we deal with the hand we’re dealt is what really matters.” What are some typical ways to “deal with your hand”?

- Read Luke 6:6-11. What was fueling the “rage” response of the religious leaders? What was the purpose of Jesus sharing this story?

- Read Romans 8:37-39. What could the knowledge that nothing can separate us from God’s love give us? Why is it so hard to truly incorporate in our lives?

Spend 1-2 minutes in silence with these questions then share your thoughts.

Jesus wants to deal with our deformed or withered hands. They can represent the mess, issues, insecurities, fears, worries, anxieties, doubts, shame, pain, and/or regrets that we face in life.

What is the “hand” Jesus is asking you to hold out?

What might Jesus be saying to you as you hold your “hand” before him?

Thank God for this new small group season and pray he will lead us to engage his Word in our lives as we connect with each other.