1.How Jesus Sends Us

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." (John 20:21)

2.How this impacts what we do at Creekside

For further thought and discussion:
Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2. Think of a time you sacrificed personal comfort or ambition for a greater mission or purpose. What did you sacrifice? Why did you think it was worth it?
Going Deeper
3. What does Jesus pray in John 17:20-21 (see also John 20:21-22)? What does Jesus mean when he says, “as the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you”? What is Jesus’ mission (see Mark 1:15; 10:45; Luke 4:18-19; 19:10; compare Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). We can view Christ’s mission through both a wide-angle lens and through a zoom lens; what does this mean? What happens when we only view Christ’s mission (and ours) through a wide-angle lens? What happens when we only view it through a zoom lens? Why our both lenses necessary?
4. Read Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:14, and 1 Peter 2:9. According to these verses, why did God save us? How does this change the way we view identity? How does it transform the way we view the mission?
Application
5. Jeff spoke of two mind-shifts we need to experience if we are to participate in God’s mission. Which of these was most challenging to you? Why?
6. Jeff mentioned three spheres in which we participate in God’s mission; we should look for opportunities in our neighborhood; in our relational network; and we should seek to meet practical needs. Which of these stood out to you? Which of these areas would you like to focus on?
7. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?

For Further Thought and Discussion
Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2. How would you complete this sentence? “I will be satisfied when….”

Going Deeper
3. Please read Luke 2:21-38. How would you describe Simeon? Anna? What does vs. 29-30 tell you about Simeon?

4. How do Simeon and Anna exemplify the truth that fulfillment is the result of wanting the right thing? Can you identify anything you’ve looked for fulfillment from which has disappointed you? Why?

5. Why are Mary and Joseph amazed (vs. 32) at what Simeon says about Jesus? How is Simeon’s message different from what the Jews expected of the Messiah? (vs. 30-35). How do Simeon and Anna exemplify the truth that fulfillment is the result of embracing temporary discomfort for an eternal reward? How does Mary? Can you think of an example of when temporary discomfort led to satisfaction?

6. How do Simeon and Anna exemplify the truth that fulfillment is the result of believing before seeing? Why does true fulfillment require faith? What are you currently waiting for God to do?

Application
What is one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?