God wants us to be religious, right? Wrong. The Story of Jesus isn’t about following a list of religious rules. The Story of Jesus is the story of true love and freedom.
Main points:
[00:45] God doesn’t want us to follow a religion. He wants us to know his love.
[01:42] Religion is trying to give God what we think he wants from us so he will give us what we think we want from him.
[04:32] Jesus was constantly accused of not being religious enough.
[05:08] The new life Jesus offers is marked by joy and celebration.
[07:02] Old religion can’t contain the new life Jesus gives.
[10:13] Jesus doesn’t care about our made up lists of rules, he cares about the needs of real people.
[12:44] Religion prioritizes rules over people. Jesus prioritizes people over everything else.
[13:38] If our attempts to make God happy keep us from loving people, God isn’t going to be happy.
[17:38] When you know Jesus’ love, what you want to do is love like Jesus.
[19:40] The Story of Jesus is the story of true love and freedom.
Invitation:
Read: Matt 11:28-30 and Gal 5:6b
Pray: Jesus, thank you for accepting and loving me. Teach me to follow you and you only.
Ask, “What does Jesus’ love look like right now?”
Discussion questions:
1. What comes to mind when you think of “religion?” How does that compare to your understanding of what God wants for us?
2. Jon said, “Old religion can’t contain the new life Jesus gives.” How can we differentiate between following Jesus and adhering to religious rules? What are some practical examples of how following Jesus might look different from religious adherence in your life?
3. Read Matthew 11:28-30 and Galatians 5:6b. What stands out to you? How can these passages influence how we think about what God wants for us?
4. The story of Jesus is the story of true love and freedom. How can this perspective influence your relationship with God and others? How could it influence the way you talk about Jesus with others?
5. How can your group pray with you this week?
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SHOW NOTES
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