The Way of Jesus.

Week 20 - Jesus and Rest

This Week: Trivia - Thursday night, invite friends and make a team!

Begin by getting one person to open in prayer. (It may be helpful to nominate someone to avoid the zoom lag). Use this time to quiet your hearts before God and to invite the Spirit to be opening eyes and ears to hear his voice. 

You can read these verses before you pray

“‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:3


“The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” 

Isaiah 50:4



PRIMARY TEXT:

MATTHEW 11:28-30


28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Discussion

Read Matthew 11:28-30 through twice (maybe in different versions) 

  1. What do you think are the possible causes of weariness and burden that Jesus is referring to?

  2. During lockdown, awareness of the state of our hearts, or stress, weariness, sadness and well-being can be a lot tricker. Spend 5 minutes going through this well-being self assessment. (individually with cameras off)
    You won’t have to share your answers or your score with anyone.

    As you go through notice your response to the questions. Try and fill it in without feelings of judgement. Well-being and assessment tool



  3. Come back together

  4. Was there anything that surprised you or that you noticed when filling out the questions?

  5. In the past, what level or depth of weariness/stress/burden do you have to get to before you find yourself coming to Jesus for help?

  6. Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and 4:16-18. What is the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus when dealing with disappointment and stress?


    Pray

  7. Spend some time sharing and praying in smaller groups. What would it look like for you to practice resting in Jesus this week?

“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on him who has all things safely in his hands.” - Elisabeth Elliot