Session 1: Zoom Lens

Big Idea

Jesus focused on people one at a time.

Discussion

• TIME magazine ranked the most influential people in history. Spoiler alert: Jesus was number one. As a group, can you guess anyone else in the top ten? You can divide into two teams or work together to guess the list.(time.com/2013/12/10/whos-biggest-the-100-most-significant-figures-in-history/).

• The term influencer has been added to our vocabulary because of social media. Influencers not only have a following on their social accounts but make a living through ads and sponsorships. Whether you’re on social media or not, all of us have influencers in our lives. Think of some of the everyday influencers who shape your decisions and share with your group.

• Jesus had influence without Instagram. Through His personal zoom lens, He focused on people one at a time. Open up Luke 8 together. Come back together to discuss what you learned and be open to any other key observational details from the stories in Luke 8. Don’t feel pressured to answer questions that come up; rather, discuss possibilities.

1. With whom and how did Jesus use the one at a time zoom-lens to influence people?

2. What expectations do you think most of the people who followed Jesus had?

3. What questions come up when you read through the story?

• Zoom lenses like the ones on the Tower Optical Co.’s binoculars or on your phone’s camera give us the ability to focus on something in the midst of a vast landscape. Have you ever had a zoom-lens moment, where you focused on something specific in the middle of a larger situation or group of people?

It may seem like Jesus was the only one with the ability to have a one at a time-zoom lens, but He actually passed on that power to us through the Holy Spirit. Here is a practical prayer to use this week:

Jesus, give me Your eyes for the one and help me to see people the way You see people. Amen.