Luke 7

Session 6: The Power of And

Big Idea

Jesus lived out compassion by always having an action that succeeds the emotion.

Discussion

• Some research suggests there are as many as 34,000 different emotions. Today, let’s kick off group time with an emotional check-in. List the following six emotions for the group to choose from: Excited, Frustrated, Tired, Happy, Sad, Hopeful. Have each emotion (or coordinating emoji) printed out individually in front of the group. Have each member start by saying, “I am checking in (emotion),” and then giving their explanation.

• One thing that was awesome about Jesus was that emotions were part of His life here on earth. One emotion that seems to come up more than any other was compassion. How do we usually define compassion?

• In which situations do we struggle to have compassion for others?

• Jesus lived out compassion by always having an action right after having the emotion.

Open up Luke 7:11-16 together.

Discuss the following questions with your group as you read through the text. If your group is larger, consider breaking into smaller groups.

1. Jesus showed compassion in three different expressions in this story. Identify the following moments from the verses: He saw, He felt, He acted.

2. Jesus gave us an encompassing view of compassion with these three expressions. How does compassion become incomplete without one or more of these elements?

How did Jesus go from having no earthly connection with this widow to having such a deep sense of compassion for her that it moved Him into action?

• Jesus-like compassion breaks your heart, but it also moves your muscles. Living a life of impact and influence one at a time means that we will always 3hlook for the And. This is our prayer this week:

Jesus, may we show others a complete view of compassion where we see, feel, and act because of Your compassion toward us first. Amen.

Ask group members to share in the group text any experiences they have with the work God does in their lives through these prayers.