Follow the Money

February 19, 2023

Studies show that money is behind ninety percent of the crimes committed in the United States. Perhaps that is why the first law of detective work is to “follow the money.” For good or for evil, money is one of the strongest motivators known to man. Jesus certainly believed this to be the case. Perhaps that is why He talked more about money than about heaven and hell combined. Join us for part six of Tipping Point, where Jesus points to the dangers of greed and the power of generosity.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Luke 20:45 – 21:4

Principle

Your __________ will follow your __________.

Tipping Point

Practice prioritized, percentage-based, progressive generosity.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our Deacon ordination and Annual Chili Cook-off will be on Sunday, February 26, at 5 p.m.

Discuss your group’s plan to host a Jesus in the Passover meal during Lent (Feb. 22 – April 8). A training session will be offered on Wednesday night, February 22, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the MFC for those who volunteer to host and/or lead the event for your group.

HANGOUT

Have you ever been disappointed because you failed to get something you wanted, only to discover later that you were glad things didn’t go your way?

HEAR

Read Luke 8:26-39

What was Legion’s condition prior to meeting Jesus? Do you believe people can be possessed by demons today? Why or why not?
What was the man’s condition after his encounter with Jesus? What did he ask of Jesus? Did Jesus grant his request? Why did Jesus respond this way?
Have you had a life-altering encounter with Jesus? How has that experience presented you with opportunities to tell others about Jesus?

Read Luke 8:40-48

How old was Jairus’s daughter? How urgent was her condition?
Who interrupted Jesus’ trip to heal Jairus’s daughter? How long had this woman been suffering?
If you had been Jairus, how would you have felt during this interruption?
Why did Jesus allow Himself to be interrupted if the woman would have been healed anyway?
Have you ever felt like the woman secretly grasping for the hem of Jesus’ garment?

Read Luke 8:49-56

What was the immediate result of Jesus’ delay in going to Jairus’s daughter? Can you think of any other time when Jesus delayed in responding to someone’s request for a sick relative?
Have you ever felt like God was late responding to you and your needs? What was the consequence of His delay?
Have you ever been (or are you now) disappointed with God?
What did Jesus say to Jairus when the crowd told him that his daughter was dead? How might His words to Jairus also speak to your situation?

HUDDLE

People are often afraid to express or share their disappointment with God. This can result in disappointment becoming discouragement and even a loss of faith. Are you wrestling with disappointment with God? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.