With Us: Who is This Jesus?
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Also remember that other resources for personal spiritual growth can be found at christcitydc.org/resources.
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Opening Discussion
Check-in
Icebreaker: Tell us about a time someone turned out to be nothing like you expected, in a good way.
In groups of 3–4, or all together, each person shares:
How you’re carrying this week, in a word or a sentence
A high and a low from the past week
One way the group can pray for you
Digging Deeper
As you reflect on Sunday's sermon:
What has stayed with you from Sunday’s message?
What comforted or challenged you?
What might the Spirit be prompting you to remember and consider?
The sermon opened with the question, “When was the last time you were amazed?”
What has awakened a sense of wonder in you recently?
How might amazement help us notice God's presence in our everyday lives?
More willing than we imagine. The man with leprosy doesn't question Jesus' ability to heal him, but he does wonder about his willingness (8:2–4).
Have you ever found yourself wondering whether Jesus is willing to draw near to you?
What shapes your understanding of God's willingness?
A welcome wider than we expect. Jesus commends the faith of a Roman centurion, someone who represents the occupying power (8:5–13).
What does this encounter reveal about the kingdom of God?
Who might we have difficulty imagining at the table, and what assumptions might Jesus be challenging in us?
His way calls us closer.
Where is a desire for a certain future or “one week more” showing up? What helps you stay present?
What do you want to release to Jesus so you can come closer to him?
With us in the storm. The disciples followed Jesus into the boat, and the storm came anyway (8:23–27).
How does this challenge our expectations of what it means to follow Jesus?
What difference does it make to believe that Jesus is with us even when our circumstances don't change?
The sermon distinguished between storms around us and storms within us.
Without feeling pressure to share more than you're comfortable with, where do you find yourself needing to experience the nearness of Jesus right now?
What might it look like for your community to accompany you?
The sermon ended with an invitation: “Be willing. Widen the table. Get in the boat with someone.”
Which of these invitations resonates most with you right now?
What is one concrete way you could respond this week?
Prayer
Praying for one another regularly is an essential part of small groups. Depending on the size of your group, break up into smaller groups/pairs to pray or stay in one group and take turns praying over requests named.
Community Updates
Ministry Team Sign-ups
Ministry Teams are a meaningful part of serving at Christ City Church. With a return to in-person worship services, having additional volunteers serving on Ministry Teams is essential. Those interested in serving can find information about teams and express interest in one or more of the teams by following this link: go.christcitydc.org/volunteer.
Miner PTO
In one of our longest standing partnerships, Christ City is continuing to work with Miner Elementary to provide childcare during their monthly PTO meetings. This allows Miner parents to attend and be engaged at the school and in their child’s education.
We’re hoping small groups can mobilize to provide childcare from 5:45–7:30pm. Christ City will provide craft materials and pizza! Once you choose a week with your group, sign up at christcitydc.org/minerpto. The next one will be next Wednesday, 11/18.
Center Down Prayer Day
Join us on Saturday, December 5, from 9am to 1pm, at the church office for Center Down Prayer Day, a quiet, unhurried morning with room to breathe. Come as you are, whether life has felt full, stretched thin, or uncertain, and make space for God to meet you there.
You're welcome to join group spiritual direction, try a guided prayer practice, pray with someone else, or spend time praying on your own, with no pressure to participate in any particular way. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided, and no prior experience is needed. You can register and find more info at christcitydc.org/centerdown.