Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Context:

Jesus tells this parable in response to the Pharisees and scribes who grumble that He welcomes sinners and eats with them. It is one of three parables about lost things—a lost sheep, a lost coin, and now a lost son—each ending with a celebration of what was found. The story is often called “The Prodigal Son”, but a more fitting title might be “A Man Had Two Sons.” Both sons misunderstand their father, one by running away and squandering his inheritance, the other by staying and resenting his father’s grace. The father, however, pours out his love on both, upending expectations and demonstrating the radical nature of God’s mercy.

Icebreaker:

Have you ever received an unexpected second chance at something? How did it change your perspective?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 15:11-32 aloud.

What does the younger son’s request reveal about his heart? In what ways do we sometimes seek freedom without responsibility or blessings without relationship? Have you experienced a “far country” moment in your life, a time when you ran from God?

“While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him." What is shocking about the father’s response? What is the most challenging thing for you as you read this response? What is the greatest blessing for you as you think about your own “prodigal” moments?

How does the older son’s reaction contrast with the father’s? In what ways do we sometimes act like the older son—resenting grace given to others?

Jesus leaves the parable open-ended. What do you think happened next? How would you finish the story in your own life? What would joining the father’s party look like to rejoice in God’s grace for all?

Close with prayer, asking for strength to “stay close” and not wander to a distant land, and mercy when God extends grace to others after they’ve wandered.

Context:

Isaiah 55:1-17 is a beautiful invitation from God, offering abundant life to His people—not based on their effort or merit but purely out of His grace. This passage comes at the end of a section that speaks to the exiled Israelites, assuring them that God has not forgotten them. It builds on the theme of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53:1-12, who bears the sins of the people.

Icebreaker:

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? What made it so special—was it the food, the company, or the occasion?

After the icebreaker, read Isaiah 55:1-9 aloud.

How do you see people today (or yourself) spending resources on things that don’t truly satisfy? What are some examples of “spending money on what is not bread”? Jesus also uses meal imagery (e.g., the Lord’s Supper, “I am the bread of life”). How do you see this connecting to communion and what Jesus promises in that sacrament?

Isaiah 55:5 speaks of nations being drawn to the Lord. What does this say about the scope of God's salvation? How does this shape our view of outreach and evangelism?

What does “seek the Lord while He may be found” mean? How do we actively do this in our daily lives? What gets in the way of our “seeking”?

In Isaiah 55:8-9, we see a shift to discussing God’s thoughts and ways. When have you struggled to understand God’s plans or timing? (In this discussion, try not to justify or defend God but listen to those sharing.) How does trusting that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours bring comfort, especially in times of uncertainty? Looking back, where have you seen things work out?

Close with prayer requests. Consider ending with this prayer: “Lord, You invite us to come and feast on Your grace, to receive freely what we could never earn. Thank You for Your faithfulness, even when we turn away. Help us seek You while You may be found, and trust that Your ways are higher than ours. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Context:

This passage takes place during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately be crucified. Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him, but Jesus remains undeterred. Jesus laments over Jerusalem, the city that has repeatedly rejected God's messengers, expressing His deep desire to gather its people under His protection like a mother hen with her chicks. However, they have refused His invitation, leading to their spiritual desolation. Jesus’ words foreshadow both His coming rejection and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Icebreaker:

What is something that you have been determined to do, even when others tried to talk you out of it? How did it go?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 13:31-35 aloud.

When the Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod, He refuses to be intimidated (vv. 31-33). He is determined to follow the will of the Father because He knows how the story ends. How does Jesus’ courage challenge us in our faith journey? What fears hold us back from following fully? (e.g., I’ll serve as an usher, but I would never consider going on a mission trip because that’s outside of my comfort zone; I may give $20 a week, but out of fear, I can’t think of giving 10% of my income because that’s too much)

Jesus compares Himself to a hen longing to gather her chicks (v. 34). What does this maternal imagery tell us about His heart for His people? Why do you think the people of Jerusalem rejected Jesus’ invitation to be gathered under His care (perhaps a helpful comparison: why do so many unhoused people not want to live in a homeless shelter)? In what ways do people today reject or resist Jesus’ invitation to receive His love and protection?

Jesus was willing to suffer for the sake of those who rejected Him. How does this shape our understanding of what it means to be “poured out” in love for others? Who in your life needs to experience Christ’s love, even if they have resisted it? How can you demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and perseverance toward them?

Close with prayer, naming people you want to see “gathered under Jesus’ wings.”

Context:

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness follows His baptism, where He was publicly affirmed as the Son of God. Immediately, the Spirit leads Him into the wilderness for forty days, paralleling Israel’s forty years of wandering. Unlike Adam, who succumbed to temptation, and Israel, who failed in the wilderness, Jesus remains faithful. The devil challenges His identity and mission, offering Him shortcuts to power, provision, and glory. Yet, Jesus overcomes by relying on God’s Word.

Icebreaker:

What is one food, habit, or distraction that you find hard to resist? Why is it so tempting?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 4:1-13 aloud.

The devil tempts Jesus with three things:

• physical satisfaction (bread),
• power (authority over kingdoms), and
• spectacle (jumping from the temple).

Each time Jesus is tempted, He responds with Scripture. What does this teach us about the role of God’s Word in overcoming temptation? Have you ever experienced a time when recalling Scripture helped you resist a temptation or endure a trial?

These temptations offered Jesus a way to claim His kingship without the cross. Why is suffering often part of God’s plan for our growth? How can we shift our perspective to see trials and temptations as opportunities to grow in faith rather than obstacles? In what ways do we sometimes seek shortcuts to God's promises rather than trusting His timing and plan?

What small next steps do you need to take in combatting your temptation, knowing that God is on your side? How can your Life Group/other Christians help?

Close with prayer, inviting everyone to pray for strength in their areas of temptation, asking God to pour out His grace and help them remain faithful, just as Jesus was. Close our prayer time by remembering God’s promise from Deuteronomy 31:8 -  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Context:

This passage is known as the “Transfiguration of Jesus,” a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. It occurs after Jesus predicts his persecution and follows Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ. The Transfiguration is a foretaste of the glory in the Kingdom of God. It also deepens the understanding of Jesus' identity as God’s Son, the Chosen One.

Icebreaker:

What’s the most awe-inspiring or 'mountaintop' moment you’ve experienced, physically or spiritually?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 9:28-36.

What stands out to you in this passage? How does the presence of Moses and Elijah enhance our understanding of Jesus' mission and identity?

The passage mentions that Jesus' appearance changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Then, a voice from the clouds says, “Listen to Him!” How does the voice from the cloud affirm Jesus' identity and mission?

Have you ever had a "mountaintop" experience in your faith journey where you felt incredibly close to God? How did it impact you? Peter wanted to stay in this mountaintop experience… but that wasn’t the plan. What does moving down the mountain look like and letting that experience carry you daily?

What does it look like to "listen to Him" in our daily lives? What practices help you stay attuned to Jesus' voice? Where have you heard, maybe not the audible voice of God, but sacred echoes?

End with a prayer thanking God for revealing His glory through Jesus and asking for His help to live out the truths discussed.