Message Big Idea

An apprentice of Jesus is learning to live like Jesus.

Scripture

John 14:11-14, Matthew 4:21-23, Matthew 9:9-10, Matthew 10:1, 5-8, Matthew 28:18-20

Icebreaker

Share one of your New Year’s resolutions and how you are doing at achieving it. If you don’t make New Year’s resolutions, share why.

Opening Thought

Dallas Willard said, “The general human failing is to want what is right and important, but at the same time not to commit to the kind of life that will produce the action we know to be right and the condition we want to enjoy. This is the feature of human character that explains why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We intend what is right, but we avoid the life that would make it a reality.” Why do you think it is so hard to commit to the kind of life that will produce the results we want?

Bible Discussion

1. Read John 14: 11-14. What do you notice about this passage? What do you think about what Jesus says here?
2. The path of apprenticeship is this: I do, you watch. I do, you help. You do, I help. You do, I watch. Read Matthew 4:21-23, Matthew 9:9-10, Matthew 10:1, 5-8, Matthew 28:18-20. How do you see Jesus practicing this path of apprenticeship with his disciples?
3. What does it mean for us to “watch, help, and do” according to Jesus’ model of apprenticeship?

Life Application

4. Where do you think you are on the apprentice path with Jesus? Explain.
5. Why do you think it is difficult to believe that we, Jesus’ followers, have the potential to do greater things than he?
6. The Holy Spirit empowers every apprentice of Jesus to take the “next steps” in faith. What do you think is your next step? Do you need to watch, help, or do?

Challenge

Commit to being an apprentice of Jesus – to be with him, learning to love like him, and learning to live like he did. Spend some time in your group praying for each other and the next steps in faith Jesus is asking each of us to make. Jesus wants us to keep moving toward him and leaning into his mission. How can you be more open to what the Spirit of Christ wants to do in and through you in the coming days and weeks?