Big Idea

As Christ-followers, we are against loneliness because Jesus is for community.

Scripture

Matthew 12:46-50, Psalm 68:4-6

Opening Questions

1. Who is someone you’ve been able to B.L.E.S.S. recently?
2. If a movie was being made about your life, what actor would you want to play you?
3. A recent study by Harvard found that 36% of Americans report feeling “serious loneliness,” and 37% report feeling lonely occasionally.
   (https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america ) Do these statistics surprise you? Why or why not?

Bible Discussion

4. Read Psalm 68:4-6. What are these passages saying about God’s care for lonely and vulnerable people?
5. Read Matthew 12:46-50. The point Jesus is not making a negative point about his family, but a positive one about his disciples. What positive point(s) is Jesus making that might shape how we think about the church?
6. Read the following statement by theologian Stanley Hauerwas. “To be a disciple of Jesus is to be made part of a new community in which the family is reconstituted. We are all children, but now a community has been established in which we are all called to be parents, brothers, and sisters to and for one another.” Which parts of this statement stand out to you? Why?

Life Application

7. In what ways do you feel lonely? What helps you in the times you do feel alone?
8. What role can we play in meeting the loneliness epidemic we’re facing today?
9. The practice of Christian hospitality is about turning strangers into friends. What does it take to turn strangers into friends?
10. Our church is challenging everyone to engage in a hospitality challenge. Can we see others? Can we invite people into our homes for a meal? Could we invite someone into our life? Which one challenge would you pick to try?