Discussion Questions:

• Describe an event from the past year that has shaped who you are today.

• Read Luke 13:1-5 Have you experienced any hard things that made you ask, “Why is God doing this to me? if so, in light of this passage, what do you think Jesus’ response would be?

• Read Romans 8:28: What does this passage say about “the good?” What is the relationship between “good” and “all things?” Are all things that happen good? Will we always know how God will work things out for good? Will we always know how God will work things out for good? Describe some of the hard things of life for which you can claim this verse in faith.

Readings:

Luke 13: 1- 5

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. ² Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? ³ I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. ⁴ Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? ⁵ I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Confession:

 Jesus, you came to show us the true character of the Father. You love us unconditionally and invite us into the family of God. We confess that our picture of God gets twisted and we sometimes believe and act as though your love is dependant upon our behavior. Forgive us, and remind us again that we are your family and you love us in all of life’s circumstances. Amen.