"Sign of the Son"

Small Group Discussion Questions for March 17 Sermon

“The Sign of the Son”
Series:  “Signs of Life”
Text:  John 4:43-54

Icebreaker: Ask if anyone in the group has a story about a time they had to make a desperate call for help (like to 911).  Compare it to the desperation of this royal official whose son was dying.

Discussion:

1. Read John 4:43-45. John tells us that the people in Galilee welcomed Jesus, but also records Jesus’ words that a prophet has no honor in his own country.  So why were the people glad to see Jesus back in Galilee?  What were they expecting?  How do our own “expectations” of Jesus get us into trouble sometimes?
2. Read v.46-49.  Need-Motivated Belief. Why do you think Jesus gives this answer to this desperate father?  Who is He talking about?  Is God’s power dependent on our faith?  Should our faith be dependent on God’s willingness to show us His miraculous power?
3. Read v.50.  Word-Based Belief. Why did Jesus tell the man to go home rather than going with him to Capernaum?  How hard would it have been to turn and head for home?  In what ways do you need to “take Jesus at his word”?  What promise do you need to believe?
4. Read v.51-54.  Life-Oriented Belief. John tells us in v.53 that this man “believed.”  What did he believe now?  How was this belief different from the belief that drove him to Jesus or the belief that he had when he took Jesus at His word?  Does God provide belief-building miracles in our lives too?  Give some examples from your life.

Action Steps:

1. This week, pray specifically and consistently for a need (yours or someone else’s).  Take it to Jesus just like the royal official seeking and begging Jesus for help.
2. Take Jesus at His word.  Write down one promise you need to believe.
3. This week, be aware of God’s work in your life and take note of one small (or big!) miracle.  Then be intentional about giving God the glory and thanking Him for it!