In the Workshop--Lesson 15--Living in Community--Luke 22; Matthew 18 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  How is intentionally choosing to live within community a practice that helps you be a better apprentice of Jesus?  How did Jesus demonstrate through His lifestyle that community was important to Kingdom fulfillment?

2.  Who would you say knows your story well enough that they could tell it accurately?  Why is it important to have people who know us this well?  Whose story could you tell?

3.  How does community provide strength and support in your life?  How surprised were you that the two legal pads were able to hold a bucket of bricks?  What did you learn about doing more than just rubbing up against people when it comes to being part of a church family?

4.  How has being part of community hurt you?  Why do so many find it difficult, or even impossible to stay when they have been hurt by community?  How would things be different in your life if Jesus chose not to stay when you did something to hurt Him?

5.  Why does Jesus emphasize that it is when two or three are gathered that He is with them (Matthew 18:20)?  How does the context prior to His statement (Matthew 18:15-17) influence what He is saying?  What is Jesus teaching here about the importance of unity and community?

6.  What is the purpose behind removing someone from the community of the church for disciplinary purposes?  What does it say about the low level of understanding of the importance of community when people will choose to remove themselves from meeting with other believers?  How, or in what ways have you been tempted to quit being part of Kingdom community or church fellowship?

7.  What does it mean that we have been given a ministry of reconciliation?  How is Jesus’ example with the Rich Young Ruler helpful in understanding what “staying” or “offering a breath mint” should look like when dealing with potential offensive situations?