A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.
Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and help group members encounter Jesus with fresh eyes tonight.
Question: When you were growing up, what was your experience with authority figures (parents, teachers, coaches)? Were they approachable or did you feel like you had to earn their approval?
This helps set the stage for discussing how we view God and approach Him.
Briefly summarize the main points or watch a clip if available. Key takeaway: Jesus is a High Priest who understands our weaknesses and meets us with mercy and grace when we boldly approach His throne.
Context from the sermon: Josh shared his personal struggle from high school where he convinced himself he had to wait three days before approaching God after missing the mark. He thought God wouldn’t want anything to do with him until enough time had passed. He asked the congregation to do a “quick scan in reverse” of their lives and consider what their actual experience has been.
Leader tip: This is vulnerable territory. Model openness by sharing your own experience first. Some may have experienced God’s gentleness, while others may still be operating under shame-based theology. Both are valid starting points for discussion.
Context from the sermon: Josh flipped these questions to show that often WE are the ones saying these things to God—not the other way around. He noted how people often throw in the towel on church and community when life gets tough or when accountability is brought, essentially saying “I’ve got more important things to do.”
Leader tip: Help the group distinguish between what God actually says and what shame, guilt, or the enemy whispers. This might be a good time to remind them of Hebrews 4:15—Jesus understands our weaknesses.
Context from the sermon: Josh defined this boldness as “undoubting confidence in our relationship with God.” He emphasized that we don’t need a mediator (like the Old Testament priests) to access God—Jesus IS our High Priest, and His work makes us fit to approach the throne. We have direct access.
Leader tip: Some group members may struggle with boldness, feeling it’s presumptuous or arrogant. Clarify that biblical boldness isn’t about demanding our way—it’s about confident trust in God’s character and Jesus’s finished work. Ask: “What keeps you from approaching God with confidence?”
Context from the sermon: Josh walked through several examples: Jesus’s 40-day temptation in the wilderness, Peter trying to talk Him out of dying (and Jesus calling it satanic temptation), and the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed three times “not my will, but yours” with such intensity He sweat blood. Josh emphasized that these weren’t dramatic performances—Jesus legitimately wrestled with temptation but never sinned.
Leader tip: This can be deeply comforting for those who feel shame about being tempted. Remind the group: temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted and remained sinless. The difference is He never gave in. This makes Him both our perfect example AND our sympathetic High Priest.
Context from the sermon: Josh painted a vivid picture of God holding in His right hand what we actually deserve (punishment, judgment) but withholding it—that’s mercy. Then He showers us with favor, forgiveness, and blessing we could never earn—that’s grace. He emphasized that neither is earned; both are received through Jesus’s work.
Leader tip: Give people space to be honest. Some are crushed under guilt and need mercy. Others are weary and need the empowerment of grace. Both are available at the throne. You might pray specifically for each person’s need at the end.
Context from the sermon: Josh gave the definition: Jesus “is not disturbed by the errors, faults and sins of others, but bears with them gently.” He emphasized that Jesus doesn’t just tolerate us or remain indifferent—He loves us like crazy. His gentleness isn’t an invitation to keep sinning, but it should eventually flood us with the thought: “He deserves better from me than this.”
Leader tip: This is a great place to address the balance between grace and holiness. Jesus’s gentleness leads to transformation, not permission to stay stuck. Ask: “How have you experienced God’s gentleness leading you to change rather than condemnation pushing you to change?”
Context from the sermon: Josh gave examples of medical office workers, business owners, and family relationships. He asked pointed questions: “Have you ever lost patience with somebody?” and “How mindful are you of the tone in which you speak?” He connected our overflow of grace to others with how much we’re receiving grace ourselves at the throne.
Leader tip: This makes it practical. Help people identify specific relationships or environments where they’re short on patience or grace. Then connect it back: “When was the last time you sat before the throne and received mercy and grace for yourself?” Often we can’t give what we haven’t received.
Context from the sermon: Josh invited people to write down what they’d bring to Jesus—whether reoccurring struggles or fresh needs—knowing they’d be met with gentleness and kindness. He then had them write a prayer starting with “Dear Heavenly Father” and ending with “in Jesus’s name, Amen” to emphasize that we only have access to the Father through our High Priest, Jesus.
Leader tip: This is the most vulnerable question. Don’t force sharing, but create space for it. Consider breaking into smaller groups (2-3 people) or allowing people to share only if they want to. Close this section with prayer—either have people pray for the person next to them or you pray over the needs shared.
Pray specifically:
Pray specifically:
A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.
Discuss a hard moment and how being understood mattered. Ask: “How does Jesus’ understanding change how we pray?”
A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.
Practice: Name It Prayer
Name one struggle out loud to Jesus, trusting that He understands it fully.
Finish this sentence in prayer: “Jesus, what feels heavy right now is…”
Pause and breathe
Pray: “Thank you for understanding me completely.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to Jesus—He already understands.”
