Week 1: Available
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
Friendship is something we all long for, but in today’s world, many of us feel isolated, unknown, or alone. Scripture shows us that bad company can lead us toward ruin, while good friends help us endure and grow in our relationship with God. Jesus modeled true friendship by making himself available. In his interactions, we see how showing up, slowing down to listen, and lifting others up can transform relationships. As we kick off this Groups At Home season, we’ll reflect on Jesus’ example and explore how we can become more available friends to those around us.
WARM UP:
Let’s start with everyone sharing:
Take time for each person to share why they joined groups and what they are hoping to experience / get from time together.
QUESTIONS:
Read Luke 19:1-9
In the midst of his busyness, Jesus made time for Zacchaeus. It’s no secret that he was a man stricken by loneliness. Instead of going to the next town, Jesus spent the day at Zacchaeus’ house. However, Jesus paused and saw Zacchaeus, emphasizing that he was still a child of God, regardless of wrongs he’d done.
Share a time when a friend showed up for you in a time of need. How did their availability strengthen your relationship?
What are the greatest enemies of availability in your life?
How can we fight against these to be more interruptible?
Read John 21:1-20
Good friends take the time to slow down and truly listen. Peter's friends exemplify this by listening to his pain and sorrow throughout the night while they fished. Jesus also models this aspect of friendship by slowing down and listening to Zacchaeus. This demonstrates that genuine friendship isn't always efficient or comfortable, but these very qualities make it good. It requires us to sacrifice a part of ourselves.
Discuss the difference between hearing someone and listening.
Why do you think listening can feel harder than speaking?
What are some practical steps we can take to become better listeners?
How would listening change your relationships with others?
Read Luke 19:7-10
While people were muttering about Zacchaeus, Jesus spoke words of encouragement and dignity. No matter his past, Zacchaeus was still a son of Abraham. Probably believing all the bad things said about himself, Jesus shows us that friends are meant to help us believe the best things about ourselves.
How would intentional encouragement grow your friendships and build trust?
Why is our tendency to stay on the surface? What challenges do surface conversations present in deepening friendships?
What would it look like for you to intentionally speak truth into the lives of your friends that need to hear it?
ACTION:
This week, choose one person to be fully available to. Show up with your attention, slow down to listen, and speak encouragement that lifts them up.