Lean In // 5 minutes
What was your most memorable moment from Easter?
Leader Note: These moments could be something that took place in our Easter service, perhaps at the Egg Scramble on Saturday Night or in a conversation with family or a loved one over Easter.
Look Down // 10 minutes
Read Luke 5:1-11
What do you learn about faith and control from Simon?
Sample answers may include…
Control
- Simon’s initial response is telling. He believes that in order to catch anything he must work hard at it, it’s up to him and his skill on any given day how many fish he will catch. (v.5)
- “Oh Lord, please leave me, I am a sinful man!” Simon’s reaction when confronted with Jesus’ power is to look inward on his own sin (v.8)
Faith
- He allows Jesus to enter his boat and use it to teach the crowds. This was Simon’s means of provision, he would have likely not just allowed anyone to use it (v.3)
- “But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” We can’t be sure of Simon’s tone here. Whether sarcastic or sincere Simon demonstrates faith by following Jesus’ request. (v.5)
- “Oh Lord, please leave me!” Simeon’s recognition of who Jesus is switches here from Master to Lord. Calling him Lord, Simon again demonstrates a faith in he Jesus is, he’s more than a Master or good teacher. (v.8)
Look Out // 10 minutes
Where have you seen someone take a great risk that didn’t pan out?
We have you seen someone take a great risk that paid off?
Leader Note: Remember the aim of the “Look Out” question is to take the concept of the passage and ask where we see it played out in our world today. This question should invoke stories that could relate directly to the individual or another person.
Look In // 20 minutes
Where do you struggle to hold onto control?
What’s your next faithful step in releasing control?
Leader Note: Highlight to your group the step-by-step moments in the passage where Simon stepped out in obedience to Jesus’ calling. First he allows Jesus to enter his boat (v.3), then he puts his nets down in the water (v.4-5) and finally he leaves everything and follows Jesus (v.11). Following Jesus is often like that for us, faithful step after faithful step.
Commentary: The absence of control is typically seen as a negative thing in our society. We may take risk but usually only calculated risk where the odds of success, the outcome we desire, is heavily tipped in our favor. The Faith that Simon demonstrates in the passage is one that places absolutely control into Jesus’ hands.
Point out to your group that Simon takes this bold step right after he got everything he was working for, the biggest catch of his life! Would you have that same level of faith? Could you walk away from your dreams or successes to follow Jesus?
Live It Out // 5 minutes
Who could you impact by releasing control to God in your life?
Pray: Pray for your group to take courageous steps of trust this week in their relationship with God and others. Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak and to illuminate the strongholds in our lives where the need for control has dominated our thoughts and actions.