OPENING QUESTIONS:

1. How are you staying warm in all this cold weather?

2. Share something you did or had as a kid that is now considered dangerous.

IN THE WORD:

1. Jesus brings His disciples to a physical place known as “the Gates of Hell” at Caesarea Philippi to make a point about the Church and His ministry. Why do you think he chose this place? Matthew 16:13-18

2. How do you think the disciples felt being in a place so opposite to their culture and faith? Matthew 16:13-18

3. How could Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well be considered “dangerous?” John 4:4-9

4. Most Israelites would travel around Samaria instead of through it because of how they viewed Samaritan people. Why do you think Jesus chose to travel through? John 4:4-9

5. The region Jesus takes the disciples to is called “the Decapolis” and was regarded as a dark and evil region by the Jews. What do you think the disciples expected to find or run into in that region? Would they have been surprised by the demon-possessed man? Mark 5:1-12

6. What does the interaction between Jesus and Legion teach us about the powers of good and evil? Mark 5:1-12

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How do you feel about seeking out “dangerous people” like Jesus did? Is that hard or easy for you?

2. Who or what would you consider as dangerous people or places?

3. What’s the best that could happen if you shared your story with “dangerous people?”

4. What step can you take this week to have a more dangerous faith?

MAKING IT PERSONAL:

CONTINUED LEARNING:

Read Luke 15:3-7. Why is the shepherd willing to brave danger for his sheep and what does this teach us about God?