Words & Ways

Latest Episodes:

E15 - Jesus Challenges a Man Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Luke 18:18-27

Side Passages: Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 10:17-27, Luke 19:6-10

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Why do you think the man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life? Do you think there was another question behind his question?

What kind of answer do you think the man was expecting or hoping for?

Why do you think the gospel writers don’t tell us about the man’s wealth until the end of the story?

It seems the man had obeyed (or at least claimed to obey) all the major commandments about how to love and honor others. It also seems that he failed to obey the commandments about loving God first, honoring God fully, and having no idols. How do you think the commandments about loving God and the commandment about loving others relate to each other?

What possible “idols” do you have (things you wrongly cherish, worship, cling to, rely on)?

How has Jesus challenged you to release those things?

If you’re still idolizing those things, what will it take for you to release them?

Why do you think the man was sad? Why do you think he walked away from Jesus (as noted in Matthew 19 and Mark 10) rather than obeying him?

Have you ever tried to lessen the cost of following Jesus for either yourself or someone else? How did you do that? Why did you do that? What are your thoughts about that now?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E14 - Jesus at Martha's House Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus at Mary and Martha's house.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Luke 10:38-42

Side Passages: Luke 10:25-37

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

How have you heard the story of Mary and Martha explained in the past? What has been your main takeaway?

Why do you think Luke included this encounter in his gospel (the only place this story is found)? What do you think he was trying to show or illustrate?

What is your most natural way of connecting with Jesus? Are you a listening-reflecting person? A serving-doing person? A learning-understanding person? What does that look like for you?

What are some of the most natural ways that your family and/or friends connect with Jesus? How do your similarities and differences impact your relationships with each other and your understanding of God?

What are some ways you can honor the Jesus-connection differences in others? What are some ways you can grow and expand your own ways of connecting with Jesus?

Is there a way this story could have ended differently for Martha? How and why?

Is there a way this story could have ended differently for Mary? How and why?

When and why have you tried to tell Jesus what to do and what to make other people do? How can you avoid that kind of praying and instead trust God with challenging situations?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E13 - Jesus Writes in the Dust Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: John 8:2-11

Side Passages: Genesis 2:4-7

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

The woman in this story was both guilty of what she was accused (she had committed adultery) and was treated wrongly (she’d most likely been set up, she wasn’t treated with respect, the man she’d been with hadn’t been accused or dragged into the Temple, etc). Talk about how sinful actions (both our own and other’s) often lead to further difficulty and trouble that we didn’t plan or anticipate.

The scribes and religious leaders viewed themselves as righteous and innocent, but they all walked away after Jesus’ challenge. How were their actions and attitudes in this specific story sinful and selfish?

Talk about how Jesus showed compassion to both the woman and the accusers in this story. Does that surprise you? Does it seem fair? Why or why not?

Read Romans 8:1-2 and think about the words in light of this story.

Jesus calls us to repent of our sin (leave it behind and head a new direction) and turn to God (live within his design and will). Have you heard that teaching before? How does it match, expand, or challenge what you’ve been taught about Jesus?

In what areas of your life do you need to hear and obey Jesus’ challenge to “go and sin no more”?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E12 - Jesus Visits the Decapolis Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus visiting the Decapolis and healing a man.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Mark 7:31-37

Side Passages: Mark 5:1-20

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Why do you think crowds sometimes pushed people away from Jesus and other times brought them to Jesus?

Imagine yourself as the man in this story: you have no idea who Jesus is or why people have brought you to him. What might you be thinking while standing then in the large crowd? What might you be thinking when Jesus leads you away to a quiet place?

Jesus had power to heal from afar, without touch, without words. Why do you think Jesus performed the miracle for this man the way he did?

What do you think Jesus and the man talked about before returning to the crowd?

In what ways have you helped lead someone into the presence of Jesus? What happened after that?

What are some of the wonderful things Jesus has done for you?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E11 - Jesus Gives a Prayer Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at Jesus giving the Lord's Prayer.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Matthew 6:5-13

Side Passages: Luke 11:1-13

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What part did the Lord’s Prayer have in your religious or church upbringing, if any?

When and where have you heart the Lord’s Prayer recited? What purpose did it seem to play?

Do you use the model of the Lord’s Prayer (but maybe not the exact words) in your own prayer life? In what way?

What do you think about the Lord’s Prayer being both personal and communal, both cosmic and earthy? Why do you think it’s that way?

Take time to read through the Lords Prayer slowly and carefully. What do you notice about each line? What can you learn from this model prayer to use in your own prayers?

To learn more about the details of the Lord’s Prayer, check out our Bible App plans called Teach Us to Pray and Our Father.

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E10 - Jesus Hears a Blind Man Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Mark 10:46-42

Side Passages: Matthew 9:27-31, Luke 18:35-43

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What do you think about Bartimaeus’s words and actions in this story?

Why do you think Bartimaeus used such specific names and titles for Jesus?

Why do you think about the crowd’s changing reactions to Bartimaeus? What do you think about Jesus’ words to Bartimaeus?

When, why, and how have you cried out to Jesus? How did you sense him responding?

How do you primarily relate to Jesus — as your friend? your Savior? the Messiah-King? other? How does that shape your relationship with him?

Is there someone you know who is crying out for Jesus? How can you help them “see” him?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E9 - Jesus Throws a Banquet May 26, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Matthew 14:13-21

Side Passages: Mark 6:14-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What’s one new thing you noticed in this story?

How have you previously heard this story taught or discussed?

What is your understanding of Jesus as your King?

How does Jesus’ Kingship shape your relationship with him and your life in the world?

Talk about a situation that seemed impossible before Jesus showed up to lead, care, or provide in unexpected ways.

Where do you see Jesus “throwing a banquet” today (extravagantly loving and caring for his people as only a good King can)? Where do you want him to “throw a banquet” in your life?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

E8 - Jesus Goes to Nain May 19, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus raising the widow's son.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Luke 7:11-17

Side Passages: Luke 7:1-10

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What do you think about the two different crowds in this story? What might be important about them? What do you think about them becoming one crowd at the end?

If you’ve ever attended a funeral or had someone in your family die, how did you mourn and grieve for that person? How did people try to comfort and help you? How have you tried to comfort or help someone who’s been grieving?

Have you ever felt completely alone, like this widow felt — with no one to care for you, help you, watch out for you, or be with you? What were the circumstances? How did you work through that?

Has there been a time when you weren’t looking for Jesus or didn’t expect anything from him, but he showed up anyway? Talk about what happened and how you responded.

In what ways has Jesus restored-returned-reunited relationships in your life? In what ways do you need him to continue helping with that?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

E7 - Jesus Praises a Woman May 12, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus being anointed with perfume.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9

Side Passages: John 12:1-8

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Why do you think the woman acted the way she did?

What do you think about her actions?

Why do you think the disciples responded the way they did?

Why do you think Jesus said this woman’s deeds would be remembered and discussed wherever the Good News was preached?

In what ways are followers of Jesus called to sacrifice and pour out their lives for him? What is your own experience with that?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠

E6 - Jesus in the Wilderness May 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Words & Ways we'll be looking at the story of Jesus being baptized and tempted in the wilderness.

Listen for yourself, with small groups, leadership teams, mentoring-discipling relationships and more.

Our hope is that the words and ways of Jesus transform your mind, fill your heart, and encourage your soul today and every day.

SHOW NOTES

Main Passage: Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 4:1-11

Side Passages: Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-22, 4:1-13

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Why do you think Jesus, the sinless Son of God, thought it was important to be baptized publicly?

If you’ve been baptized, what was that experience like for you?

When have you experienced a “wilderness” season — feeling alone, facing temptation, battling against evil? How did you face that situation? How did you engage with scripture, the Spirit, the Father, etc.?

How do you currently engage with God’s Word? What are some ways it has encouraged and guided you? What are some ways that you can deepen your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word?

What are some ways that scripture can be twisted and misused (like it was by the devil in this story)?

Imagine hearing God’s voice say to you, “You are my dearly loved son/daughter.” What is your response to that? How do you live in that truth?

SCRIPT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click ⁠HERE⁠ for the full written script.

For more Young Life Discipleship resources, check out ⁠⁠⁠https://discipleship.younglife.org⁠⁠⁠ where you can find Bible App reading plans, BibleProject partner content, discipleship series, and more.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠discipleship@sc.younglife.org⁠⁠

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