Checking out the Son of God

Study Guide

The following may help you reflect further on the message
(the points could also be used as a discussion guide at fellowship groups)

1. Discuss some of the books published recently about God (Like the God Delusion by Richard Dawkins). How relevant are these books for us and for others?
2. How significant is the presence of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law in Luke 5:17?
3. How do you understand the statement in Luke 5:17b that the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal?
4. How does Jesus affirm his authority in Luke 5:17-26?
   — Why is this important for us today?
5. How should the Pharisees have authenticated the person and work of Jesus? Why did they miss this? (Acts 10:39-43 may help in your discussion).
6. Discuss the following: "Unless you have a theoretical and experiential knowledge of the forgiveness of sins, you cannot be at peace.” Psalm 130 may help in your discussion.
7. What is the answer to the question asked by Jesus in Luke 5:23: “Which is easier: to say, your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk?” Which do you find easier to accept, and why?
8. The Scribes and Pharisees are like many today who reject the Christian faith without seriously checking out who Jesus is and why he came. How can we help improve on this? How can the events of Easter help in this?