Straining To See
Chet Pete
Sermon Highlights
“Strain to see what Jesus said. Don’t give up.”
“You need to have some friends that will take an oar – don’t strain alone.”
“You have to have a frame and you have to have a lens.”
Frame: Gives strength.
Lens: Gives sight.
“Look for ‘E’ (Emmanuel, God with Us).”
“You may have to strain to see Jesus, but He’s never taken His eyes off of you.”
Scriptures
Mark 6:45-51 - Jesus saw the disciples straining and walked towards them
Matthew 1:23 NET - Look for “E” (Emmanuel, God with us)
Proverbs 29:18 - People perish for lack of vision
Luke 15:17-20 - His father saw him and had compassion on him
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Fix your eyes on Jesus
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Chet shared about the trend of wearing frames with no lenses. What trend did you wear that seems silly looking back on it now?
Sermon Reflection
What part of the sermon was just for you?
Discussion Questions
“Look for ‘E’ (Emmanuel, God with Us).” Where do you see the evidence of “E” in your life (evidence that God has been with you every step of the way)?
“Don’t strain alone. You need to have some friends that will take an oar.” How can you be intentional to surround yourself with friends who will take an oar for you?
Additional Questions
“You have to have a frame and you have to have a lens.”
“Frame: Gives strength.” What would help you to lean on God’s Word for strength in this season?
“Lens: Gives sight.” What is one step you can take this week to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? (examples: listen to a sermon, read your Bible every morning, connect with an eGroup member for prayer, etc.)
Prayer Prompt
Ask this question to your eGroup and include it as part of your closing prayer:
Pastor Chet shared, “You may have to strain to see Jesus, but He’s never taken His eyes off of you.”
Ask your eGroup: what are you going through that you need to trust that God still sees you?
Pray for anyone feeling discouraged in this season. Pray for God to remind them that He sees them, has compassion towards them, and runs towards them. Pray this week will bring fresh perspective and sight to each of your members.