Sermon Study Guide | Series: Inspired and Uncomfortable | Sermon: Why would a loving Father sacrifice his Son?
Scripture: Isaiah 53; John 10:17–18; Romans 5:6–10; Hebrews 1:1-4; 12:2
Date: July 20, 2025

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

When have you felt most confused or uncomfortable with an aspect of your faith? Maybe it was a question you were afraid to ask or something you never really explored deeply. How did you handle that tension? 

This week’s message dives into one of the most uncomfortable—yet most important—questions at the center of our faith. As we close this summer series, take a few minutes to reflect honestly: What comes up for you when you think about the crucifixion? What do you feel when you hear that the cross was always the plan, and that Jesus volunteered to go for you?

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

• Isaiah 53 paints Jesus as the Suffering Servant
  
  • How does this Old Testament prophecy connect with what happened at the cross? 
  • What do you notice about how specific and personal this suffering was?
    
    
• Read John 10:14–18 together
  
  • Why do you think it’s so important that Jesus chose the cross? 
  • Who are the other sheep?
  • How does this impact the way we talk about God’s love with people who may be skeptical or hurting?
  • In what ways have you experienced Jesus as a “good shepherd” in your own life—especially during painful or confusing seasons?
    
    
• Read Romans 5:6–10 together
  
  • Have you ever felt unworthy of love?
  • What does this text say about the kind of love God offers us?
    
    
• Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross ‘...for the joy set before Him.’
  
  • What do you think that joy was? 

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

• Practice gratitude daily. This week, take a moment each morning to thank Jesus specifically for laying down His life for you (John 10:17–18). 
  
  • Write down one thing each day that His sacrifice makes possible in your life—whether it’s forgiveness, peace, purpose, or freedom.
    
    
• Reframe your struggle. Read Romans 5:6–10 again, and reflect on this truth: Jesus died for you while you were still powerless. 
  
  • What’s one area in your life where you’re trying to earn God’s love or approval? Name it, surrender it, and replace striving with trust in what Jesus has already done.
    
    
• Live as adopted, not abandoned. Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” That joy was a restored relationship with you. 
  
  • This week, when shame or guilt creep in, remind yourself aloud: “I am not condemned—I am chosen, adopted, and fully loved.” 
  • You may even want to memorize 2 Corinthians 5:21 as a daily affirmation of that truth.
    
    
• Extend sacrificial love. Jesus’ love was not just theological—it was costly and practical. Ask: “What’s one way I can sacrifice something this week for someone else’s good?” Maybe it’s time, attention, generosity, or even forgiveness. Let your life echo the shape of the cross.
  
  
• Invite someone into the story. If Jesus willingly went to the cross to bring people home, how can you help someone around you move one step closer to Him? 
  
  • Pray about who God might be prompting you to reach out to this week—with an invitation, a conversation, or a simple act of kindness that reflects His love.

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

Jesus, thank You that You went to the cross willingly. Thank You for choosing joy on the other side of unimaginable suffering, so that I could be made right with You. Thank You that the cross was not an accident or a backup plan—it was the greatest act of love in history. Help me never to grow numb to that. Give me the courage to surrender what I’ve been holding back and to live each day with gratitude for what You’ve done. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live a life that reflects the love that saved me. Amen.

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