Series Resources

sermon-based study guide

This guide is designed to guide a group discussion around the weekend sermon. You can also use this as an individual, but we highly recommend finding a friend and inviting them to discuss with you. Menlo Church has Life Groups meeting in-person and online using these guides. We’d love to help you find a group.

What you will find in this guide: A discussion guide for groups and individuals. If you are using this as an individual be sure to engage with each question in a journal or simply in your mind as you prayerfully consider what you heard in the sermon and seek to discover what God is inviting you to know and do.

Sermon Study Guide | The Cost of Connections | Last Minute Leaps

Sermon Study Guide | Series: The Cost of Connection | Sermon: Last Minute Leaps
Title: Luke 23:32–43
Date: April 13, 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.

We all have moments in life where it feels like we’ve run out of time—opportunities missed, relationships neglected, mistakes that seem irreversible. Maybe you’ve even felt that way about your relationship with God. But this week’s message reminds us that Jesus specializes in last-minute grace. If you’re still breathing, it’s not too late. Reflect on a time you received mercy at the last minute—how did that change your view of grace?

‍

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.

Read Luke 23:32–43 together and discuss:

What stands out to you in this story that you haven’t noticed before?

‍

What are some “last-minute leaps” you’ve taken in your own life—spiritually, relationally, or emotionally?

‍

One criminal mocks Jesus, the other turns to Him. How do you see these two responses reflected in our world today—or even within yourself at different times?

‍

Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
How does this promise impact your view of salvation, especially for those who feel it’s too late?

‍

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.

Acknowledge your assumptions: Ask God to show you where you may have written yourself—or someone else—off as “too far gone.” Reflect on His invitation to new life, even in the eleventh hour.

‍

Respond to grace: Like the thief on the cross, speak honestly with Jesus this week. Bring your doubts, confessions, or questions to Him without pretense. Grace meets us where we are, not where we pretend to be.

‍

Take your next leap: Choose one simple, courageous action in response to God’s grace—a prayer, a conversation, an invitation to church, or a renewed habit. What might a “last-minute leap” look like in your life?

‍

Share your story: Share with a trusted friend what God is stirring in your heart. Whether it’s a story of grace received or a prayer for someone you love, invite someone into your spiritual journey this week. Who are you inviting to Easter at Menlo?

‍

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 for meeting us in the middle of our mess. Thank you that your grace is not bound by time, performance, or worthiness. Help us to see ourselves the way you do—redeemed, beloved, and never too far gone. Whether we’re taking our first step toward You or our thousandth, give us courage to leap toward your grace. Help us to extend that same grace to others. In your name we pray, Amen.”

‍

GOING DEEPER - “Further Study & Reflection”

[STEP ONE: No One is Beyond Grace – Read Luke 23:32–43] This passage powerfully reveals Jesus’ mercy in the final moments of life. As you read, consider how God’s grace breaks through barriers—timing, guilt, shame. Is there someone in your life (maybe even yourself) you’ve considered “out of reach”? What might it look like to pray with fresh hope for them this week?

[STEP TWO: Listen for His Whisper – Reflect on 1 Kings 19:11–12] God often speaks not in shouts, but in whispers—like Jesus did on the cross amidst chaos. Where do you need to quiet the noise in your life to hear God’s voice? What’s one way you can make space to really listen this week?

[STEP THREE: Embrace a New Beginning – Reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:17] “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation…” Sit with that truth. Journal about what you believe needs to be made new in your heart, habits, or relationships. Then, take a symbolic step—maybe writing down what you’re letting go of, then throwing it away—as you trust Jesus for a fresh start.