Life Group Study - May 3rd, 2026

1) When Scandal of Grace

Read: Luke 15:1–2; John 1:14

Context: The scandal in the text isn’t sinners drawing near. It’s religious people being offended by it.

Say: Grace is often most offensive to those who think they need the least of it.

Ask (go slow): Why do you think grace can feel threatening to religious pride? What does the Pharisees’ grumbling reveal about their vision of God? Where can we confuse holiness with distance? How does Jesus hold grace and truth together in ways we often separate? How can “those people” thinking show up subtly in us?

Reflection Thought: The scandal isn’t that sinners come near. The scandal is that grace welcomes them.

2) The Shepherd’s Joy Changes Everything

Read: Luke 15:3–7; Isaiah 53:6

Say: The Shepherd does not pursue reluctantly. He pursues rejoicing. That changes everything.

Ask: How does seeing God as joyful in pursuit reshape your view of Him? What does it do to remember:  “I was the one.” Where have you been tempted to forget your own rescue? Why is gratitude central to spiritual maturity?How does remembering grace protect us from self-righteousness?

Reflection Verse: “All we like sheep have gone astray…” — Isaiah 53:6

3) Hidden Lostness Is Still Lostness

Read: Luke 15:8–10; Ephesians 2:1–5

Context: The sheep wandered loudly. The coin was lost quietly. Both were lost.

Say: Some lostness is obvious. Some lostness is respectable. Both need rescue.

Ask:  Have your convictions ever become 
weights for others? How can truth be used to control instead of 
shepherd? Where might legalism show up subtly in modern discipleship? 
How can grace keep conviction from becoming crushing? How can we help 
people walk toward Jesus instead of placing hurdles before them?

Reflection Thought: Quiet lostness is still lostness.

4) If You’ve Been Found — Live With Gospel Urgency

Read: Matthew 9:35–38; Luke 19:10

Say: Found people should not merely celebrate being rescued. They should carry the heart of the Rescuer.

Ask: When was the last time you prayed for one person far from God by name? Where has gospel urgency grown cold in you? How can gratitude become mission? What would it look like for the Shepherd’s compassion to shape your everyday life? Do your instincts sound more like heaven rejoicing… or Pharisees grumbling?

Reflection Verse: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” — Luke 19:10

Reference Scriptures: Romans 5:8, Ezekiel 34:11–16, Colossians 1:13–14, Titus 3:3–7, Psalm 23:1–6, John 3:16–17, 1 Timothy 1:15–16, Jude 22–23