Morning Star Las Cruces

2026 Discussion Questions

May 17, 2026

Series: Affirming: What We Believe and Why It Matters

Title: Jesus

Text: Luke 4:16-21

1. When you hear the name Jesus, what is the very first word, image, or characteristic that comes to mind?

2. Who or what most shaped your understanding of Jesus growing up: family, church, art, politics, culture, personal experience, or something else?

3. What image, phrase, or story from the message "Affirming: Jesus" stayed with you? What did it make you want to discuss?

4. Read Luke 4:16-21 aloud. What words or phrases stand out to you in Jesus' reading and announcement? What do you notice about the people Jesus names as the focus of his mission?

5. Which parts of Jesus' stated mission in this passage feel inspiring to you, and which parts feel demanding or uncomfortable?

6. Read Acts 1:6-11 aloud. The disciples ask Jesus if he is about to restore the kingdom to Israel, but Jesus redirects them toward being his witnesses to the ends of the earth. What do you think that meant for them?

7. If Jesus called his original followers away from seeking control and toward faithful witness, what might Christian witness look like in the world today?

8. Read Philippians 2:5-11 aloud. How does this passage describe the posture and actions of Jesus toward humanity? What does this teach us about the kind of leadership, authority, and faithfulness followers of Jesus are called to embody?

9. If we truly affirm Jesus as the clearest picture of who God is and the one whose way we are called to follow, what might need to change in our own hearts and minds in order to more fully live as his witnesses?

10. How might your group pray for you this week as you seek to follow the way of Jesus more faithfully?