Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Missing What Matters
Scripture
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
Main Idea
The message explores the importance of not missing what truly matters during the holiday season by using the story of Mary and Joseph losing track of young Jesus during their journey from Jerusalem. In the midst of their busyness and assumptions, they realize Jesus is absent—a parallel to how we sometimes lose focus on Christ amidst holiday chaos and life priorities. This message calls us to intentionally involve Jesus in every area of our lives, avoid assumptions about our relationship with Him, and seek Him in the right places. The overarching theme is to refocus on Christ's presence during this season and beyond, reminding us that more of Jesus is the real "more" we need in our lives.
"We can miss Jesus when we move ahead without Him—but also when we assume everything is okay."
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever found yourself so busy with priorities and commitments that you missed something truly important? How did you handle it?
- Why do you think Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with them during their journey? How does this reflect our own assumptions about God’s presence in our lives?
- Have you taken time to seek God for your word for next year? If so, what is it, and how do you feel it aligns with what God is doing in your life? If not, what steps can you take to discover it?
Summary
This message highlights three key reasons we often miss what truly matters: moving ahead without Jesus, assuming everything is okay, and searching in the wrong places. Using the example of Mary and Joseph, the sermon challenges us to pause and refocus on including Jesus in all aspects of life. The takeaway is clear: prioritize seeking God daily, invite Him into your plans, and celebrate His presence this season. A life centered on Christ leads to an abundance that will always exceed expectations.
Take Action
- Spend intentional time in prayer asking God for a "word" for the upcoming year. Seek His guidance for your plans and priorities.
- Make a list of areas in your life where you feel like you’ve “moved ahead without Jesus” and commit to inviting Him back into those spaces.
- Practice gratitude daily to help focus on what matters and recognize the abundance God has already given.
Announcements
- Christmas Series Continues: Join us next week for Week 2 of the “Mas” series and invite your friends!
- Year-End Giving: Participate in our Good Soil Offering. Visit findvelocity.org for more details.
