On our journey with Jesus, it’s all too easy to focus on the steps we’re taking and lose sight of the one we’re following. When this happens, we’re in danger of constructing a rigid religion instead of enjoying the revolutionary relationship Jesus invites into. Following Jesus liberates us from legalism while giving us the tools to receive His love and grace daily. 1. Read Matthew 2:18-28. What word or verse captures your attention the most? What makes that word or verse stand out from the others? 2. What thoughts or feelings do you notice when you hear about Jesus relating to you as: a. Bridegroom (see: Hosea 3:1, 2:16) b. Son of Man (see: Daniel 7:13-14) c. Lord (a title implying ownership, authority, and honor) Son of Man and Lord are titles that indicate Jesus has a kingdom in which he rules with power and authority, while Jesus as a groom indicates his love for us. Which one of these titles do you tend to gravitate to? What does it look like to relate to Jesus as both Lord and lover? 3. What practices (i.e., journaling, spoken prayer, worship, study, etc…) are currently helpful, or have been helpful in the past, to draw your attention to God? 4. In what ways does it feel like you’ve been trying to fit “new wine into old wineskins”? Do you sense anything which worked for you in the past (whether that’s a spiritual practice or something else in your life) is no longer working for you as you follow Jesus? 5. Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” How do you think that applies to other spiritual practices? 6. As we follow Jesus, we become more like Him. Based on how we see Jesus relate to us in Mark 2:18-28, how might His example transform the way we relate to others?