Title – The Man On The Middle Cross

1.  What is one of your family’s traditions on Easter?

2.  In the story, the thief reaches a moment where he stops making excuses and takes ownership of his life. Where in your life are you most tempted to justify instead of take ownership—and what would it look like to be honest about it?

3.  The thief had no time to fix anything, prove himself, or clean up his life—yet Jesus still saved him. Why do you think it’s so hard for us to accept that salvation is based on grace and not our effort? Where do you still try to “earn” it?

4.  The gospel is for people who know they don’t have it all together. Do you tend to approach God more like someone who has to impress Him or someone who needs Him? What has shaped that mindset in you?

5.  The thief’s only answer was that Jesus said he could come. If someone asked you today, “Why should you be in heaven?”—what would your honest answer be?

6.  The invitation of Jesus isn’t about what we deserve, but whether we will receive it. What does it actually look like in real life—not just words—to fully receive and surrender your life to Jesus right now?

Ask Your Kids

1. Why did Jesus come to earth?

(Hint: Think about our memory verse—what was God’s plan?)

2. What did Jesus do for us when He died on the cross?

(What does it mean that He took our place?)

3. Why is it such good news that Jesus is alive?

(How does that change things for us today?)

Title – We Have A Responsibility

1.  When you think about Jesus’ mission to “seek and save the lost,” how much of your current life actually reflects that? Where do you see alignment… and where is there a gap?

2.  Do you believe it’s your personal responsibility to help people come to know Jesus—or do you tend to see that as someone else’s role? Why do you think that is?

3.  What usually holds you back from stepping into spiritual conversations? Fear? Awkwardness? Not knowing what to say? Be honest—what’s really underneath that hesitation?

4.  In Matthew 9, Jesus was moved with compassion for people. When you look at people who are far from God, what do you actually feel? Compassion? Indifference? Frustration? What might God want to shift in your heart?

5.  Who are 1–3 specific people in your life right now who are far from God?

(Names, not generalities.) What has your response to them been so far—intentional or passive? What is one simple, specific step you can take this week toward them?

•  Start a conversation

•  Share part of your story

•  Invite them to Easter

Ask Your Kids

1. What animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? Why do you think He chose a donkey instead of a horse?

2. What did the people put on the road for Jesus when He came into the city?

3. The people shouted “Hosanna!” which means “Save us!” Why do you think the people were so excited to see Jesus?

4. What is one way you can show Jesus that you love Him this week?

Series Title: Cancel The Debt

Title – Get Out Of Jail Free

1. Why is unforgiveness like cancer?

2. In Matthew 18:22, Jesus said to him, “I tell you, not seven times but seventy times seven!" Does He literally mean to forgive 490 times?

3. How can you be released from your prison?

Ask Your Kids

1. Who do you see as your neighbor?

2. Who do you think might be overlooked or forgotten?

3. What can you do to help those who are overlooked or

forgotten?

Series Title: Cancel The Debt

Title – The Pattern Of Forgiveness

1. When you hear Paul say, “Let all bitterness be put away,” what warning do you think he is giving believers? Why do you think bitterness is so dangerous to a heart, a family, or even a church?

2. In the sermon we talked about keeping a “ledger” in our hearts. What does that look like in real life? Have you ever caught yourself replaying an offense or reminding yourself of what someone did?

3. Which part of the pattern of forgiveness is hardest for you right now?

•  Removing the poison (being honest about the hurt)

•  Replacing it with grace (releasing the debt)

•  Rooting it in the gospel (remembering how much you’ve been forgiven)

Why do you think that step is difficult?

4. How does remembering how much God has forgiven you change the way you view the person who hurt you? Read Ephesians 4:32 again. What does it look like to forgive someone “as God in Christ forgave you”?

5. What’s the difference between forgiveness and restoration? Are there relationships in your life where you need to forgive someone in your heart but still establish healthy boundaries?

6. As a group – don’t rush this question. Take a quiet moment and honestly ask the Lord: “Jesus, is there anyone I’m still holding a debt against?” Sit with that question for a minute. Did a name, face, or situation come to mind? If so, what would it look like for you to begin releasing that to God this week?

Ask Your Kids

1. What does it mean to stay connected to Jesus?

2. What are some ways you can grow closer to Him?

3. How can your life help others?

4. What “fruit” do you want God to grow in you?

Series Title: Cancel The Debt

Title – Disciples Forgive

1.  Read/Recap Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus tells a story about a servant who was forgiven an impossible debt but then immediately demanded payment from someone else. Why do you think it’s possible for us to receive God’s mercy but still struggle to extend mercy to others?

2.  In the message we talked about how we often minimize our own sin but magnify the sins committed against us. Why do you think that comes so naturally to us?

3.  Jesus says in Matthew 18 that forgiveness must come “from the heart.”

What do you think real heart-level forgiveness looks like, and why is it often so difficult?

4.  The sermon asked the question: “Who are you holding by the throat?”

Without naming names publicly if you’re not comfortable, what makes it so hard to release someone who has hurt you?

5.  Jesus warns that holding onto unforgiveness affects our relationship with God (Matthew 18:35; Mark 11:25). Why do you think unforgiveness is so spiritually dangerous, and what does it slowly do to a person’s heart?

6.  What would change in your life, relationships, or spiritual walk if you truly released the debt you’re holding against someone?

Ask Your Kids

1. What does obedience mean?

2. Why do you think God wants us to obey Him?

3. When is it hard to obey?

4. How can God help you obey this week?