• Sermon Series Name: OneLife
• Message Title: Discover Stories
• Short Summary: This message challenges us to move beyond labeling and judging others based on external appearances. Instead, we are called to discover people's stories by noticing them, listening empathetically, and asking meaningful questions. By doing so, we create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus and experience His healing power.

Icebreaker Question

• If you could have a conversation with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them? 

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on last week's commitment: I will grow closer to my One. Did you face any challenges in fulfilling your commitment this week? Did you see God at work in your life or the lives of others?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on the Message:
   • How did the story of Jesus at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9) challenge your perspective on noticing and engaging with others?
   • Context: Jesus noticed the man among many and engaged with him personally.
   • Life Application: Consider how you can be more intentional in noticing those around you who may feel overlooked.
2. Personal Experience with Labels:
   • Share a time when you felt labeled or judged by others. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from that experience?
   • Context: The message highlighted how labeling creates barriers.
   • Life Application: Reflect on how you can break down these barriers in your interactions.
3. Listening Empathetically:
   • Describe a situation where listening deeply to someone changed your understanding of their story. What impact did it have on your relationship?
   • Context: Jesus listened to the man's story before speaking.
   • Life Application: Identify someone in your life you can listen to more empathetically this week.
4. Asking Meaningful Questions:
   • What is a question you wish someone would ask you about your life? Why is it significant to you?
   • Context: Jesus asked the man, "Do you want to get well?" which opened the door to healing.
   • Life Application: Think of a meaningful question you can ask someone to discover more about their story.
5. Encountering Jesus through Stories:
   • How has discovering someone else's story led you to a deeper understanding of Jesus or His work in the world?
   • Context: Discovering stories creates opportunities for encounters with Jesus.
   • Life Application: Commit to discovering at least one new story this week and reflect on how it reveals Jesus to you.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will discover someone's story this week by noticing, listening, or asking them a question.

Prayer Prompts

1. General Prayer Requests:
   • Invite participants to share any personal prayer needs.
2. Prayer for Noticing and Listening:
   • Pray for the ability to notice those who are often overlooked and to listen with empathy and understanding.
3. Prayer for Courage to Ask Questions:
   • Pray for the courage to ask meaningful questions that open doors for deeper relationships and opportunities to share the love of Jesus.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at: www.pathwaychurch.com/messages