Locations & Times

What are you still waiting for before you trust Jesus? In this message leading up to Easter, we unpack Jesus' confrontation with the religious elite in Matthew 12 and his bold claim that only one sign is enough: his resurrection. It's not about rule-following or demanding proof—it's about surrender. If you're stuck in doubt, frustrated with brokenness, or just on the fence, Jesus' death and resurrection offer the only foundation strong enough to build your life on. Start praying, “I believe; help my unbelief,” and see where that road leads.

Set List

Discussion Questions

Sign of Jonah

Jim Burgen
April 6th, 2025

// Bible References: Matt 9:24; 12:2,7-14, 38-41; Gal 5:1; John 6:44-45

// Community Question: Do you believe in coincidences or signs?

// Discussion Questions

1. Read Matt: 12:38. Jim mentions how the scribes and Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus to prove who He was, reflecting a common approach to faith. What does it mean to look for signs or proof before believing in Jesus? Have you ever felt you needed a sign from God to believe? How can you better understand faith without needing proof?
2. Read Matt. 12:39-41. Jesus told the Pharisees that they would receive no sign accept the sign of Jonah, drawing a parallel between Jonah being in the belly of the fish for three days and Jesus being in the tomb. How can the story of Jonah, his message of repentance, and the Ninevite response relate to understanding the significance of Jesus' resurrection? In what ways can understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection as the ultimate sign help strengthen your own faith in Jesus and His promises?
3. Jim discusses how some people thank Jesus for the good in their lives but still criticize Him for what they feel He hasn’t addressed. Why do you think people often focus on what they want to change about their lives instead of accepting the good Jesus has done for them? How can shifting your focus to gratitude impact your relationship with Jesus and your overall perspective on life?
4. The sermon discusses how both non-believers and believers can hesitate to accept Jesus because it requires admitting we might be wrong and needing change. How does the idea of surrendering control of our lives to Jesus challenge our understanding of faith? What areas of your life do you struggle to surrender to Jesus, and what steps can you take to trust him more?
5. Read John 6:44-45. Jim encourages individuals to pray this prayer when they are unsure of their belief in Jesus, highlighting the reality of doubt even in faith. How does the phrase 'I believe; help my unbelief' reflect the struggles many people face in their faith, according to the sermon? What specific doubts or struggles do you have in your faith, and how can this prayer help guide you through them?

// Challenge: Jim challenged us by explaining the primary way God works in the world (i.e. answering prayer) is through individual followers of Jesus. How is God asking you to be an answer to someone’s prayer this week?