Summary

This sermon, the fourth in a series titled "What Do You Want?", flips the central question to ask: what does Jesus want from us? The pastor uses the story of meeting his wife to illustrate the deep human longing to be fully known and fully loved, drawing a parallel to what Jesus desires in relationship with each person. Just as Tim Keller wrote, to be fully known and fully loved is what it means to be loved by God, and Jesus wants exactly that kind of relationship with every person, not just a portion of our time or a filtered version of ourselves, but all of who we are, including our brokenness, fears, and failures.

Drawing from Luke 19:10 and Psalm 63, the pastor outlines three practical steps toward deepening that relationship: making Jesus the top priority in life, pursuing Him intentionally, and developing a consistent prayer life. He reminds the congregation that Jesus doesn't work in our doubts but in our decisions, and that taking even a small step of faith toward Him is where transformation begins.

Whether someone is new to faith or has been following Jesus for years but feels distant, the invitation is the same: open your hands, acknowledge your need, and trust that Jesus is actively pursuing you.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together today. As we open your Word and reflect on what Jesus truly wants from each of us, we ask that you quiet our minds and soften our hearts. Help us to set aside distractions and any walls we have built up, and make us genuinely open to what you want to speak into our lives today. We trust that you are present in this room and that your Spirit is at work. Guide our conversation, draw us closer to you, and let this time together be one that moves us forward in our walk with you. In Jesus name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one thing someone who knows you well would say is a defining quirk or unique trait about your personality?

Key Verses

Luke 19:10

Psalm 63:1-8Matthew 4:19

John 7:37

Questions

The pastor said Jesus wants all of us, not just a filtered or polished version. What does it look like

practically to bring your unfiltered self before God rather than presenting only the parts you feel

good about?

The sermon described the difference between transactional faith and transformational faith. Which

of these has most characterized your relationship with God in recent seasons, and why?

Jesus used many different invitations throughout the Gospels, such as "come to me," "follow me,"

and "let Him drink." Which of these invitations resonates most with where you are right now in

your spiritual journey?

The pastor shared that Jesus doesn't work in our doubts but in our decisions. Have you experienced

a moment where making a decision of faith, even with doubts still present, led to something

meaningful? What happened?

Psalm 63 describes David earnestly searching for God and His soul thirsting for Him. What does

that kind of intentional pursuit of God look like in your daily life, and where do you feel it is

lacking?

The sermon mentioned that Jesus saw into the rich young ruler's life and said the hard thing He

needed to hear. What might Jesus be saying to you right now that is difficult but necessary for your

growth?

The pastor described a season of personal struggle with faith, not in a deconstructing way, but in

feeling overwhelmed by what God has called Him to. Can you relate to that kind of faith struggle?

How do you respond when God's calling feels bigger than your capacity?

The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin both picture Jesus as the one actively pursuing us.

How does it change the way you think about your relationship with God when you see him as the

one doing the seeking rather than waiting for you to find Him?

Life Application

This week, set aside at least 10 to 15 minutes each day to sit quietly with God in prayer. Rather than

filling the time with requests, begin by simply acknowledging that he sees all of you, including the parts

you tend to hide, and tell him you are choosing to open those areas to him. At the end of the week, writedown or share with a trusted friend one way you sensed God speaking to you or drawing you closer

during that time.

Key Takeaways

Jesus wants all of us, not just portions of our time or a polished version of our lives. He desires to

fully know us and fully love us, including our brokenness, fears, and failures.

Jesus is the one actively pursuing us. Like the shepherd searching for the lost sheep, he seeks a

relationship with every person regardless of their background or past.

Jesus doesn't work in our doubts but in our decisions. Taking a conscious step of faith toward him,

even with uncertainty present, is where transformation begins.

Making Jesus the top priority, pursuing him intentionally, and developing a consistent prayer life

are three practical ways to grow in relationship with Him.

The goal of following Jesus is not an easier life but a fuller one, marked by purpose, peace, and a

restored identity that goes beyond the circumstances we face.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank you for this time together and for the reminder that you are not waiting passively for us to

find you. You are actively pursuing each one of us with a love that is deeper than we can fully

comprehend. As we leave today, help us to make the conscious choice to open every part of our lives to

you, not just the comfortable parts, but the broken, fearful, and uncertain parts as well. Give us the

courage to pursue you intentionally this week through prayer, through your Word, and through honest

conversation with one another. For those in our group who are in a season of doubt or distance, remind

them that you are near and that a single step toward you is all it takes for you to meet them there. We trust

you with our lives, and we choose you today. In Jesus name, amen.