3 Ways to Use 'Amazed by Jesus' in Small Groups
When you gather with friends, family, or fellow believers for Bible study, there’s always this big question: How do we make the Word come alive in our small group? You’ve probably been there—sitting in a circle with snacks, a couple of Bibles open, everyone nodding, and then the silence hits like an awkward pause on a Zoom call. That’s where Amazed by Jesus: The Big Picture of the Life of Christ (Vol. 1) comes in, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Written by Marc Hinds, the same author who gave us The Big Picture: A Guide to Learning the Bible’s Story, this book zooms in on the life of Christ—from His miraculous birth to His unforgettable ministry. And the best part? It’s not written like a dry commentary; it’s approachable, story-driven, and tailored for people who want more than surface-level Bible knowledge.
Now, let’s dive deep into three powerful ways you can use Amazed by Jesus in your small group. Whether your group is brand new or seasoned veterans of Bible study, these ideas will help you go beyond “just reading” into real transformation.
1. Spark Engaging Conversations with Storytelling
Small groups live or die by the quality of conversation. It’s one thing to read Scripture—it’s another to live it together through discussion. Amazed by Jesus excels at storytelling, taking moments in Christ’s life and painting them with rich details and emotion. That storytelling becomes the perfect launchpad for open dialogue.
Here’s how you can use it:
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Start with a passage from the book. For example, if the chapter focuses on Jesus calming the storm, have one person read it out loud.
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Invite reactions. Ask, “What do you imagine the disciples felt in that moment?” or “If you were in that boat, how would you have responded?”
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Relate it back to life today. Maybe storms aren’t just weather—they’re financial struggles, health scares, or relationship battles. Suddenly, everyone in the group has something personal to share.
Why This Works:
When people share stories, they drop their guard. You’ll hear laughter, tears, even those little “aha!” moments when someone realizes Jesus’ words aren’t just ancient—they’re alive and relevant. That’s the heartbeat of discipleship: connecting Christ’s story to our own stories.
Think about it: Jesus Himself taught through parables—short, relatable stories. Using Amazed by Jesus in this way taps into the same method He used to connect with everyday people. And let’s be honest, sometimes we all need a good story to break through the monotony of weekly study.
2. Build a Deeper Understanding with Thematic Studies
One challenge in small groups is staying focused. It’s easy to bounce around—one week in Psalms, the next in Matthew, then suddenly we’re lost in Revelation. Amazed by Jesus helps anchor your group with thematic studies centered on Christ.
For instance:
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The Birth of Jesus → Explore humility and God’s upside-down Kingdom.
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Jesus’ Teachings → Dive into topics like forgiveness, prayer, and love for enemies.
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Miracles of Christ → Talk about faith, doubt, and God’s power today.
By sticking to themes, your group gets a cohesive picture of who Jesus is instead of scattered snapshots. This is especially helpful for new believers who might feel overwhelmed by the Bible’s 66 books.
Practical Tips for Thematic Use:
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Assign roles. Let one member research cultural background (like what weddings looked like in the 1st century), while another prepares a short prayer connected to the theme.
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Use tables for clarity. Here’s a simple example your group can create and expand on together:
| Theme | Bible Reference | Key Insight from Amazed by Jesus | Life Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jesus’ Birth | Luke 2 | God enters the world in humility | How can we embrace humility in our daily life? |
| Jesus Calms Storm | Mark 4 | His power over nature shows His divinity | Trusting God during personal “storms” |
| Feeding the 5,000 | John 6 | Jesus provides more than enough | How can we trust God with our resources? |
This kind of structure doesn’t just keep things organized—it deepens understanding and sparks actionable takeaways.
And here’s the secret sauce: The more your group sees themes repeat in different ways, the more they’ll grasp the “big picture” of Christ’s mission. Suddenly, the Bible stops feeling like random puzzle pieces and starts forming one breathtaking portrait of Jesus.
3. Strengthen Fellowship through Shared Reflection and Prayer
Finally, small groups aren’t only about studying—they’re about community. If all you ever do is analyze words on a page, you’ll miss the warmth of walking life’s journey together. That’s where Amazed by Jesus can guide not just discussion but shared reflection and prayer.
Imagine ending each session like this:
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Read a key moment from the book, like the Sermon on the Mount.
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Sit in silence for two minutes—let the words settle. (Yes, silence can be awkward at first, but it’s powerful.)
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Invite personal reflection. Ask each person to share one sentence: “What do you feel God is saying to you through this?”
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Pray as a group—not just for individual needs but in response to Jesus’ teaching. For example, if you studied loving your enemies, pray specifically for strength to forgive or reconcile.
This method turns study into worship. It transforms knowledge into intimacy with Christ and one another. Over time, the group develops a rhythm: study → reflection → prayer → action.
Why This Matters:
Small groups often wrestle with shallow fellowship—people know each other’s favorite coffee orders but not their struggles, hopes, or spiritual battles. By using Amazed by Jesus as a springboard for prayer, you’ll experience the bond of authentic fellowship.
And let’s not sugarcoat it: life can be tough. Whether someone’s facing a job loss, illness, or spiritual doubt, a group that reflects and prays together becomes more than a study circle. It becomes a lifeline.
Conclusion
Using Amazed by Jesus in your small group isn’t about checking off a “Christian reading list.” It’s about creating a space where people can meet Christ afresh, not as a distant historical figure but as the living Savior who speaks into today’s storms, joys, and struggles.
So whether you spark conversations through storytelling, build thematic studies, or deepen fellowship through prayer, remember this: Jesus still amazes us today. And when we gather in small groups around His life, something beautiful happens—faith grows, hearts connect, and His presence becomes unmistakably real.
FAQs
Q1: Is Amazed by Jesus suitable for new believers in small groups?
Absolutely! It’s written in an approachable style that avoids theological jargon, making it perfect for newcomers while still deep enough for seasoned believers.
Q2: How long should a small group session using this book last?
A good range is 60–90 minutes. This gives time for reading, discussion, reflection, and prayer without dragging the meeting.
Q3: Can this book be used outside of small groups?
Yes! You can use it for personal study, family devotionals, or even as a teaching aid in youth groups. Its storytelling approach makes it versatile.