Words of the Apostle

For small groups and Bible studies

Leader guide

One session for each teaching. Read the teaching together or ahead of time, then use these questions. Print one session or all twelve.

All twelve sessions

Opening session

The Heavy Backpack

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Open (5 minutes)

What is one “rule” you grew up believing God required, that you later found was not in the Bible?

Read together

Matthew 11:28-30; Ephesians 2:8-9. The teaching is at wordsoftheapostle.com/teaching.php?t=heavy-backpack

Talk about it

  1. Look at the rocks in Sam’s backpack. Which one feels heaviest to people you know? Why?
  2. Jesus said “Come to me,” not “Come to my rules.” What is the difference in daily life?
  3. Ephesians 2:8 calls salvation a gift. What makes something a gift instead of a wage?
  4. This teaching says it is “not less, but better.” How could freedom lead someone to love God more, not less?

Remember this

You do not have to carry a backpack full of rules to please God. Jesus says, “Come to me,” and He gives rest to all who believe in Him.

Pray

Jesus, we bring You every rock we have been carrying. Teach us to come to You and find rest.

This week

Write down one rule that weighs on you, and give it to Jesus in prayer each morning this week.

Leader tip: be hard on rules and gentle with people. Some in your group may have carried these burdens for years. Let them talk.