Rooted in Christ
A Bible study for harvest and thanksgiving
Our focus
As we remain rooted in Christ, thanksgiving helps us notice God’s grace, let go of bitterness and support one another through every season.
Let’s get started.
What does mean to be rooted in Christ?
Looking back over this Bible study series, what have you learnt? Is there anything you sense God has been saying to you?
Rooted in Thankfulness.
Read Psalm 100
This short psalm invites the whole earth to worship God with joy and thankfulness.
As we think about harvest and thanksgiving, what speaks to you in this psalm today?
Verse 1 calls on “all the earth” to praise God. How might this shape the way we see the worldwide Church and the world around us?
Can you think of a time when stopping to give thanks changed the way you saw a stressful situation?
The psalm tells us to make a “joyful noise” and serve the Lord with “gladness”. What can help us choose gratitude and joy when life is difficult or painful?
Giving Thanks when we do not have enough.
Read Matthew 14:13–21
The disciples see scarcity; Jesus receives what is offered, gives thanks and shares it.
Where do you notice thanksgiving in this story?
Jesus gives thanks for the bread and fish before there appears to be enough. What might this teach us about trusting God’s provision?
How can thankfulness, rooted in God’s grace and generosity, help free us from bitterness or resentment?
In what ways can thanksgiving help us notice, celebrate and support one another in times of need?
When we bring God what little we have—our prayers, praise and desires—how might he bless and multiply what we offer?
Giving Thanks In Times of Hardship.
Read Matthew 26:20–30
At the table, Jesus gives thanks even though he knows what lies ahead.
What catches your attention in this passage?
What connections do you notice between Psalm 100, Matthew 14 and Matthew 26?
Jesus gives thanks even though he knows he will be betrayed. What might this say to us about giving thanks in painful or uncertain times?
Judas is not excluded from the breadThanksgiving and wine, even though Jesus knows he will betray him. What does this show us about the grace and welcome of Jesus?
To take away.
What is one thing you can thank God for today? How might that gratitude shape the way you live in the week ahead?
4. Practical Application & Wrap-up (10 Mins)
The Challenge: This week, practice "The Closet Principle." Find a quiet, distraction-free space to spend 5–10 minutes alone with God.
Use the Lord’s Prayer as a scaffolding:
Praise: Thank Him for being a loving Father.
Repent: Lay down any hidden bitterness or compromises.
Ask: Pray for your immediate daily needs and those of others.
Yield: Surrender your plans to His kingdom priorities.
Closing Prayer: Have a volunteer lead a prayer, intentionally modelling the simple, heartfelt, humble approach Jesus commands.