Present Tense. Lent & Easter, Daily Readings & Small Group Discussion Guide

Transcription

1 Present Tense Lent & Easter, 2013 Daily Readings & Small Group Discussion Guide

2 Before Abraham was, I Am. JESUS, JOHN 8:58 Christian Church [Buckhead]

3 Present Tense Lent & Easter 2013 So here we go. The run to Easter Sunday begins. Traditionally the season that takes us to Easter s doorsteps is Lent. You know, the season of the fast, when we drop a habit (or two) as a way of intentionally creating a void. Suffering is the goal, but we all know that 40 days without Facebook is not really suffering. I personally like what Joan Chittister said about the season: Lent is not a ritual. It is time given to think seriously about who Jesus is for us, to renew our faith from the inside out. [The Liturgical Year, p.111] There it is: a time given to think seriously about who Jesus is. That is my hope for you this season, that you would put yourself in a routine of reading and prayer and thought, and that all of those behaviors would draw you closer in to the person and the work of Jesus. To help you get there I have put together this guide for the Lenten season. It s an all-in-one packet. There are daily readings, journal questions, and small group discussion guides. (You may not be a small group leader, but your group may be going through this series together. If so, you ll be ready to go!) The daily readings come from the Daily Office Lectionary, a traditional grouping of scriptures for this season. This means you ll be reading with churches all over the world! The Sunday readings are associated with the sermon series called Present Tense. Grace & Peace, Derek Sweatman Lent, Year C Page 3

4 Contents Daily Readings p. 5 Small Group Discussions p. 33 Page 4

5 Daily Readings Ins & Outs 1. The daily readings come from the Daily Office Lectionary. Office means work or behavior or discipline. It s something you do. The Daily Office Lectionary (D.O.L.) is a bible reading plan that was designed in 1500s as a way to help people move through the scriptures at a sustainable pace. The heart of the D.O.L. is the Psalms. If you follow this reading plan, you ll get through the entire book of Psalms. The other readings are related passages from the First Testament, the Gospel writings, and the Epistles, or, Letters. 2. Each day is divided up into what s called the Morning & Evening Offices, which are based on the Psalm readings. The other passages can be read throughout the day at any time. 3. For the Psalms: Read these as prayers. Make them your own prayers. Don t read them to learn, but repeat them as your prayers. This is what they were originally for, and it s how Jesus himself would have used them as well. 4. Journaling questions are included with each day s readings. Take advantage of those, and perhaps do them at the end of the day. Page 5

6 The First Five Days Ash Wednesday thru 2.17 Wednesday, February 13th Ash Wednesday Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 143 Psalm 32 Other Readings: Jonah 3:1-4:11 Hebrews 12:1-14 Luke 18:9-14 Evening Office: Psalm 102 Psalm 130 Prayer for Ash Wednesday, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain to you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for every and ever. Amen. Page 6

7 Thursday, February 14th Morning Office: Psalm 37:1-18 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:6-11 Titus 1:1-16 John 1:29-34 Evening Office: Psalm 37:19-42 Friday, February 15th Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 31 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:12-16 Titus 2:1-15 John 1:35-42 Evening Office: Psalm 35 Page 7

8 Saturday, February 16th Morning Office: Psalm 30 Psalm 32 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:17-26 Titus 3:1-15 John 1:43-51 Evening Office: Psalm 42 Psalm 43 Sunday, February 17th First Sunday of Lent Morning Office: Psalm 63:1-11 Psalm 98 Sermon Texts: John 14:1-7 Daily Office: Deuteronomy 8:1-10 Psalm 25 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 Mark 2:18-22 Evening Office: Psalm 103 Page 8

9 Week One February Monday, February 18th Morning Office: Psalm 41 Psalm 52 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 8:11-20 Hebrews 2:11-18 John 2:1-12 Evening Office: Psalm 44 Prayer for Week Two, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan, come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Page 9

10 Tuesday, February 19th Morning Office: Psalm 45 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:4-12 Hebrews 3:1-11 John 2:13-22 Evening Office: Psalm 47 Psalm 48 Wednesday, February 20th Morning Office: Psalm 119:49-72 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:13-21 Hebrews 3:12-19 John 2:23-3:15 Evening Office: Psalm 49 Psalm 53 Page 10

11 Thursday, February 21st Morning Office: Psalm 50 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5 Hebrews 4:1-10 John 3:16-21 Evening Office: Psalm 59 Psalm 46 Psalm 60 Psalm 19 Friday, February 22nd Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 40 Psalm 54 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Hebrews 4:11-16 John 3:22-36 Evening Office: Psalm 51 Page 11

12 Saturday, February 23rd Morning Office: Psalm 55 Other Readings: Deuteronomy 11:18-28 Hebrews 5:1-10 John 4:1-26 Evening Office: Psalm 138 Psalm 139:1-17 Sunday, February 24th Second Sunday of Lent Morning Office: Psalm 24 Psalm 29 Sermon Texts: John 10:1-10 Daily Office: Jeremiah 1:1-10 Psalm Corinthians 3:11-23 Mark 3:31-4:9 Evening Office: Psalm 8 Psalm 84 Page 12

13 Week Two February 25 - March 3 Monday, February 25th Morning Office: Psalm 56 Psalm 57 Other Readings: Jeremiah 1:11-19 Romans 1:1-15 John 4:27-42 Evening Office: Psalm 64 Psalm 65 Prayer for Week Two, from the Book of Common Prayer God, whose glory it is always to have mercy. Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, on God, for ever and ever. Amen. Page 13

14 Tuesday, February 26th Morning Office: Psalm 61 Psalm 62 Other Readings: Jeremiah 2:1-13 Romans 1:16-25 John 4:43-54 Evening Office: Psalm 68:1-20 Wednesday, February 27th Morning Office: Psalm 72 Other Readings: Jeremiah 3:6-18 Romans 1:28-2:11 John 5:1-18 Evening Office: Psalm 119:73-96 Page 14

15 Thursday, February 28th Morning Office: Psalm 70 Psalm 71 Other Readings: Jeremiah 4:9-10; Romans 2:12-24 John 5:19-29 Evening Office: Psalm 74 Friday, March 1st Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 69:1-23 Other Readings: Jeremiah 5:1-9 Romans 2:25-3:18 John 5:30-47 Evening Office: Psalm 73 Page 15

16 Saturday, March 2nd Morning Office: Psalm 75 Psalm 76 Other Readings: Jeremiah 5:20-31 Romans 3:19-31 John 7:1-13 Evening Office: Psalm 23 Psalm 27 Sunday, March 3rd Third Sunday of Lent Morning Office: Psalm 93 Psalm 96 Sermon Texts: John 10:11-18 Daily Office: Jeremiah 6:9-15 Psalm 23 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Mark 5:1-20 Evening Office: Psalm 34 Page 16

17 Week Three March 4-10 Monday, March 4th Morning Office: Psalm 80 Other Readings: Jeremiah 7:1-15 Romans 4:1-12 John 7:14-36 Evening Office: Psalm 77 Psalm 79 Prayer for Week Three, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to ourselves. Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Page 17

18 Tuesday, March 5th Morning Office: Psalm 78:1-39 Other Readings: Jeremiah 7:21-34 Romans 4:13-25 John 7:37-52 Evening Office: Psalm 78:40-72 Wednesday, March 6th Morning Office: Psalm 119: Other Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:6 Romans 5:1-11 John 8:12-20 Evening Office: Psalm 81 Psalm 82 Page 18

19 Thursday, March 7th Morning Office: Psalm 83 Psalm 42 Psalm 43 Other Readings: Jeremiah 10:11-24 Romans 5:12-21 John 8:21-32 Evening Office: Psalm 85 Psalm 86 Friday, March 8th Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 88 Other Readings: Jeremiah 11:1-8, Romans 6:1-11 John 8:33-47 Evening Office: Psalm 91 Psalm 92 Page 19

20 Saturday, March 9th Morning Office: Psalm 87 Psalm 90 Other Readings: Jeremiah Romans 6:12-23 John 8:47-59 Evening Office: Psalm 136 Sunday, March 10th Fourth Sunday of Lent Morning Office: Psalm 66 Psalm 67 Sermon Texts: John 8:12 Daily Office: Jeremiah 14:1-9, Psalm 119:105 Galatians 4:21-5:1 Mark 8:11-21 Evening Office: Psalm 19 Psalm 46 Page 20

21 Week Four March Monday, March 11th Morning Office: Psalm 89:1-18 Other Readings: Jeremiah 16:10-21 Romans 7:1-12 John 6:1-15 Evening Office: Psalm 89:19-52 Prayer for Week Four, from the Book of Common Prayer Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world. Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Page 21

22 Tuesday, March 12th Morning Office: Psalm 97 Psalm 99 Psalm 100 Other Readings: Jeremiah 17:19-27 Romans 7:13-25 John 6:15-27 Evening Office: Psalm 94 Psalm 95 Wednesday, March 13th Morning Office: Psalm 101 Psalm 109:1-30 Other Readings: Jeremiah 18:1-11 Romans 8:1-11 John 6:27-40 Evening Office: Psalm 119: Page 22

23 Thursday, March 14th Morning Office: Psalm 69:1-23, Other Readings: Jeremiah 22:12-23 Romans 8:12-27 John 6:41-51 Evening Office: Psalm 73 Friday, March 15th Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 102 Other Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-8 Romans 8:28-39 John 6:52-59 Evening Office: Psalm 107:1-32 Page 23

24 Saturday, March 16th Morning Office: Psalm 107:33-43 Other Readings: Jeremiah 23:9-15 Romans 9:1-18 John 6:60-71 Evening Office: Psalm 33 Psalm 108:1-6 Sunday, March 17th Fifth Sunday of Lent Morning Office: Psalm 118 Sermon Texts: John 6:35 Daily Office: Jeremiah 23:16-32 Psalm 62 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Mark 8:31-9:1 Evening Office: Psalm 145 Page 24

25 Week Five March Monday, March 18th Morning Office: Psalm 31 Other Readings: Jeremiah 24:1-10 Romans 9:19-33 John 9:1-17 Evening Office: Psalm 35 Prayer for Week Five, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the wills and affections of sinners. Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise, that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen. Page 25

26 Tuesday, March 19th Morning Office: Psalm 121 Psalm 122 Psalm 123 Other Readings: Jeremiah 25:8-17 Romans 10:1-13 John 9:18-41 Evening Office: Psalm 124 Psalm 125 Psalm 127 Wednesday, March 20th Morning Office: Psalm 119: Other Readings: Jeremiah 25:30-38 Romans 10:14-21 John 10:1-18 Evening Office: Psalm 128 Psalm 129 Psalm 130 Page 26

27 Thursday, March 21st Morning Office: Psalm 131 Psalm 132 Other Readings: Jeremiah 26:1-16 Romans 11:1-12 John 10:19-42 Evening Office: Psalm 140 Psalm 142 Friday, March 22nd Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 22 Other Readings: Jeremiah 29:1-13 Romans 11:13-24 John 11:1-27 Evening Office: Psalm 143:1-11 Page 27

28 Saturday, March 23rd Morning Office: Psalm 137:1-6 Psalm 144 Other Readings: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Romans 11:25-36 John 11:28-44 Evening Office: Psalm 42 Psalm 43 Sunday, March 24th Sixth Sunday of Lent / Palm Sunday Morning Office: Psalm 24 Psalm 29 Sermon Texts: John 15:1-5 Daily Office: Zechariah 12:9-11 Psalm 1 1 Timothy 6:12-16 Matthew 21:12-17 Evening Office: Psalm 103 Page 28

29 Holy Week March Monday, March 25th Morning Office: Psalm 51:1-18 Other Readings: Jeremiah 12:1-16 Philippians 3:1-14 John 12:9-19 Evening Office: Psalm 69:1-23 Prayer for Holy Week, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility. Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection, though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Page 29

30 Tuesday, March 26th Morning Office: Psalm 6 Psalm 12 Other Readings: Jeremiah 15:10-21 Philippians 3:15-21 John 12:20-26 Evening Office: Psalm 94 Wednesday, March 27th Morning Office: Psalm 55 Other Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Philippians 4:1-13 John 12:27-36 Evening Office: Psalm 74 Page 30

31 Thursday, March 28th Morning Office: Psalm 102 Other Readings: Jeremiah 20: Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32 John 17:1-11 Evening Office: Psalm 142 Psalm 143 Good Friday, March 29th Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 22 Other Readings: Genesis 22: Peter 1:10-20 John 13:36-38 Evening Office: Psalm 40:1-14 Psalm 54 Good Friday Self-Guided Prayer Stations at the Building: 6:00 to 8:00am / 11:00 to 1:00pm / 5:00 to 7:00pm Page 31

32 Saturday, March 30th Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 88 Other Readings: Job 19:12-27 Hebrews 4:1-16 Romans 8:1-11 Evening Office: Psalm 27 Sunday, March 31st Easter Sunday / Worship Times: 9:30, 11:00, and 6:00pm Morning Office: Psalm 148 Psalm 149 Psalm 150 Sermon Texts: John 11:25-26 Daily Office: Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 30 John 1:1-18 Luke 24:13-35 Evening Office: Psalm 113 Psalm 114 Psalm 118 Page 32

33 Small Group Discussion Guide 1. This discussion is loosely connected to the Sunday morning sermon series that runs from February 17 - March 31. We recommend taking good notes during each sermon to help you with discussion later in the week. If you miss one or more of the sermons due to being out of town (or sleeping in), go to and catch up. 2. If you have ipad or a smartphone, no need to print anything out! Just open this doc as a PDF in whatever viewer you choose, and lead on. 3. Each session includes the following: (1) SHORT COMMENTARY - We have provided a brief, one-paragraph set-up of the passage for the evening. These are designed to help familiarize you with the message of each passage. (2) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - It almost goes without saying, but we ve provided some questions for you and your group use! Note: We have purposely designed these sessions to be more discussion and dialogue than question and answer. There are not a ton of questions per session - maybe 6 to 10 at the most - and they are framed more as talking points than the old Q&A that prompts the standard responses: God, Jesus, Bible, Prayer, Serve, Give, Bring-a-Friend. Page 33

34 Week 1 Group Take-Away We can trust that the way of Jesus leads to life. Way, Truth, Life John 14:1-7 Commentary: Fear was growing in the hearts of the disciples. Uncertainty was setting in, and there were doubts arising among the twelve. So Jesus spoke words of encouragement to his friends, saying, Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father s house are many rooms. It if were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? The wording was meant to lift their spirits. But it wasn t enough. Thomas spoke up, saying, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? Jesus responds with one of the most famous riffs in all of scripture: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. (v.6) When you read it over and over again, it s powerful. Jesus was saying, My Father has sent me to bring the world back to Him. I know the way. In fact, I am the way. And my way is true. You can follow me. I will lead you towards the life God has for you. Other Scriptures: Psalm 25 Page 34

35 Discussion Guide Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts. It is no longer sufficient to hold beliefs just because you inherited them. Tim Keller Opening Discussion Read the quote above and ask your group to share their thoughts. Some guiding questions might be: At what point in your life did you take ownership of your faith? What was that process like? How is your faith different than that of your parents? Read John 14: In this story Jesus is trying to encourage his disciples. They are clearly rattled and in need of comfort. Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled. (v.1) Does it seem odd to you that even the disciples needed comfort from Jesus? What sorts of things do you imagine they struggled with when it came to their own faith and trust in their friend Jesus? How is this encouraging to you? 2. Read verses 5-6 again. What three things does Jesus say about himself in his response to Thomas? What do each of those mean to you? How do you hear them? Does it make sense? Explain. 3. What is the promise that you hear in Jesus words in verse 6? 4. The statement is ultimately about trusting him enough to follow him. What is a current situation in your life right now where trusting Jesus is not easy? Moving Forward Read, Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. [Psalm 25:4-5] Close in prayer, praying for the various spiritual needs that were mentioned during your discussion. Page 35

36 Week 2 Group Take-Away The way of Jesus frees us to experience life as God envisioned for us. Door John 10:1-10 Commentary: This text is not easy. It comes with many angles and ideas on meaning. And one such angle is that God provides protection. Jesus was teaching about his care and concern for our lives. His prop was the gatekeeper of a sheep pen, the one who slept by the gate at night to protect the sheep. But people are people, and when trouble would come, the gatekeeper would sometimes run. Especially if the sheep didn t belong to him. No reason to stick around. And then Jesus said these words: I am the door. (v.7) In other words, he s not going anywhere. The door can t run. And in this case, it doesn t want to. Jesus is in place, steady, and fixed on the front line of our lives. He is there to protect. His image of thieves coming to coax and groom and confuse and steal is easy for us to understand. It s how the world works. Whatever God s best is for our lives, there will always be other options that beckon us to unhinge our trust in God and take a chance on something else. As the door, Jesus stands as a filter through which we discern truth from fiction, right from wrong, and safety from danger. But he is also a guard. Other Scriptures: Psalm 121 Page 36

37 Discussion Guide When we sin and mess up our lives, we find that God doesn't go off and leave us. He enters into our trouble and saves us. Eugene H. Peterson Opening Discussion Read the above quote and have your group share their thoughts. Some follow-up questions to ask might be: Is this statement hard for you to believe? Is this how you normally picture God during times of weakness or failure? What speaks to you directly? Read John 10:1-6; 7-9; (vv.1-6) In this first section Jesus describes the system of safety for the sheep: there s a doorman who lets the shepherd in through the gate, and all others will have to break their way in, making them thieves. (vv.7-9) In this section Jesus switches things up, calling himself the door. Not the doorman, but the door. What do you hear in these verses about God s protection and care? What sort of things do you see the thieves representing in the passage? What would they be coming to steal, as Jesus said? 2. How do you see God as a protector in your life? How does that work? What are some ways you ve experienced God s protection in your life? Have there been situations when Jesus stood between you and the next bad decision, and it worked? 3. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and have people share their thoughts and personal experience with this, how escape has been provided. Moving Forward Read, The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. [Psalm 121:7-8] Questions: Are there things we can about for you when it comes to seeking protection and care from God? Page 37

38 Week 3 Group Take-Away A relationship with Jesus is personal, one of voice recognition, of presence and trust. Shepherd John 10:11-18 Commentary: This passage is part of the previous one (John 10:1-10). In this one, Jesus called himself the good shepherd. To the first century listener this would strike a deep and relevant connection, for they would have certainly known the differences between a good and bad shepherd. If we reach back into the full passage, Jesus talked about how the sheep know the voice of their shepherd, and that when he calls them, they listen and respond. (v.3) The personal relationship of care and trust between shepherd and sheep is at the heart of this teaching. In the first section (vv.11-13) Jesus gives the profile of a good shepherd. In the second section (vv.14-18) he then says that he is the good shepherd. And what does the good shepherd do? He gives his life for the sheep. (v.11) He cares that much. In this passage we learn about the kind of relationship God wants with us, one that is deeply personal, of voice recognition, and one in which we can fully trust that God has our life in His hands. Other Scriptures: Psalm 23 Page 38

39 Discussion Guide There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing. Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz Opening Discussion Read the 23rd Psalm and have your group share their thoughts. Some guiding questions might be: How familiar is this psalm to you? Has this psalm ever been a source of comfort to you? In what ways? What is the picture of God you see most in this psalm? Read John 10: Read verse 14 again. A good shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know their shepherd. Jesus gave us a picture of the kind of personal relationship he wants with us. Have your group share their thoughts on this. Some questions might be: Does a personal relationship with God sound strange to you? Why? How would you get to know God anyway? What are some of your own experiences in trying to grow in your relationship with God? 2. What do you think about when Jesus said that he know us? Is this a comforting or frightening thing for you? 3. In verse 16 we see that part of the relationship between shepherd and sheep is one of voice recognition. How do you discern the voice of God? Is this hard for you? Does it seem strange? Is it perhaps something else other than words that we need to be listening for? 4. Where in your life could you use God s clear direction right now? Moving Forward Read, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. [Psalm 23:1-3] After reading these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in your group. Page 39

40 Week 4 Group Take-Away Jesus promises to give clear direction and wisdom for life s journey. Light of the World John 8:12 Commentary: This one is simple. Jesus promised that anyone who follows him will have his path lined with street lights. There will be no darkness, which can be translated as confusion, fear, and so on. There also exists a promise of an evergrowing clarity on how to live in God s world as God s people. Jesus promised an eternal guide through this life. His ways, his teachings, his grace, and so on, will lead the way, casting light on the life ahead of us. I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. [C.S. Lewis] Other Scriptures: Psalm 119:105 Page 40

41 Discussion Guide I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C.S. Lewis Opening Discussion Read the C.S. Lewis quote above and have your group discuss it. Some guiding questions might be: What do you hear him saying? What does he mean? How has this been true for you as well? Read John 8:12 1. What is the promise in this verse? Does it seem to good to be true? Are there times when following Jesus feels like walking in the dark? 2. Is it okay to be in the dark spiritually sometimes? And when you re in the dark, how is Jesus still the light? 3. Share an experience or a time in your life when you really needed direction from God, and, he provided it. How did that lead to life for you? 4. Read Psalm 119:105. How is this verse about clarity for life s journey? Flesh this out; what is the writer saying here? 5. What is an area of your life right now where you need some light? Moving Forward Read, In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. [John 1:4] After reading these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in your group. Page 41

42 Week 5 Group Take-Away In Jesus we find our true, intended identity. Bread of Life John 6:35 Commentary: This I AM statement is preceded by the feeding of the 5,000, which led to a group of people asking Jesus to perform a miracle for them. What they wanted was something from Jesus. Jesus was a cog in the wheel and a means to an end. A miracle worker, not the Messiah. After some back and forth on this, Jesus finally responded, saying, I am the bread of the life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (v.35) He called their hand. He taught them something new instead, that God isn t a means to fulfillment in life, he is fulfillment. It is in him that we find our true selves. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in. (C.S. Lewis) Other Scriptures: Psalm 62 Page 42

43 Discussion Guide Our idea of God tells us more about ourselves than about Him. Thomas Merton Opening Discussion A phrase that gets thrown around a lot in church circles is the idea of growing spiritually, or, growing in our relationship with God. What do you personally hear in those phrases? What do they mean to you? Read John 6:35 1. What kind of hunger & thirst is Jesus talking about here? How do his words here connect with his words in Matthew 5:6? (Read that verse) 2. Have someone read the passage leading up to this in verses 22-34, and then have your group discuss Jesus bread of life statement in light of those verses. How does Jesus teach on the difference between simply finding all we need in God alone and just getting things from God? How is this about finding our identity in Christ? 3. How have you fed on the teachings of Jesus? In what ways have you grown in your hunger and thirst for God and his ways? Are there places in your relationship with God that still feel starved? What are they? How are you feeding them right now? Moving Forward Read, For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. he alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. [Psalm 62:1-2] After reading these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in your group. Page 43

44 Week 6 Group Take-Away A relationship with Jesus is supposed to be dynamic, one in which we grow and change. Vine John 15:5 Commentary: This is one the most famous metaphors Jesus used when teaching on the importance of staying connected to him. The vine produces the branches, not the other way around. Jesus was clear: our growth (in him) rests on our willingness to stay on the vine, as it were. His words were frightening too, that to disconnect from him is spiritual death, and that apart from him, we can t do anything. (v.5) In all, this teaching of Jesus was a reminder that we must stay awake in our relationship with him, that we must remain present and active as followers and seekers. Other Scriptures: Psalm 1 Page 44

45 Discussion Guide A long obedience in the same direction. Eugene H. Peterson Opening Discussion Pass out index cards and have each group member write down the three most influential things that have helped them grow in their faith. After a few minutes, have people share their responses. Take note of the similarities between the responses, and (perhaps) discuss those too. Read John 15:5 1. What is the promise in this verse? What is Jesus talking about specifically? What image or images stand out the most for you? 2. Jesus words are a challenge for us to stay connected to him. What are the ways you do this? What sorts of behaviors do you practice as a way of staying connected in your faith? When is it hard for you to do this? What sorts of life situations make it difficult for you when it comes to your faith? 3. How do you get through the seasons like doubt, anger, or even boredom in your faith? Do you find it easy or hard to keep going and stay connected? 4. Where are you now? Do you feel connected to Jesus or is he distant? 5. What ways can we pray for you as a group regarding this? Moving Forward Read, Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is a like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither. [Psalm 1:1-3] After reading these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in your group. Page 45

46 Week 7 Group Take-Away In Christ there is resurrection and new life. The old goes away. The new keeps happening. Resurrection and the Life John 11:25-26 Optional Session / Celebration Evening Commentary: This passage is a short conversation between Martha and Jesus. It took place at the funeral of Martha s brother, Lazarus. Death always levels the field. It s a look into everyone s future. It s also a present loss for those left behind to live another day. Martha, and her sister Mary, had lost their brother. It shook them to the core. They were sad, and from the looks of it, not very hopeful. But not many people are in those moments. They want their friend or husband or son or daughter back. And Martha knew that Jesus could have done something if he d only been there. (v.21) We know the ending. Jesus will raise Lazarus from the dead. He will come back. A resurrection before the one of Jesus. But before that took place, Jesus said to Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. (v.25) Again, like the bread of life statement, here is Jesus separating what he could do (raise the dead) from who he was. What he can do is because of who he is. Tonight: This session is designed as a celebration evening for our group. On the following page is a plan for the evening. Enjoy. Other Scriptures: Psalm 30 Page 46

47 Celebration Guide Notes: Close this season out with a dinner party! Make sure your whole group is there. Ask everyone to bring something to share as part of the meal. The flow of the evening is as follows: dinner, some discussion, communion, and prayer. DINNER: Again, make sure your entire group is helping out with this. Set up a menu and have everyone contribute. During dinner, ask your group members to share one or two ways they ve grown through this series of discussions. After dinner, move on to the discussion piece below. DISCUSSION: Begin by reading John 11: In this passage Jesus tells Martha that he is the resurrection and the life, and that even though we die, we still live on! Some questions: What do you think eternity will be like? Do you ever think about it? Does a statement like this one give you hope? Why? COMMUNION: Close your time together by taking communion as a group. You ll need cups, juice, and bread. Page 47

48 All scripture finds its organic center and unity in Jesus. For this reason, the biblical narrative has its beginning in the creation of the universe through Christ, its middle in the earthly life and ministry of Christ, and its end in the reconciliation of all things in Christ. Leonard Sweet Jesus: A Theography