After - Day 7

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add or subtract or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN
Can you recall a time when you were preparing for something BIG? Maybe it was an exciting event or trip, perhaps it was a certain Christmas, an important graduation, a funeral, or some other major moment in your life. How did you get ready for it? What were the days like leading up to it?

HEAD
We covered a large amount of scripture this week. For your Connect Group reading, select several portions of scripture from the passion week to read together. Share any initial wisdom, insights, or questions in response to the reading.

Consider passages from these texts:

Matthew 21-27  |  Mark 11-15
Luke 19:28-23:56  |  John 12:12-19:37

What surprises you about the way Jesus entered Jerusalem? What do you find most significant about his triumphal entry?

What does the story of Jesus clearing the temple tell you about Him and His purpose? If He came into our lives, churches, or communities today…where do you think He would do something similar?

Why was it important for Jesus to have a “last supper” with His disciples? How do you think Jesus may have felt during that time in the upper room?

HEART
If you knew without a doubt that your close friend was going to betray you…how would you treat them? How does Jesus model unconditional love for us in the story of His betrayal?

As you consider the teachings of Jesus during the passion week, are there certain things that you find hard to hear? What do you think it was like for the disciples to hear?

HANDS
Where does Jesus catch your attention in the passion week? What words or practices from this week's reading catch your attention and what do they inspire/invite you to do?

How is Jesus’ life and death real to you today? Consider what your life would be like without those things and think about sharing that testimony with someone who needs to hear it this week.


LIVING WORDS for YOUR WEEK

“After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life–to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.’”
John 17:1-3