present tense lent & easter, 2013 - clover...

Present Tense

Lent & Easter, 2013

Daily Readings & Small Group Discussion Guide

Christian Church [Buckhead]

Before Abraham was, I Am. JESUS, JOHN 8:58

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

Present Tense

Lent & Easter 2013

http://bcponline.org/


http://christianchurchbuckhead.com/media

http://christianchurchbuckhead.com/media

Contents

Daily Readings

p. 5

Small Group Discussions

p. 33

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.



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

Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as

revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?

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.

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

Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things

from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?

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



Saturday, February 16th


Psalm 32

Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:17-26 Titus 3:1-15

John 1:43-51


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




Week One

February 18 - 24

Monday, February 18th


Psalm 52

Other Readings: Deuteronomy 8:11-20 Hebrews 2:11-18

John 2:1-12




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.

Tuesday, February 19th



Hebrews 3:1-11 John 2:13-22






Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:13-21 Hebrews 3:12-19

John 2:23-3:15



revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things


Thursday, February 21st


Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5


Evening Office: Psalm 59 Psalm 46 Psalm 60

Psalm 19



Friday, February 22nd


Psalm 40 Psalm 54


Hebrews 4:11-16 John 3:22-36




Saturday, February 23rd




Evening Office: Psalm 138 Psalm 139:1-17



Sunday, February 24th

Second Sunday of Lent


Psalm 29

Sermon Texts: John 10:1-10 Daily Office: Jeremiah 1:1-10 Psalm 121 1 Corinthians 3:11-23

Mark 3:31-4:9




Week Two

February 25 - March 3

Monday, February 25th


Psalm 57

Other Readings: Jeremiah 1:11-19 Romans 1:1-15

John 4:27-42


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.

Tuesday, February 26th


Psalm 62


John 4:43-54






Other Readings: Jeremiah 3:6-18 Romans 1:28-2:11

John 5:1-18




Thursday, February 28th


Psalm 71

Other Readings: Jeremiah 4:9-10; 19-28 Romans 2:12-24

John 5:19-29




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





Saturday, March 2nd


Psalm 76


John 7:1-13


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




Week Three

March 4 - 10

Monday, March 4th



Romans 4:1-12 John 7:14-36




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.

Tuesday, March 5th



Romans 4:13-25 John 7:37-52




Wednesday, March 6th


Other Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:6

Romans 5:1-11 John 8:12-20


Psalm 82



Thursday, March 7th


Psalm 42 Psalm 43


Romans 5:12-21

John 8:21-32




Friday, March 8th


Other Readings: Jeremiah 11:1-8, 14-20

Romans 6:1-11 John 8:33-47


Psalm 92



Saturday, March 9th


Psalm 90

Other Readings: Jeremiah 13-1-11 Romans 6:12-23

John 8:47-59




Sunday, March 10th

Fourth Sunday of Lent


Psalm 67

Sermon Texts: John 8:12 Daily Office: Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22 Psalm 119:105 Galatians 4:21-5:1

Mark 8:11-21




Week Four

March 11 - 17

Monday, March 11th



Romans 7:1-12 John 6:1-15




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.

Tuesday, March 12th


Psalm 99 Psalm 100


Romans 7:13-25

John 6:15-27





Morning Office: Psalm 101 Psalm 109:1-30


Romans 8:1-11 John 6:27-40




Thursday, March 14th

Morning Office: Psalm 69:1-23, 30-38


Romans 8:12-27 John 6:41-51




Friday, March 15th


Psalm 102


John 6:52-59




Saturday, March 16th



Romans 9:1-18 John 6:60-71

Evening Office: Psalm 33 Psalm 108:1-6



Sunday, March 17th

Fifth Sunday of Lent


Sermon Texts: John 6:35 Daily Office: Jeremiah 23:16-32

Psalm 62 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Mark 8:31-9:1





Week Five

March 18 - 24

Monday, March 18th



Romans 9:19-33 John 9:1-17




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.

Tuesday, March 19th


Psalm 122 Psalm 123


Romans 10:1-13

John 9:18-41


Psalm 127






Romans 10:14-21 John 10:1-18


Psalm 129

Psalm 130



Thursday, March 21st


Psalm 132


John 10:19-42


Psalm 142



Friday, March 22nd


Psalm 22


John 11:1-27




Saturday, March 23rd


Psalm 144


John 11:28-44


Psalm 43



Sunday, March 24th

Sixth Sunday of Lent / Palm Sunday


Sermon Texts: John 15:1-5 Daily Office: Zechariah 12:9-11

Psalm 1 1 Timothy 6:12-16 Matthew 21:12-17




Holy Week

March 25 - 31

Monday, March 25th



Philippians 3:1-14 John 12:9-19




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.

Tuesday, March 26th


Psalm 12

Other Readings: Jeremiah 15:10-21 Philippians 3:15-21

John 12:20-26






Other Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17 Philippians 4:1-13

John 12:27-36




Thursday, March 28th



1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32 John 17:1-11




Good Friday, March 29th


Other Readings: Genesis 22:1-14

1 Peter 1:10-20 John 13:36-38


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

Saturday, March 30th


Psalm 88

Other Readings: Job 19:12-27 Hebrews 4:1-16

Romans 8:1-11




Sunday, March 31st

Easter Sunday / Worship Times: 9:30, 11:00, and 6:00pm


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


Psalm 114

Psalm 118



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 www.christianchurchbuckhead.com/media 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.

http://www.christianchurchbuckhead.com/media

http://www.christianchurchbuckhead.com/media

Week 1

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

Group Take-AwayWe can trust that the way of Jesus leads to life.

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 14:1-71. 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.

Week 2

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.


Group Take-AwayThe way of Jesus frees us to experience life as

God envisioned for us.

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; 101. (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?

Week 3

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.


Group Take-AwayA relationship with Jesus is personal, one of

voice recognition, of presence and trust.

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 10:11-181. 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.

Week 4

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 ever-

growing 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

Group Take-AwayJesus promises to give clear direction and

wisdom for life’s journey.

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.

Week 5

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)


Group Take-AwayIn Jesus we find our true, intended identity.

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 6:351. 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.

Week 6

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.


Group Take-AwayA relationship with Jesus is supposed to be

dynamic, one in which we grow and change.

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.

Week 7

Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25-26Optional 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.


Group Take-AwayIn Christ there is resurrection and new life. The

old goes away. The new keeps happening.

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 11:25-26. 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.

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

present tense lent & easter, 2013 - clover...

Documents