03.30.08
Small Group Plan - March 30, 2008
“5 Choices”
The Road to Grace
Small Group Plan
March 30, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
While an open mind is priceless, it is priceless
only when its owner has the courage
to make a final decision
which closes the mind for action
– H.W. Andrews
We make our decisions,
and then our decisions turn around
and make us.
– F. W. Boreham
Not to decide is to decide.
– Harvey Cox
The only choice humans cannot make
is the choice to not choose.
– John Wilson
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What are the creative ways that some avoid difficult decisions?
· How do you explain the power of a mob or crowd?
· How are individual decisions influenced by the opinions of a group?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Pilate Had 2 Choices
Matthew 27:11-18
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply not even to a single charge, to the great amazement of the governor. 15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
· Why did Pilate put the Jesus/Barabbas choice before the crowd?
· Contrast the two men facing each other — Pilate and Jesus?
· Which “leadership” model is most characteristic of today’s social and political leaders? Why?
The Crowd Made 5 Choices
An Impulsive Choice – Matthew 27:19-20
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
· Why was the crowd so easily “persuaded” (Vs. 20)?
· Describe the power of manipulation?
An Emotional Choice – Luke 23:13-18
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” 18 With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
· List and describe all the emotions that fill this story.
· Who is feeling threatened and how are they responding?
An Irrational Choice – John 19:12, 15
12 The Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” … 15 “We have no king but Caesar.”
· Three times in two verses “Caesar” is mentioned as a “friend” and “king.”
· How does this conflict with the typical thinking of the Roman over-lords?
A Fatal Choice – Mark 15:12-15
12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
· Why did Jesus allow his own murder?
· In addition to Jesus, what else is dying on this day – what attitudes, hopes, fairness, justice?
A Forgiveness Choice – Acts 2:36-38
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
· After all the violence and evil they had done, why does God offer this crowd another chance and another choice?
· What finally got through to them so they felt “cut to the heart” (Vs. 37)?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· How can we spot and avoid Pilate’s leadership style today?
· All believers want to consistently choose Jesus, but what practical steps lead to courageous faith choices?
· In what situations are “emotional” and “irrational” temptations most likely to occur for you?
· How can an “impulsive” faith choice be just as mistaken as an “impulsive” evil choice?
Close by thanking God for giving us a forgiveness choice.