03.30.08
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“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.
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03.23.08
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“Absence & Atonement”
The Road to Grace
Small Group Plan
March 23, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
A close friend and brother in Christ with excellent business skills and a great track record was contacted by a group that knew what his value would be to their company. He was not looking for a job but they wanted to talk and consider their offer anyway. Somewhere in the conversation the topic of faith came up. It was only a statement of faith on his part, the kind that could inspire confidence and show evidence of an honest, strong work ethic. But instead, the interview abruptly stopped, and he was advised to never mention faith in such a setting again. Will he take their advice? Not a chance!
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What has been the greatest challenge to your faith?
· When did an apparent defeat turn out to be a victory for you?
· When have you wished that you could start life or a part of life over?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
What Jesus Did
1 Peter 3:18-22
18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand — with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
· Where did Jesus go? Where is this “prison” (Vs. 19)?
· Speculate: Who are these “spirits” and why are they in prison?
· Speculate: What did Jesus preach to then?
What His Followers Did
John 3:1-2
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
· Given the time Nicodemus chose to visit, what was his purpose?
· How would you describe the tension between his belief that Jesus was “from God” and his fear to be seen with Jesus during the day?
John 12:42-43
42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
· Why didn’t those who “believe” in Jesus openly follow him?
· What consequences might a Christian face today for openly admitting their faith?
· How does “praise from men” edge out “praise from God”?
John 19:38-39
38 Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews … 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.
· Mark 15:43 says, Joseph went “boldly” to Pilate.
· What is Joseph feeling and thinking that is beginning to crack his secret discipleship wide open?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· Why do people still seek God even when they are ruled by fear?
· What would a “secret disciple” look like today?
· When have you been afraid to admit your faith in Jesus?
· What situation or circumstance would bring your faith out of hiding?
Close by thanking God for remaining the same as we have moved in and out of fear, faith and discipleship.
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03.16.08
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“Action & Agony”
The Road to Grace
Small Group Plan
March 16, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
A great number of people are searching for peace. They want to find peace and they want to make peace. But it has already been made. God has not left it for us to create, but for us to enter.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· What were your childhood understandings of communion and baptism?
· How did they change and mature?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Thursday – Day of Action
The People at the Supper — Mark 14:12-15
12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
· Why does Jesus share this time with those who will desert Him?
· What is there about them that causes Him to stay with them?
· What is there about Himself that empowers Him to stay with them?
The Point of the Supper — Mark 14:22-26
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” 26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
· What does God offer us in communion?
· What do we offer Him?
· What does it mean to be one of the “many” (Vs. 24)?
· How can we move our communion reflections on Sunday into Christian action on Monday?
Friday – Day of Agony
The Physical Punishment — Luke 23:32-34
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
· The only description in the Bible is “there they crucified him” (Vs. 33).
· Review what we know about the physical practice and purpose of crucifixion. (See http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/deathjesus.pdf for an article from the Journal of the American Medical Association.)
· In your times of suffering, who are you most concerned about? Why?
The Spiritual Punishment — Mark 15:33-34
33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” — which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
· Why was Jesus the only acceptable sacrifice for humanity?
· Why did God have to abandon Jesus?
· How would you define the word “atonement” ?
· How would you apply it to yourself?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· How can we bring the intimate family feeling of the Passover into our communion service today?
· What enables us to share communion, even with those who have disappointed or hurt us?
· What do you think about during communion
· Why did God make the cross of Jesus the center of our religion?
· How can the cross define and shape thoughts, relationships, identity, action, etc.?
Close by thanking God for His incredible sacrifice.
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03.09.08
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“Argument & Asylum”
The Road to Grace
Small Group Plan
March 9, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
I read of a man trying to finish a project, but he was constantly interrupted by his daughter. He wanted to be patient so he thought of an idea. He cut up a map of the world — like a jigsaw puzzle. He was thinking it would take her a long time to put all the little countries back in their place and get the world back together. And it would be a great educational project.
He got her started and went back to his work. But in just a short time, she was finished. When he asked how she got it together so quickly? She explained:
I Found A Picture Of A Person On The Back Of The Map.
And When I Got The Person Right,
The Rest Of The World Came Out Right.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Where would you pin the cause of selfishness and stubbornness?
· When your world seems to be out of control, what do you do to get back on track?
· Why is silence and solitude relaxing for some, but boring for others?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Tuesday – Day of Argument
They Take The Argument To Jesus — Mark 12:13-17
13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
· What usually brings enemies together (like the Pharisees and Herodians)?
· What does this tell us about the threat-level Jesus represents?
· When attacked, openly or deceitfully, how do you usually respond? Why?
· After refusing to answer direct questions earlier (11:27-33), why does Jesus now respond to such an underhanded question?
· What superficial concerns (like taxes) do we have today?
· If we took Jesus’ words seriously and gave “to God what is God’s” what would have to change in our lives?
He Brings The Argument To Them — Mark 12:1-12
1 He then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. 2 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. 6 “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 “What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 11 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” 12 Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.
· Do you believe that confrontation just as valid as compassion? Explain.
· Do you think this story supports this thought? Why or why not?
· Why is it difficult for some to picture Jesus in conflict?
· This parable is an amazing story of God’s patience. Why has God been so patient with humanity?
· How are we (the new tenant) vulnerable to the same mistakes that Israel (the old tenant) made?
Wednesday – Day of Asylum
Mark 14:3-9
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. 6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
· List the people who would smell this woman’s gift over the next two days.
· Love doesn’t always stop to calculate and measure. Why?
· This woman gave without words. What are other gifts that can be given without words?
· How should we react when our efforts are criticized?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· How does it feel to think of yourself as a new tenant in God’s Kingdom?
· As a new tenant, what are our responsibilities?
· How would you describe the honor of bearing the image of the Creator of the universe?
· How does the Bethany woman change your view of generosity?
Close by asking God for His continued patience with us, the new tenants.
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03.02.08
Posted in Small Group Plans at 8:00 am by Bob
“Acclaim & Authority”
The Road to Grace
Small Group Plan
March 2, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
As we begin “The Road To Grace” ending on Easter Sunday, we want to walk side by side with Jesus through each day of His last week. We want to feel His joy and frustration. We want to listen as He answers His critics. We want to watch as He heals the hurting. We want to learn from His quiet rest in the middle of the week. And we want to understand His warning to the religion of His day. Sunday and Monday begin His week with warning and teaching. May we open our hearts and minds to His words and example.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· How do you feel when your convictions disappoint others?
· How do you usually respond to the expectations of others?
· Why do Matthew, Mark, Luke and John give us so much detail about Jesus’ last week?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Sunday – Day of Acclaim
Mark 11:1-11
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
· What was the crowd expecting from Jesus?
· Why did they take off their cloaks and spread them on the road?
· Why did they say “Hosanna” which means, “Save Now” ?
· Why did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem on a colt (donkey Mt. 21:2)?
· Why did Jesus go to the Temple rather than the Roman fortress?
· What were the Twelve thinking during this time?
Monday – Day of Authority
Mark 11:12-19
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19 When evening came, they went out of the city.
· Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?
· What did Jesus see in the Temple the night before that prompted his anger?
· What does the Temple story teach us about anger?
· Jesus saw a physical barrier (see attached pictures), but he also saw other walls. What were they, and how did they affect the Temple relationships?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· Edwin Poteat wrote the following poem about Sunday, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Discuss the messages you see in the story and in the poem.
They Pluck Their Palm Branches And Hail Him As King,
Early On Sunday;
They Spread Our Their Garments, Hosannas They Sing,
Early On Sunday.
But Where Is The Noise Of Their Hurrying Feet,
The Crown They Would Offer, The Scepter, The Seat?
Their King Wanders Hungry, Forgot In The Street,
Early On Monday.
· Dr. Herbert Lockyer also wrote a poem. It’s message moves from fig tree to temple to church. What applications can we draw from it?
The Master came to the fig tree, and saw the foliage there
Of thick and shady branches, to hungry eyes so fair.
But He found that it was barren, and bore no luscious fruit,
For life was gone, and even ‘twas withered from its root.
The Master came to the temple, and saw the worship there,
The ritual and the customs, to Jewish eyes so fair;
But to Him ‘twas all corruption, his house a den of thieves,
And all its boasted glory, was fruitless, only leaves.
The Master comes to the churches, and sees our service here,
The busy nightly meetings, to worldly hearts so dear.
And still He probes the motive, and still His Spirit grieves,
To find our modern methods so fruitless — mostly leaves.
· How should we respond to corrupt religion?
· How should we react when God places us a situation that we don’t completely understand?
· Where are you in the “Temple Cleansing” stages mentioned on Sunday: (1) Take inventory. (2) Count the cost. (3) Begin. (4) Let Him do the cleansing.
Close by asking God to enter the temple of our hearts and show us what He sees.
HERODIAN TEMPLE
The Jerusalem Temple Warning Inscription
Two copies of this inscription have been found. The first copy, shown below, was discovered in 1871. Discovered in 1935, the second copy pictured on the following page, is a fragment from the center of the inscription, showing partial words on six lines.
|
MHQENA . ALLOGENH . EISPO
REUESQAI . ENTOS . TOU . PE
RI . TO . IERON . TRUFAKTOU . KAI
PERIBOLOU . OS . D . AN . LH-
FQH . EAUTWI . AITIOS . ES-
TAI . DIA . TO . ECAKOLOU-
QEIN . QANATON |
No outsider shall enter
the protective enclosure
around the sanctuary. And
whoever is caught will
only have himself
to blame for the
ensuing death |
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