John 2:13-25 Discussion Guide
Q1: What is an appropriate amount of time to spend reading about, thinking about, and talking about current political/cultural issues? What is an appropriate manner in which to do these things? Why? (This is pure opinion, so all I am asking for is your opinion)
Q2: How could Ephesians 4:29 serve as a guide for how we talk about these issues? (There are several important principles in this verse, what are they?)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Q3: Every issue of importance in the world and in our lives personally ultimately comes down to foundational questions such as “What is real, what is most valuable, what is true and how do we know, what is right to do, what is our purpose?” Discuss how you see these foundational issues in the various headlines of this past week. (War, gender, election, crime, etc.)
Q4: Using Monday’s devotional, what are some thoughts you have about Jesus being our Passover Lamb? (Amazement at God’s plan, gratitude, etc.)
Q5: What are some examples from the four Gospels where people were shown to be aware of Jesus’ authority? Have you ever met someone with positional or personal authority (a commanding presence)? What was that like? How did people respond and why? Imagine what it would be like to be in the commanding presence of Jesus, how would different people in our culture respond to him if they were to meet him face to face?
Q6: The coming of Jesus was predicted with more than words. Key Old Testament people, events and institutions pointed forward to him. What are some of these people, events, and institutions? How did they “prefigure” Jesus. You find many of these in the book of Hebrews such as he is a greater Moses, he is our sabbath rest, our high priest, etc.
Q7: Why does chasing miracles or experiences most often lead to negative outcomes?
Q8: Have you ever believed that if God were to answer a certain prayer, or do something miraculous then you would be permanently “cured” of doubt and your propensity to sin? What are some reasons this is not true?
Q9: Has “zeal for God’s glory consumed you?” By consumed I mean, driven your choices, directed the key goals and desires of your life. If not a desire for God’s glory, then what has been the “engine” that most often drives your life?
Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name., Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 5:41
Q10: We can easily imagine that these early followers of Jesus were so different than we are that we could not possible be expected to understand them or to act like they did. This is not true. What are some things that are true that empowered them to “rejoice in being treated shamefully” and that keep us from that kind of faith and courage?
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign overall, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”
Q11: Do you rejoice in this? Do you fully embrace this? Do you struggle against this? Perhaps you do all of the above at different times.
IF YOU ARE ABLE AND WILLING…get on your knees together and surrender anew your entire life to Jesus.