SURRENDER

Based on John 13: 1-17, James 4: 7-1, Luke 9:23-25 & Ezekiel 36:25-27

Small Group Study Guide

Check-In

Ask: Please team up in twos- guys together and girls together.

Ask each other:

How is your T.A.G. time going?

What did you do with last night’s faith challenge?

The Bridge

1. Say: Turn to your neighbor. Name two items that you treasure. Which one is more important to you? Which one would you give up for the other? Why?

Give them two minutes to share.

DEBRIEF

Ask: If both items were important, what made one more important to you?

Jesus calls us to complete surrender.

Introduction

Imagine this scene in Jerusalem during Passover…

Twelve men surged through the narrow streets, elated. Thoughts swirled around in their heads. They were beyond reason. It had been a great week. Jesus was finally starting to show some common sense. Just that day, He had ridden into Jerusalem on a donkey while the people sang and praised. Each disciple had proudly walked beside Him, glorying in the favor of the people.

This was just the first step. Soon everyone would crown their Jesus king. He would lead in a glorious revolt against the Romans, which would end in power, riches, and fame. He had asked the disciples to prepare a room for them to eat the Passover that night. Maybe this would be a secret meeting. Perhaps they would begin deciding positions and ranks for the new kingdom.

Soon, the inevitable argument had started again. “I’m going to sit on his right,” James casually mentioned to John. “No—me!” he responded. “Everyone should realize,” Peter interjected, “that I’m the only one who actually gets things done around here. Jesus knows that He can count on me to be His second-in-command.” Within a few minutes, all of the disciples were engaged in a heated argument.

The disciples burst through the door and sank down on the couches. They kept bickering throughout the meal, even after Jesus had arrived. Peter was loudly debating with Thomas when he stopped and stared. The disciples fell silent as Jesus rose, bent down, and knelt beside each one with a basin of water. Flinching, they watched in horror as he assumed the role of a servant and wiped the dirt from their feet. What was happening?

Date: 2015-02-16; view: 651