We’re starting a new series this week, entitled In the Shadow of the Cross. It’s a call for Christians to remember who they are in weeks ahead, as we move through a contentious election season. For this first sermon, we’ll be talking through John 18:28-19:12. Walter will preach on this text on Sunday, October 11th and his big idea is “Christians trust in a higher authority.” You’ll want to have your discussion on this text in the week leading up to the 11th.
To kick things off at your group, we recommend that you check in with your people about their previous “I will” statement. Start group time, before you read, with this question: “How did your ‘I will’ go this week?”
Second, it’s important to share God’s truth with those around us. Your next question before the read-through should be, “Who were you able to share with this week?”
Step 1: Assignment - Prepare to discuss John 18:28-19:8-12
Before your group meets, text these passages out and ask your people to read them at least once.
Step 2: Read Through - When your group meets, read the texts in at least two different translations.
Step 3: Retell - Ask one or two people in your group to restate each passage in their own words, as if they were telling the story to a friend. Make sure you choose different people each week!
Step 4: Reflect: Go around the group and ask each person to answer these two things.
What does this passage teach us about God?
What does this passage teach us about human beings?
Step 5: Respond - Go around the group and ask each person to complete this statement, “Because of this passage, I will _____this week.”