Lion and the Lamb 3/19/08

Hey guys, this is John

This week we are continuing our series “Lion and the Lamb” by looking at Jesus through John 15. In this Chapter Jesus uses the metaphor of the Vine. This illustration drives home the point that we need to “remain” in Him to have the best life possible, to bear fruit, and to carry out his command to “love each other.” We will be focusing on what it means to “remain” in Jesus.

Jesus is describing Himself as the source that we need to be constantly tapped in to. He goes so far as to say that without Him we can’t do anything. We will be looking at ways that we can tap into this life-giving power of Jesus.

Thinking about this idea of being tapped into the perfect source of Jesus I kept coming back to the idea of “sweet spot” or being “in the zone.” This could be that I am a huge sports fanatic (I’m actually not, but thought it would be funny to write). I began to look back and identify times in my life where I felt as connected to God as I ever had. Generally these were either hard times, where I was being forced to rely on God more than before, or times of service, where I was “doing the will of the Father.” In preparation for this week begin to think about times to share with your group when you have felt most connected to God.

Small Group Questions

Start by reading John 15 for a refresh. Take your time, and take turns reading aloud in your group.

Tonight John talked about times in his life when he felt that he was “in the zone” with God and really living out the life that God intended for him. Share times in your life when you’ve felt really close to God and that you were “living in Him.” This isn’t meant for us to sound like we’re bragging to one another, but rather to encourage each other. Be bold and share times that you are proud of.

Sometimes it seems easier than others to “remain in Jesus”, what do you think contributes to that? Are there ways we can shape our lives to best be connected to Jesus? (Think about things that may be helping or getting in the way. For example the music you listen to, how often you are reading the Bible, and so on. Come up with a list of positive and negative.

In John 15 Jesus talks passionately about love. He commands us to love each other just as He loved us. Saying that we should love each other so much that we would be willing to lay our lives down for one another. Just as He did for us on the cross. Take some time and think about ways that you as a small group have been good and bad at loving each other so far this year. Have there been times where you really came together and put each other first at elevate or at school? And have there been times and things that you need to improve on together. Be open and honest. Come up with ways to help keep this command of Jesus.

Wednesday March 12th, 2008

Last week Paul talked about the fierceness of Jesus as the Lion of Judah, how Jesus will protect us and destroy any evil that may come after us. This week we’ll be looking into John chapter 10 on a very similar characteristic of Christ. Jesus refers to Himself as “the Good Shepherd” and talks about how He cares for His sheep. By sheep Jesus means His followers because sheep follow their master. Jesus watches over us and guides us along the paths of life the are positive and full of Him. I really encourage everyone to read the first 21 verses of John 10 to understand the parable Jesus is talking about so you can have a great reference with your students. Really look into the guidance and guardian figure of Jesus in this chapter.

1. What did you find fascinating about the reading this week?

2. Share with the group something you learned about the personal character of Jesus.

3. Read John 10:7-9 out loud to the group. What do you think Jesus’ means by calling Himself the “gate?” How will they be saved?

4. Jesus’ also refer’s to Himself as the Good Shepherd, why do you think He used a shepherd to describe Himself? (Answer; because a shepherd is the care taker of his flock and will guide them and protect them but Jesus will also Save their lives).

5. Read verse 17 out loud, Jesus say that He sacrificed His life and then He took it back?
(Answer; Jesus is referring to how He was crucified on the cross and then rose again from the grave to defeat death so we can have the gift of eternal life and life with Him for all time in Heaven).

6. Last week Paul talked about Jesus as the Lion of Judah just like in Narnia. How do you see Jesus as “the Good Shepherd” matching up with Jesus as the “Lion of Judah?” Think of the roles both of Jesus’ characteristics play.