6:45 – 8:00 pm, during Lent. We have discussed LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS and GOODNESS in past meetings. We are also considering our progression
on the journey from seeing ourselves as sinners to being resurrected with Jesus –
sin, salvation, grace, faith, righteousness, justification, sanctification, redemption,
death and resurrection.
As we began our seventh study, FAITHFUL, we returned first to a topic raised
during the last lesson in regarded a recent news story, the denial of the
Sacrament of Communion due to lifestyle. Our St. Thomas' order of worship, emphasis on
inviting all baptized people to partake in the Sacrament and the goal of
encouraging people to turn from sin were discussed. Christ's example from
John 8:1-11 and teaching from Matthew 18:15-17 were considered.
The response to Jesus' teaching, healing and miracles while in Galilee was
reviewed setting the stage for His return to Judea and further ministry. As more
and more people believed, the angry Jewish leaders threaten to stone, and plot to
get rid of Him. Jesus and the disciples escape to the other side of the Jordan only
to return to Bethany when Lazarus becomes ill and dies. Jesus' raising him from
the dead is the final straw for the threatened leaders who actively plan to kill
Christ.
In John 18:1-11 Jesus' faithful focus on His appointed task and not loosing any of those given to
Him by the Father, even while being betrayed, were clearly demonstrated in His words and actions as He was being arrested.
We considered
• Jesus' opportunities to Judas to perhaps reconsider his choice to betray Christ
• Jesus' loyalty to the disciples in the face of arrest by many Roman soldiers and temple guards
• Soldiers response to Jesus' confidence
• Peter's attack on the servant
• Jesus' life of obedience in all circumstances as our model for sanctification and assurance of redemption
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
sanctification FAITHFUL redemption
1.GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTION: In light of our discussion last week regarding the denial of the Sacrament of Communion due to lifestyle, we will consider:
• Our challenge for the week was – encourage someone who is difficult
• John 8:1-11
• Matthew 18:15-17, 21-22, 33-35
• Luke 17:1-5
• Mk 3:28-29
• What if it happened here at St. Thomas’
2. PASSAGE: John 18:1-11 Jesus Arrested
When Jesus had finished praying, He left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the father has given me?”
3. We know from the synoptic gospels that Jesus asked the disciples to pray with Him. Like Mary visiting Elizabeth (lesson 3), He sought an __________________of _____________.
4. What did Jesus' actions demonstrate to the officials and the soldiers?
5. What did Jesus' words demonstrate to His disciples?
6. What did Peter's actions demonstrate?
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