The Heart of Jesus | Week Seven
Begin by sharing prayer requests and praying for one another
Read John 16:16-33 aloud as a group
Key Takeaways
Waiting is difficult, but with Jesus, it's worth it - The disciples struggled to understand Jesus's teaching about "a little while," just as we struggle when life doesn't make sense.
Sorrow will turn to joy - Like a woman giving birth, the pain of Jesus's death would lead to the joy of resurrection—a joy no one can take away.
The Father loves you - God doesn't tolerate you or put up with you; He actively loves you right now if you're in Christ.
Prayer in Jesus's name brings joy - Praying according to Jesus's will and character connects us to the Father who delights to hear from us.
Jesus has overcome the world - We can have peace in tribulation because Jesus has already won the victory through the cross and resurrection.
Discussion Questions:
What is significant about Jesus using the analogy of childbirth to explain what the disciples would experience? How does this help us understand the relationship between suffering and joy?
Read verse 27 again. What does it mean that "the Father himself loves you"? How does this differ from how we sometimes view God?
Pastor Travis asked: "If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, what's the first thing you would do?" How does your answer challenge the way you're living right now?
What does it mean to pray "in Jesus's name"? How is this different from just adding "in Jesus's name" to the end of our prayers?
Jesus told the disciples about the tribulation ahead so they could have peace when it came. How can knowing what Scripture says about trials help us have peace in difficult times?
The sermon emphasized that Christian joy isn't based on circumstances but on the fact that Jesus is alive and no one can take Him away. How can we practically live out this truth when circumstances are genuinely hard?
This Week’s Challenge: Bring
Make a list of people in your life who don't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily and invite at least one person to Easter service. Plan how you'll follow up with them.
Easter Preparation
Sign up to be baptized at the Easter service if you've put your faith in Jesus but haven't been baptized.
Grab Easter invite cards and commit to personally inviting (and bringing) at least one person to Easter service.
Consider attending the Saturday evening service to make room for guests on Sunday morning.
Volunteer to serve on Easter weekend to help create a welcoming environment for visitors.
Close in Prayer
Pray for any group members currently in a season of waiting or confusion.
Thank God that He loves us right now, not based on our performance.
Ask for boldness to invite others to Easter services.