March 28, 2015
Michael will be speaking for the next few weeks as we lead up to Easter and beyond.
He will therefore be following some events in Jesus life pre, during and post Easter.
This week’s study is about,
‘Jesus final hours with His disciples before going to the cross’
1. Jesus’ relationship with His disciples.
Discuss the following.
· What does John 13:1, 17:6-8, 26, tell us about what Jesus did and how He felt towards His disciples?
· Read what Jesus prayed for them as he was about to leave them to return to Heaven. John 17:9-12, Luke 22:31-32.
· Who else was and is Jesus praying for? John 17:20, Romans 8:34.
How do you respond to Jesus for the great love He has for you as one of His disciples?
2. Jesus washing the disciple’s feet.
Read John 13:4-17.
Why do you think Jesus did this?
What was the lesson He wanted to teach his disciples? See Luke 22:24-27 for a possible answer.
What attitude should these future leaders of Christ’s Church have? 1 Peter 5:1-4.
How does this apply to you?
Discuss Peter’s initial objection and his response to Jesus’ words in John 13:8-9.
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How do we apply Jesus’ words in v10? See also 1John 1:9.
3. The Lord’s Supper.
Read Luke 22:14-20. Why do you think Jesus instituted this?
Discuss Jesus’ words in Luke 22:15,
‘I have been very eager to share this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins’.
The timing was the same as that of the Jewish nation’s traditional Passover meal. Is there a connection? If so what is it?
What does the Lord’s Supper mean to you? Share with others in your group.
4. Other Lessons/Teaching Jesus gave to His disciples.
Read John 16:4-5. Let’s look at these things Jesus had on His mind.
A. Affirming their standing before God and their relationship with Him.
Read and discuss the following passages.
· John 13:10, 16:27.
· John 15:3, 15-16.
B. Coming of the Holy Spirit.
Read Jesus’ promises and discuss the benefits they gave His grieving disciples.
John 16:5-7, 12-15.
C. Love and Unity, a testimony to the world.
Read John 13:34-35.
To what degree are we to love our fellow Christians? What will this love prove to the world? Read also what Jesus prayed in John 17:21-23.
Why do you think this is so compared with non Christians loving each other?
Read Paul’s teaching on unity. Ephesians 4:1-6.
What are the things he mentions which unite us?
Can you add to the list? Eg: John 10:27-29.
Who brings this unity? Ephesians 2:21-22, Galatians 5:22-23.
What is God’s goal? See Ephesians 4:12-13.
What are some main things that hinder unity between Christians?
Is there anything hindering you from loving any of your Christian brothers or sisters? If so how do you intend to resolve it?
Spend some time praying for continuing love and unity for our church and God’s church in general.