Group Notes | March 29

Walking  the Road: Getting Ready for Arrival
March 29, 2015
Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Anticipating the arrival of someone loved or highly respected can send a person, a family or a community into a frenzy of excitement! List some of the activities that are done in preparation for the appearance of such a one.

The last two weeks we’ve looked at the road that a genuine Christian should walk, as we look toward the crucifixion. Today we will look at what it takes in our lives to be ready for the arrival or return of Christ as Lord and Savior.

Discuss:

1. Read Mark 11:7-10. Why was there so much intensity of anticipation, and who may have been among this throng?

2. Today a “red carpet” would be rolled out for someone important, but most of these people had few possessions. What was symbolic about the people laying their coats and branches down on His path?

3. No one was made to throw their cloaks, but they were willing to sacrifice what they had for this Man they loved. What can you give Him?

4. Many, knowing Jesus was coming, had run to the fields to cut branches or climbed trees for the limbs. What did these actions reveal about their hearts?

5. Read Ephesians 4:12. What truth can we glean from the efforts of the people waiting for Jesus, and the necessity for us each day?

6. Do you know what “Hosanna” means? This crowd was united in their adulation of Jesus. What are some ways we offer praise and worship?

7. To whom did Christ leave the work of preparing the world for His return?

8. What are you willing to do to be sure your heart, your family’s or your community’s is ready for His return?

Close:

It would probably impact us greatly if we could see how we would have reacted had we been part of this crowd. Would we have been jubilant or silent? If we had on an Armani suit jacket or a Prada coat, would we have thrown them down or hesitated? Would we have sweated to get the branches? In other words, what are we willing to do for Christ? As you go into small groups, search your heart to see if there are any closets that are off-limits to Him, and pray that He would help you sacrifice everything to be His, to work constantly to be diligent about His business, and to worship Him with your every breath.
MEMORY VERSE: Mark 11:9: “Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD.’ ”