Group Notes | March 6
One Week To Live: Faithfulness In Serving
March 6, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
Have you ever gone to a family meal, only to find there was a pre-planned announcement that had to be made, perhaps something hard to bear?
As we continue to look at the last week of the life of Jesus, we will focus on the Last Supper, the meal where Jesus outlined His coming death, and the reaction of the disciples, who were not ready to receive His news. We need to look at the significance as it applies to us today.
Discuss:
Betrayal, Desertion, Disobedience, Broken Promises
- Read Matt. 26:17-25. What were the disciples expecting this meal to be?
- It turns into a somber mood immediately. How can you identify?
- Is anyone willing to share a time when you—after you have walked with Jesus for some time—betrayed Him in some way? How did you feel afterwards?
- When you experienced His forgiveness, how did you feel?
- Have you ever been the victim of betrayal, etc., and how did you feel? How did you afterwards treat the person who acted against you?
Communion
- Read verse 26 and I Cor. 11:23-26. What is the significance when we today celebrate Communion? What are the things Jesus wants us to remember?
- We know that Jesus was already extending forgiveness to His disciples, although their betrayal had not yet happened. What does this tell you about your sins, and the Cross?
Examine Yourself
- Read verses 27-29. What are our responsibilities before taking communion? If you cannot make something right prior to a communion service, what should you do?
- How does this bring God glory?
Close:
Taking communion is not to be performed lightly. We see from the lesson Jesus gave that we are to reflect on His actions, recognizing that we, too, betray, disobey, break our promises, and possibly even desert Him for the world at times. As you break into small groups, talk about the meaning of the Cross, and understand that nothing you can ever do will separate you from His love or forgiveness, if you are repentant. Pray for a sensitive spirit to examine yourself daily so that you are always in a right relationship with Him. Always be on the lookout for someone whom you can minister to: there are hundreds around you who know much less than you, whatever the length of time you have been saved. Just tell them your story!
Focal Passage: Matthew 26:17-35
Examine Yourself at home: 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Peter 1:5-10, Psalm 24:3-5
Memory Verse: Matthew 26:28: “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”