Introduction // 5 minutes
Who’s your all time favorite super hero and why?
Leader Note: Lead your group to see through their answers that we are often drawn to the “Super Human” qualities, i.e. the ability to fly. What often makes super heroes so appealing is their ability to do what we are incapable of.
Observation // 15 minutes
Read Luke 22:39-46
What qualities does Jesus display in this passage?
Sample Answers May Include…
- Discipline, seen in His commitment to pray (v39)
- Concern for others (v40)
- Humility (v41)
- Honesty and vulnerability (v42)
- Surrender (v42)
- Agony and pain (v44)
What do those qualities teach us about Jesus?
Commentary: This passage is one the most crucial passages in the entire Bible. Here Jesus finds Himself at the intersection of His and His Father’s will. The burden of the cross, which includes God’s wrath and judgment, separation and great physical pain leading to death, is set before Him. While Jesus understands and desires the outcome that this sacrifice would lead to, He is torn and in distress about the path.
Leader Note: Many of the qualities in this passage are grounded in a humble submission and service. Jesus being fully God, had every power available to Him yet here we see Him “suspending” some of those powers and surrender to a path of great pain. He, like us, was called to live a life completely dependent on His Father’s power and guidance (John 5:19). Jesus also models honesty and lament in His prayer. The Father’s response to that honesty is His strength and presence (v43).
Understanding // 15 minutes
Where have you seen powerful surrender?
Leader note: Consider those who have faced incredible challenges and ultimately prayed for God’s will and surrendered their utmost desires and believed that what God wanted, had for them, was best, or at least came to the recognition that their will was short-sighted, based on limited knowledge of current situations and lack of knowledge of eternal meaning.
Application // 20 minutes
What specific things is God calling you to surrender?
Leader note: When we talk about surrendering to God we often move to quickly to the 50,000-foot view. This passage reminds us that a life surrendered will have real practical and tangible implications. Be it how we handle our finances, raise our kids or deal with forgiveness, when we surrender to God He will provide us time and time again with moments to live out our surrender to Him.
Leader Note: Lead your group to see that there is often a connection between surrender and the things that we are either most concerned about (our family, health, finances ect…) or the things we most desire to obtain for ourselves.
What temptations do you face to avoid that surrender?
Commentary: Jesus only comes to the Garden once. In that moment He settles the matter. However, later in the Luke’s Gospel His decision is continual tested by others (Before Pilate, the crowds, solders and criminals next to him on the cross). We will likewise be meet with opposition, (internal and external) that comes to combat our decision to surrender to God’s will and care.
Sample Answers May Include…
- My desire to control and know the future
- Trusting that God is good and that He will protect and provide
- Living in past hurt and disappointment
- A sense of entitlement for the things I want and have
- Opposing opinions from our friends and loved ones
What qualities are you most in need of to walk out your surrender?
Live It Out // 10 minutes
What would change in your life if you were to completely surrender your desires and embrace God’s will?
What would happen in our community if we all lived this way?
Prayer: We encourage you to pray for two things with your group this week. First, for those that are having a hard time identifying what God is calling them to surrender, pray for an increased awareness to hear God’s voice as He speaks to them this week. Second, pray for courage and a willingness to respond to His voice. Also pray out thankfulness for Jesus sacrifice, what it models for us and for the life that is made possible for all through it.