Category: Easter/Palm Sunday

John 12:37-46 // Journey To Easter

Good Friday Services
March 25th at 12p, 3p, 4:30p, 6p & 7:30p

Before there is the resurrection and new life, there is darkness and death.  We want to encourage you and your Life Group to attend a Good Friday service to feel the heaviness and weight of the cross so that you can also experience the joy, celebration and new life of Easter in a deeper and more profound way!

Lean In // 5 minutes

What food did you say no to as a kid and now enjoy?

Sample answers:

  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Salads
  • A type of candy
  • Chili
  • Fruit
  • Smoked BBQ brisket!

Leader Note: Transition your group into the Look Down by highlighting how in the lead up to Easter people have an amazing opportunity to say yes to something they may have said no to for a long time.

Look Down // 20 minutes

Read John 12:37-46

Leader Note: The weekend message covers this entire chapter in story form. Therefore, it may be useful to familiarize yourself with the entire passage and give your group some context to John 12: 37-46. Of particular relevance to this discussion; the contrast between Mary and Judas, in verses 3-6 (one pours out her resources on Jesus’ feet, the other hoards resources for himself); the fact that many in this passage had either seen or heard about Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, as seen in verses 17 and 18 and the way in which people heard a voice from heaven, as seen in verse 28 and 29.

What is the response of the people to Jesus?

Sample answers:

  • Most did not believe him (v. 37)
  • Many did believe him (v. 42)
  • Those that believed did so inwardly but were afraid to “go public” (v. 42)
  • They were afraid to believe him because of their fear of their leaders / society (v. 42)
  • They would not believe because they loved the praises of people more than the praises of God. (v. 43)

What is the response of Jesus towards the people?

Sample answers:

  • Jesus gives them another invitation to trust Him (v. 44)
  • Jesus reassures them that He is sent by God (v. 45)
  • Jesus does not judge them (v. 47)
  • He warns them that there is a future judgement (v. 48)
  • He points them towards the eternal life they could have (v. 50)

Look Out // 15 minutes

Leader Note: The hope for the following three sections is that we might be able to see that the Bible is very much applicable today. The world’s responses to Jesus then are similar to the responses we see today. The motivations for our responses are also similar, so to, is Jesus’ response to us.

How do people respond to Jesus today?

Sample answers:

  • They accept Him
  • They reject Him
  • They think He is irrelevant
  • They don’t understand Him
  • They are afraid to accept Him

Why do they respond this way?

Sample answers:

  • They have had a genuine encounter with God (for “Accept”)
  • It makes sense to them (for “Accept”)
  • Family pressure
  • Fear of what saying yes to Jesus may mean for their lifestyle
  • Ignorance
  • Arrogance
  • Fear of the unknown

What is the result of their response?

Sample answers:

  • A changed life (for “Accept”)
  • A relationship with God (for “Accept”)
  • Still in fear
  • No apparent earthly consequence
  • Nothing changes
  • At risk of future judgement (v.48)

Look In // 15 minutes

Leader note: This following section provides a great opportunity for you to see where your group members are at in their walk with God. This may be a great place to give group members an opportunity to say, “I believe”, and start or re-start their relationship with God.

How are we responding to Jesus today?
(Where are you saying yes to Jesus? Where are you saying no to Jesus?)

Sample answers:

  • I accept Him
  • I reject Him
  • I think He is irrelevant
  • I don’t understand Him
  • I am afraid to accept Him
  • I give Him partial control of my life
  • I give Him full control of my life

Why are you responding this way?

Sample answers:

  • I have had a genuine encounter with God (for “Accept”)
  • It makes sense to me (for “Accept”)
  • Family pressure
  • Fear of what saying yes to Jesus may mean for my lifestyle
  • Ignorance
  • Arrogance
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Fear of what total surrender may mean for me

How does your no change to a yes?

Leader note: This is a great opportunity for people in the group who have not yet said yes to Jesus to say yes to Him. Take time to pray.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who in your life needs to respond to Jesus?

Who needs your invitation to Easter?

Leader note: Point your group to neighbors, co-workers, family and friends. Take time to either pray for these people in the group, or commit to praying for them.

 

Easter Services 
March 26 – 3:30p & 5:30p
March 27 – 8:15a, 9:45a, & 11:30a
Easter Egg Scramble – March 26 2p

Other Announcements:

Dream Event: Who was I created to be? How can I find significance? Can God use me? Chances are, you’ve asked yourself these very questions. We desire to make a difference in our world and spheres of influence, but we don’t always know how. We believe the answers lie in how God has created us, in our life experiences, and in the opportunities we have to influence our families, friends, businesses and communities.

Thu, April 7, Community Center
5-6p Food Trucks
6-8p Guest Speakers: Matt Olthoff and Mariners Church Senior Pastor Kenton Beshore

Register Now | Marinerschurch.org | search dream

 

Serve Tank: This is an exclusive opportunity for your Life Group to dream of what the Lord could do in and through your group in the community. If finances weren’t an issue, what could your Life Group get behind as you care and serve your communities? What could you dream of doing to serve a ministry you have already been a part of? Has there been something the Lord has laid on one of your group member’s heart’s to serve and need help and guidance and finances to accomplish?

Take time tonight to discuss how your group is going to be a part of Serve Tank. What is the Lord putting on your hearts?

The Application to apply for Serve Tank will open on April 7, for one week only! Get Ready. Be prepared. Start Dreaming.

More Info | marinerschurch.org | search Serve Tank

 

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore.

John 11:1-44 // Journey to Easter

Good Friday Services
March 25th at 12p, 3p, 4:30p, 6p, & 7:30p
Before there is the resurrection and new life, there is darkness and death.  We want to encourage you and your life group to attend a Good Friday service to feel the heaviness and weight of the cross so that you can also experience the joy, celebration, and new life of Easter in a deeper and more profound way!

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are things that seem to always remain the same in life?

Sample answers:

  • Sunrise and sunsets
  • Waves at the ocean and the tides
  • Monday mornings
  • The smell of homemade cookies
  • Communication problems
  • Getting old
  • Anticipation of change of seasons
  • World systems (government, economic, etc.)
  • Teaching old dogs new tricks
  • UCLA fans and USC fans not getting along

Leader Note: Transition your group into the Look Down by highlighting how this week’s passage challenges the idea that things don’t change in life.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read John 11:1-44

Leader Note: Before reading the passage, ask the question and encourage group members to take notes and write down observations. This week’s passage is written in story form and is longer than usual. As you read, it may be helpful to break it up into sections (IE- 11:1-16; 17-37; 38-44).

What do the disciples, Mary and Martha learn about preparing for Easter from this passage?

Sample answers:

  • Jesus promises that death is not the end (v. 4)
  • God uses even death for His glory (v. 4)
  • Jesus holds the power over death (v. 11)
  • Jesus speaks of death in ways we don’t understand (v. 12)
  • Death causes confusion and questions about God (vv. 20, 32, 37)
  • Jesus is the resurrection and the life (v. 25)
  • Where there is death, there is opportunity for resurrection and new life
  • Jesus promises life to those who believe in Him (vv. 25-26)
  • God turned a sad and hopeless event into a time of belief and celebration
  • Jesus’ words have the power of life (vv. 43-44)
  • Jesus allows us to participate in bringing life to others (vv. 39, 44)
  • New life points to God’s glory (v. 40)

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does Jesus ask people to do with things that are dead and buried?

Leader Note: This question is designed to get your group thinking about where they have seen the principles of this passage in the world today. Where have they ever seen God show and bring dead things to life in relationships or in areas of people’s lives that have seemed hopeless? What changed and what was the response of those who encountered the change?

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you given up hope in your life and no longer believe God can show up and bring resurrection power?

Sample answers:

  • I’ll never get out of debt
  • I’ll never hear God’s voice
  • I’ll never get out of this place
  • My family will never come to know the Lord
  • My relationship will never be reconciled
  • I’ll always have this stronghold
  • I’ll always have this addiction

What would it look like to “roll away the stone” and trust Jesus?

Leader note: In the passage, Jesus’ desire was to bring Lazarus from death to life but he asked others to trust him and roll away the stone. In a similar way, Jesus’ desire is to bring life to our places of death. But, there is a part we play in trusting Jesus and His power and opening up those places that are dead and decaying.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How do these truths prepare us for Easter?

What if we were ready for Easter, how would we be different and what conversations might we be having with others around us?

Easter Services: March 26th – 3:30p & 5:30p // March27th – 8:15a, 9:45a, & 11:30a Easter Egg Scramble – March 26th 2p

 

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

 

 

John 20:1-31 // We are EASTER

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something incredible you’ve experienced and couldn’t wait to share it?

Sample answers may include:

  • Engagement story
  • Natural wonder
  • Birth of a child
  • Hole-in-one
  • Celebrity sighting

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read John 20:1-31

Leader Note: It may be helpful to break this passage into sections (vv. 1-18; 19-23; 24-31).  After each section, ask the Look Down question. 

What do you observe about Mary, The Disciples and Thomas?

Sample answers for Mary (vv. 11-18):

  • Mary was looking for Jesus in the tomb (v. 11)
  • She was overcome with grief because she couldn’t find Jesus (v. 13)
  • She expected the worse and was blinded by expectations
  • She’s confused
  • Jesus appears and Mary doesn’t recognize Him (v. 14)
  • Mary believes at the sound of Jesus’ voice (v. 16)
  • Upon hearing Jesus’ voice and seeing him, she obeys (vv. 17-18)

Sample answers for The Disciples (vv. 19-23):

  • They were gathering in fear (v. 19)
  • Even though there was tragedy, they still gathered together
  • Jesus speaks peace to their fear
  • Upon seeing the Lord, they are filled with joy (v. 20)
  • Jesus gives them a mission accompanied with the Holy Spirit (vv. 21-22)

Sample answers for Thomas (vv. 24-29):

  • Thomas was not gathered with the other disciples
  • Thomas does not believe unless he experiences it for himself (vv. 24-25)
  • Jesus brings peace to the believers
  • Jesus invites Thomas to touch his hands and side
  • Upon experiencing Jesus’ resurrection, he believes (v. 28)
  • Jesus shows Thomas but blesses those who believe without seeing

Commentary: At the cross, there were no believers.  Rather, there was pain, confusion, hurt, disappointment, and fear at the apparent loss of Jesus.  It wasn’t until the tomb was empty and Jesus appears that His disciples believed.  John 20:9 is key to understanding the passage as the disciples did not understand that Jesus had to rise from the dead.

For each section, Jesus showed up uniquely.  Mary needed to hear Jesus’ voice, the disciples were afraid until they saw the Lord, and Thomas required evidence and experience so he could believe it was Jesus. 

Take some time to draw out the different observations, as your group will enter back into the characters in the Look In question.

Look Out // 10 minutes

What are things that keep people trapped in doubt?

Sample answers:

  • Fear
  • Grief
  • Ignorance
  • Lack of experience
  • Believing that things will never change
  • Preconceived ideas
  • Disappointment

What moves people toward belief?  Where have you seen it?

Leader note: This is a great storytelling question.  So, allow group members to share stories and capture their insights.  Help your group move past simply listing the reasons “why” people doubt or believe and where they’ve seen the effects of doubt or belief in our world.

Sample answers:

  • The endorsement of someone respected
  • Undeniable proof—Sight, taste, touch, sound, smell, etc.
  • Popular opinion
  • Events—September 11, act of compassion/love, loss of a loved one, etc.

Look In // 20 minutes

Who do you identify with from the passage and why?

What can you grab onto from Jesus’ words/actions to Mary, The Disciples, and Thomas?

Commentary: In the passage, Jesus responded in different ways to the different needs.  As your group identifies with one or two of the characters, help them grab onto a word or phrase that speaks to them.

  • Mary – “Why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?”; Jesus’ compassion/love; Calls her by name; “I have seen the Lord!”
  • The Disciples – I am present among you; “Peace be with you!”; Joy at seeing the Lord; “I am sending you”; Receive the Holy Spirit”
  • Thomas – “Peace be with you!”; See & Touch; “Stop doubting and believe”; Your doubts are ok, I can handle your doubt, they don’t separate you from me; You’re not left out

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How could you bring the hope of the resurrection to those around you?

Key Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Key Thought: Easter: the best news ever!

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

John 11:1-44 // The Last Week

Good Friday Services – April 3, at 12n, 3, 4:30, 6, & 7:30 – Before there is the resurrection and new life, there is darkness and death.  We want to encourage you and your life group to attend a Good Friday service to feel the heaviness and weight of the cross so that you can also experience the joy, celebration, and new life of Easter in a deeper and more profound way!

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are things that don’t change in life?

Sample answers may include:
• Death
• Taxes
• Getting old
• World systems (government, economic, etc.)
• Teaching old dogs new tricks
• UCLA fans and USC fans not getting along

Leader Note: Transition your group into the Look Down by highlighting how this week’s passage challenges the idea that things don’t change in life.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read John 11:1-44

Leader Note: Before reading the passage, ask the question and encourage group members to take notes and write down observations. This week’s passage is written in story form and is longer than usual. As you read, it may be helpful to break it up into sections (IE- 11:1-16; 17-37; 38-44).

What do learn about death and life from the passage?

Sample answers on death:

  • Jesus promises that death is not the end (v. 4)
  • God uses even death for His glory (v. 4)
  • Jesus holds the power over death (v. 11)
  • Jesus speaks of death in ways we don’t understand (v. 12)
  • Death causes confusion and questions about God (vv. 20, 32, 37)
  • Jesus grieves the death in our life (v. 33)
  • We doubt that God can bring dead things to life (v. 38)

Sample answers on life:

  • Jesus is the resurrection and the life (v. 25)
  • Where there is death, there is opportunity for resurrection and new life
  • Jesus promises life to those who believe in Him (vv. 25-26)
  • God turned a sad and hopeless event into a time of belief and celebration
  • Jesus’ words have the power of life (vv. 43-44)
  • Jesus allows us to participate in bringing life to others (vv. 39, 44)
  • New life points to God’s glory (v. 40)

Look Out // 10 minutes

What causes people to lose hope?  Where have you seen it?

What causes people to regain hope?  What does it look like?

Leader Note: This question is designed to get your group thinking about where they have seen the principles of this passage in the world today. Have they ever seen someone lose and regain hope? What did it look like and what were those defining characteristics?

Look In // 20 minutes

What are things in your life that you think will never change?

Sample answers:

  • I’ll never get out of debt
  • I’ll never hear God’s Voice
  • I’ll never get out of this place
  • My family will never come to know the Lord
  • My relationship will never be reconciled
  • I’ll always have this stronghold
  • I’ll always have this addiction

What would it look like to “roll away the stone” and trust Jesus?

Leader note: In the passage, Jesus’ desire was to bring Lazarus from death to life but he asked others to trust him and roll away the stone. In a similar way, Jesus’ desire is to bring life to our places of death. But, there is a part we play in trusting Jesus and His power and opening up those places that are dead and decaying.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How would experiencing Jesus’ new life in those areas impact you and others?

Easter 2015…is the celebration of new life!  Like a spark exploding out of the darkness of death – it’s the event all of eternity hinges upon. Jesus overcame the power of death to bring us abundant life, hope and new beginnings.  We want everyone in our community to experience the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of a life lived out in full color offered to you this Easter!  We have a part to play in this celebration. From inviting our neighbors and friends to serving on the weekend we encourage you and your Life Group to jump all in!  Sign up to serve here.

Easter Services: April 4- 4pm & 6pm // April 5- 8:30a, 10a, & 11:30a

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Romans 8:11-17 // Easter

Lean In // 5 minutes

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why? 

Leader Note: Do your best to get everyone to answer this amusing question. Remember the more people talk in the beginning the more likely they are to stay engaged throughout the discussion.

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Romans 8:11-17

What do you learn about God’s Spirit?

Sample answers may include

  • God’s Spirit raised Christ from the dead (v.11)
  • God’s Spirit is alive in us (v.11)
  • God’s Spirit gives us life and power now (v.11)
  • We can choose to live by God’s Spirit or our sinful nature (v.12-13)
  • Living by God’s spirit puts to death the ways of our flesh (v.13)
  • It is God’s Spirit leading us that identifies us as God’s children (v.14,16)
  • God’s Spirit does not make us fearful or slaves (v.15)
  • God gives us His Spirit, we don’t earn it (v.15)
  • God’s Spirit causes us to be heirs together with Christ, we share in His glory and we also share in His suffering (v.17)

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people hold on to dead things?

Where have you seen people experience new life?

Leader Note: This can work its self out in a number of ways. Unforgiveness, regret, fear pain and shame can often be seen as our “just deserved” outcome for our actions that we come to accept death as the only reality. Easter tells us that new life is possible, that death is not final through the power of God’s Spirit.

 

Look In // 20 minutes

Where are you in need of God’s Spirit to bring a dead thing to life?

Commentary: The power of the cross signals to us that new life is possible! Be it a broken relationship, an addiction or a general sense of needing to control our lives we can trust in God’s Spirit to give us power and strength to overcome the remains of death in our lives.

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who could you impact by living in the power of God’s Sprit?

Leader Note: Read the first half of verse 11 again to your group. God’s spirit brings us life, freedom and healing. Our call as Christ followers is to then live out those things for the sake of others. Challenge your group to think about where God is calling them to live out new life… what could that look like, what could the impact be?

Pray: Father we thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you paid in your son that has restored us in relationship with you. We thank you that through the death and resurrection of Jesus we now experience life in place of death. We ask for the boldness and conviction to live in that new life so that others can experience freedom, salvation and healing. Amen.

John 11:1-44 // Have I Got A Surprise For You

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something you remember wanting so badly as a kid?

Leader Note: As a follow up you may want to ask whether the person received what they hoped for, what did it feel like to get that thing, what did it feel like not to receive it?

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 11:1-44

Leader Note: This week’s passage is a very long one. You may want to break it up in the following sections (11:1-16, 11:17-37, 11:38-44), asking the same question below after each section.

What do learn about Jesus from his response to Lazarus’ sickness and death?

Sample answers may include

  • He was full of faith that Lazarus’s sickness wouldn’t end in death (v.4)
  • Jesus believed that God would be glorified in this trial (v.4)
  • Jesus doesn’t rush, he is patient, works on his timetable not ours (v.6-7)
  • Jesus isn’t afraid to enter into dangerous places (v.8)
  • Jesus looked forward to healing him so that others would really believe in him (v.14)
  • Jesus has the power over physical death as well as spiritual/eternal death and life (v.23-26)
  • Jesus experiences emotion, the death of his friend caused anger and sadness (v.33,35)
  • Jesus does the impossible even when others doubt (v.39-40)
  • The words of Jesus give life (v.43)
  • Jesus invites us to participate in his healing work (v.39,44)

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people remain hopeful in a desperate situation?

Where have you seen people lose hope in a desperate situation?

Commentary: Be it sickness, financial hardship, relational stress or praying for a loved one to come to Christ, most of us face situations where our hope and belief for change is challenged. Where have you seen that? What has that looked like in the world around us and in those close to you?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you endured in a desperate situation?

Where have you or where are you currently struggling to remain hopeful?

Leader Note: Help guide the individual and the group to identify what things enable them to remain hopeful (i.e. community, God’s word, remembering God’s faithfulness). What could it look like to allow those things to help guide you in present trouble?

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Where might Jesus be calling you to live out hope for others?

Commentary: Jesus involves those around him in this passage to have a hand in the miracle of raising Lazarus to life. He tells them “roll back the stone” and to “unwarp him and let him go.” Where is Jesus inviting you to roll back the stone and unwarp the stench and bondage of death? Jesus does the heavy lifting for us by his work on the cross.  Death is already defeated! He calls us to join in with what he has already done.

Pray: Pray for the reality of the Holy Spirit, the comforter, to be near to those who are in the middle of situations that seem hopeless and desperate. Pray for God to be near and for your group to step in with love and courage to hold each person up. Pray for the eyes of your group to be opened to the places where Jesus is inviting them to join in his work or removing the stench of death that still remains in our world.