In the Workshop--Lesson 26--The Priority of Love II--Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.     Why is washing feet such an important act for Jesus to do just prior to leaving the apostles and calling them to launch out into the streets?  In what ways should we be washing the feet of others? 

2.     How was washing feet an act of reconciliation?  What kinds of things have you done in the past year as a minister of reconciliation? 

3.     How do you see love portrayed in the things Jesus said, in His knowledge, and in the things He did?  What was the struggle the Corinthians had with what they said, knew and did?  Are you more like Jesus or the Corinthians?  Why?

4.     What should we learn from the way Jesus entered our world in surprising ways?  What can we do to be more intentional about meeting people where they are instead of expecting them to come to where we are?  What are some ways we can become better at going beyond our comfort zone for the sake of a ministry of reconciliation?

5.     Why is it important that Jesus saw people instead of crowds?  How have you seen His personal intimate knowledge and touch in your life?  How does busyness get in the way?  How can we become more intentional about seeing people the way Jesus did?

6.     Jesus comes among the fearful and the discouraged in Luke 24 and reveals to each of them how the Scriptures are fulfilled in Him.  How does seeing how the story throughout the Scriptures points to Him help you in times of fear or discouragement?  How can we do a better job of showing this to those around us who are fearful and/or discouraged?

7.     How do the accounts of washing feet and opening minds to help people see how the Scriptures reveal Jesus tie together?  What does this show about God’s desire to be present in our lives?

8.     Moses asked to see more of God.  Why is it important that God did all the work to make this happen (other than Moses seeking it)?  What dangers are there in seeing more of God based upon our work or efforts?  What struggles do you have with following God’s lead instead of trying to set your own path?

9.     How is our way of seeing God the same as Moses’?  Moses literally shone because of His encounter with God.  How have you seen this glow in yourself or others?  Wy are people afraid of this instead of hungry to experience it for themselves?  In what ways have you put a veil over yourself to diminish the glow?

In the Workshop--Lesson 25--This Should Give You Peace--John 20 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.     What is a good picture of peace to you?  How does one achieve peace during storms, noisy surroundings and other chaos going on around us? 

2.     How is knowing the plan of God and seeing it worked out through the Scriptures helpful for experiencing peace?  How does feeling secure assist in feeling peace?  How does knowing the plan of God and/or seeing it fulfilled chapter by chapter in the bible help one feel secure?

3.     How many times do we see in the Scriptures that God’s ways don’t make sense…until the end?  How does this help us to believe in what we do not see?  Why is it difficult to trust in the provision/protection of God?  How does this struggle affect your sense of peace?

4.     How does the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 provide reasons for us to be at peace?  How have you seen God’s plan being revealed in your life or the generations of your family without taking away anyone’s freewill?  What comfort do you get in seeing that God is working out His own plans amidst what we are doing with our own plans?

5.     How do Jesus’ final words on the cross (John 19:30) provide us with the best reason to live at peace?  What did Jesus finish?  How does His completion of the things He did set you free from worry and anxiety?

6.     What should we learn from Jesus’ example in the Garden when He knew the time had come for Him to drink the cup of God’s wrath?  Do you have any struggles with calling God “Abba”? Why, or why not? 

7.     What friends would you call into the battle with you as you face things that try to steal your peace?  How did Jesus overcome their letting Him down?  Is there something we can learn from how He handled His apostles?

8.     When Jesus came among the fearful disciples, He offered peace but also gave them an assignment.  What was that assignment (John 20:21)?  How does that assignment apply to us today?

9.     How is Thomas’ reaction to the disciples telling him they had seen the LORD something more than doubt?  Are there things about what Jesus offers you that seem too good to be true, and that unless you see them first-hand you struggle to believe? 

In the Workshop--Lesson 24--A Life of Virtue--Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.     Have you been guilty of settling for a mouth full of dirt instead of waiting for the good things the LORD wants to bless you with?  What are some things you impetuously fed upon that wound up leaving a bad taste in your mouth?

2.     Why are honesty, integrity and virtue important building blocks for the Kingdom of God?  What is it about the things of this world that are so enticing and can lead us to compromise? 

3.     What does it mean that Esau despised his birthright?  How does Esau’s example show us the danger of being focused upon the temporary instead of the eternal? 

4.     Jacob didn’t start his life any better (in fact, probably worse) than Esau.  Why was God able and willing to build His Kingdom through a man of Jacob’s character instead of Esau’s?  What hope does it give you to see God accomplish what he did through Jacob? 

5.     What is the symbolism of the gates and foundation layers in heaven being the tribes of Israel and the apostles (Revelation 21:12-14)?  How did the sons of Jacob and the apostles become worthy of being in such prominent places in heaven considering their many flaws and disappointing actions?

6.     If God forgave David (and He did—II Samuel 12:13), why did David suffer the loss of 4 sons and turmoil in his household for the rest of his time on earth?  What is the difference in forgiveness and God allowing consequences of sin to build character?  Can you see ways God has left struggles in your life for the purpose of helping you grow in character?

7.     Why is it not hyperbole when Jesus said we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect?  How does one achieve perfection?  Why should we not water down what Jesus said?  How does this apply to what God is building as His eternal Kingdom?

8.     What boundaries do you have for the things you allow into your “house”?  Why is it difficult to say “no” to things that have an agenda different from the LORD or that will make a mess of your “house”? 

9.     Have you ever been guilty of painting targets around the arrows you shoot instead of learning to hit the real target?  How can we expect to win the spiritual war if we don’t learn to shoot arrows at the real targets?