Life Group Resources: Lent - Coats
Life Group Discussion Guide
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help you reflect deeply on the message of Palm Sunday.
Key Takeaways:
1. Two contrasting parades entered Jerusalem: Pontius Pilate's display of power and Jesus' humble entry.
2. The crowds expected a powerful king but received a humble servant in Jesus.
3. Jesus came to inaugurate God's realm of mercy, peace, forgiveness, and love.
4. Jesus knew the suffering he would face and struggled with it in the Garden of Gethsemane.
5. We must follow Jesus through the darkness of Holy Week to truly appreciate Easter's light.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think the contrast between Pontius Pilate's and Jesus' entrances into Jerusalem reflects their different approaches to power and leadership?
2. The sermon mentions that "Hosanna" means "save us." How does this change your understanding of Palm Sunday? What do you think the people were asking to be saved from?
3. In what ways do we sometimes expect Jesus to be a different kind of "king" than He actually is? How can we align our expectations with His true nature?
4. Reflect on Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. How does His struggle and ultimate submission to God's will inspire or challenge you in your own faith journey?
5. The sermon states, "We can't skip from Hosanna to Hallelujah." Why do you think it's important to journey through the somber events of Holy Week before celebrating Easter?
6. How does Jesus' example of honest prayer in times of anguish impact your own approach to prayer during difficult times?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, practice honest prayer: Share your fears, doubts, and struggles openly with God, following Jesus' example in Gethsemane.
2. Identify an area in your life where you need to say, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." Share with the group if you're comfortable.
3. Choose one characteristic of Jesus mentioned in the sermon (e.g., peace, forgiveness, compassion) and focus on embodying it this week. Report back to the group next time.
4. Attend a Holy Week service or create a daily reflection time to journey with Jesus from Palm Sunday to Easter.
5. Write a "Hosanna" prayer, asking Jesus to "save you" from something specific in your life or community. Commit to praying it daily this week.
Closing Prayer:
Close your session by praying for each other, asking God to help you follow Jesus faithfully through Holy Week and to prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter.
5-Day Bible Devotional Plan
Day 1: The King of Peace
Reading: Matthew 21:1-11
Devotional: As we begin this Holy Week journey, we reflect on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Unlike the powerful rulers of His time, Jesus chose a humble donkey as His royal transportation. This act symbolizes the nature of His kingdom - one of peace, humility, and love. Today, consider how you can embody Christ's humility in your own life. Are there areas where you seek worldly power or recognition? How can you instead choose the path of servanthood and peace? Pray for God to help you align your heart with His kingdom values.
Day 2: Facing Our Fears
Reading: Mark 14:32-42
Devotional: In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness Jesus' raw humanity as He faces His impending suffering. His prayer, "Take this cup from me," resonates with our own pleas in times of distress. Yet, Jesus ultimately submits to God's will. When you face challenges or fears, how do you approach God? Take time today to pour out your heart to God, honestly expressing your anxieties. Then, following Jesus' example, practice surrendering your will to God's greater purpose. Remember, even in our darkest moments, God is present and listening.
Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness
Reading: Luke 23:32-43
Devotional: As Jesus hangs on the cross, He exemplifies the ultimate act of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." In a world that often seeks revenge, Jesus shows us a different way. Reflect on areas in your life where you're holding onto hurt or resentment. How might embracing forgiveness bring freedom to your spirit? Ask God for the strength to forgive as Christ forgave, recognizing that this act can be a powerful witness to God's love and grace.
Day 4: Hope in the Darkness
Reading: John 19:38-42
Devotional: After Jesus' death, His followers experienced profound grief and confusion. Their hopes seemed shattered. Yet, even in this darkest moment, God was working behind the scenes. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, once secret followers, now step forward to care for Jesus' body. In your own life, where do you need to hold onto hope in the midst of apparent defeat or disappointment? Remember that God's story doesn't end at the cross. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and help you trust in His unseen work, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Day 5: New Life and Mission
Reading: John 20:1-18
Devotional: On Easter morning, we celebrate the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event not only conquered death but also gave new purpose and mission to His followers. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ transformed her from a grieving disciple to the first evangelist of the resurrection. How has your encounter with the living Christ changed your life? Reflect on the ways God is calling you to share the good news of His love and redemption with others. Pray for courage and opportunities to be a witness of Christ's transforming power in your daily life.
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help you reflect deeply on the message of Palm Sunday.
Key Takeaways:
1. Two contrasting parades entered Jerusalem: Pontius Pilate's display of power and Jesus' humble entry.
2. The crowds expected a powerful king but received a humble servant in Jesus.
3. Jesus came to inaugurate God's realm of mercy, peace, forgiveness, and love.
4. Jesus knew the suffering he would face and struggled with it in the Garden of Gethsemane.
5. We must follow Jesus through the darkness of Holy Week to truly appreciate Easter's light.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think the contrast between Pontius Pilate's and Jesus' entrances into Jerusalem reflects their different approaches to power and leadership?
2. The sermon mentions that "Hosanna" means "save us." How does this change your understanding of Palm Sunday? What do you think the people were asking to be saved from?
3. In what ways do we sometimes expect Jesus to be a different kind of "king" than He actually is? How can we align our expectations with His true nature?
4. Reflect on Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. How does His struggle and ultimate submission to God's will inspire or challenge you in your own faith journey?
5. The sermon states, "We can't skip from Hosanna to Hallelujah." Why do you think it's important to journey through the somber events of Holy Week before celebrating Easter?
6. How does Jesus' example of honest prayer in times of anguish impact your own approach to prayer during difficult times?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, practice honest prayer: Share your fears, doubts, and struggles openly with God, following Jesus' example in Gethsemane.
2. Identify an area in your life where you need to say, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." Share with the group if you're comfortable.
3. Choose one characteristic of Jesus mentioned in the sermon (e.g., peace, forgiveness, compassion) and focus on embodying it this week. Report back to the group next time.
4. Attend a Holy Week service or create a daily reflection time to journey with Jesus from Palm Sunday to Easter.
5. Write a "Hosanna" prayer, asking Jesus to "save you" from something specific in your life or community. Commit to praying it daily this week.
Closing Prayer:
Close your session by praying for each other, asking God to help you follow Jesus faithfully through Holy Week and to prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter.
5-Day Bible Devotional Plan
Day 1: The King of Peace
Reading: Matthew 21:1-11
Devotional: As we begin this Holy Week journey, we reflect on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Unlike the powerful rulers of His time, Jesus chose a humble donkey as His royal transportation. This act symbolizes the nature of His kingdom - one of peace, humility, and love. Today, consider how you can embody Christ's humility in your own life. Are there areas where you seek worldly power or recognition? How can you instead choose the path of servanthood and peace? Pray for God to help you align your heart with His kingdom values.
Day 2: Facing Our Fears
Reading: Mark 14:32-42
Devotional: In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness Jesus' raw humanity as He faces His impending suffering. His prayer, "Take this cup from me," resonates with our own pleas in times of distress. Yet, Jesus ultimately submits to God's will. When you face challenges or fears, how do you approach God? Take time today to pour out your heart to God, honestly expressing your anxieties. Then, following Jesus' example, practice surrendering your will to God's greater purpose. Remember, even in our darkest moments, God is present and listening.
Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness
Reading: Luke 23:32-43
Devotional: As Jesus hangs on the cross, He exemplifies the ultimate act of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." In a world that often seeks revenge, Jesus shows us a different way. Reflect on areas in your life where you're holding onto hurt or resentment. How might embracing forgiveness bring freedom to your spirit? Ask God for the strength to forgive as Christ forgave, recognizing that this act can be a powerful witness to God's love and grace.
Day 4: Hope in the Darkness
Reading: John 19:38-42
Devotional: After Jesus' death, His followers experienced profound grief and confusion. Their hopes seemed shattered. Yet, even in this darkest moment, God was working behind the scenes. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, once secret followers, now step forward to care for Jesus' body. In your own life, where do you need to hold onto hope in the midst of apparent defeat or disappointment? Remember that God's story doesn't end at the cross. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and help you trust in His unseen work, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Day 5: New Life and Mission
Reading: John 20:1-18
Devotional: On Easter morning, we celebrate the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event not only conquered death but also gave new purpose and mission to His followers. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ transformed her from a grieving disciple to the first evangelist of the resurrection. How has your encounter with the living Christ changed your life? Reflect on the ways God is calling you to share the good news of His love and redemption with others. Pray for courage and opportunities to be a witness of Christ's transforming power in your daily life.
Recent
Archive
2025
March
No Comments