Sermon Discussion Guide 3-15-26
Sermon Discussion Guide
The Book of John | John 18.15-27
Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?
Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would You guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.
Opening Questions
What stood out to you in the sermon?
What insights did you gain?
What questions did it raise?
Read John 18.15-27
Peter and His Denial
How have you thought about Peter’s denial? How has it been personal for you?
When you think about Peter’s denial, are you surprised that Jesus seeks to bring him back to the table?
Jesus and his trial
Jesus is mostly quiet in his trial. How do you want Jesus to react? How would you have reacted?
Isaiah describes the lamb of God as never saying a word (Isa 53.7) – Read all of Isaiah 53 – how does this inform Jesus as he stands before Annas, and then Pilate? How does this challenge or encourage you?
The Woman and her Questions
Closing Prayer – you might want to use this prayer of confession
“A Liturgy for Those Who Have Done Harm” (edited) in Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 (237-241)
My soul is chastened within me, O God…
I have harmed another, O Lord, and now, I have neither peace nor rest.
Yet, I recognize in my own agitation the stirrings of your Spirit
Who works in us, ever for our good.
I have run from your presence and from my conscience,
But I would run no more, O Lord
I have hidden myself in shadows, seeking to avoid your face,
Even as did my father Adam and my mother Eve in their first guilt
… I confess, O God, that I have broken faith, broken trust, wounded another,
And for this I repent …
I am always, every moment, in need of you. Amen.
The Book of John | John 18.15-27
Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?
Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would You guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.
Opening Questions
What stood out to you in the sermon?
What insights did you gain?
What questions did it raise?
Read John 18.15-27
Peter and His Denial
How have you thought about Peter’s denial? How has it been personal for you?
When you think about Peter’s denial, are you surprised that Jesus seeks to bring him back to the table?
Jesus and his trial
Jesus is mostly quiet in his trial. How do you want Jesus to react? How would you have reacted?
Isaiah describes the lamb of God as never saying a word (Isa 53.7) – Read all of Isaiah 53 – how does this inform Jesus as he stands before Annas, and then Pilate? How does this challenge or encourage you?
The Woman and her Questions
- John Wesley said the woman asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ followers, without any design to hurt him. How does being afraid contribute to our mishearing of questions?
- The woman joins a panoply of other women who are significant in the gospel. Who in John’s gospel stands out as significant to you, and why?
Closing Prayer – you might want to use this prayer of confession
“A Liturgy for Those Who Have Done Harm” (edited) in Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 (237-241)
My soul is chastened within me, O God…
I have harmed another, O Lord, and now, I have neither peace nor rest.
Yet, I recognize in my own agitation the stirrings of your Spirit
Who works in us, ever for our good.
I have run from your presence and from my conscience,
But I would run no more, O Lord
I have hidden myself in shadows, seeking to avoid your face,
Even as did my father Adam and my mother Eve in their first guilt
… I confess, O God, that I have broken faith, broken trust, wounded another,
And for this I repent …
I am always, every moment, in need of you. Amen.
Posted in Sermon Discussion Guide