What if you're fighting for something that isn’t worth the fight? If you listed where your time, energy, and resources go - what would rise to the top? Jesus had a list like this too, but his priorities don’t always match ours. Rather than seeking a way out, Jesus surrendered to God’s purpose, showing us what true obedience looks like.
Discussion
1. Pastor Jesse shared how Jesus faced immense pressure in multiple directions. Share about a time in your life when you felt pressure from the expectations of others and how their influence did (or didn't) shape your response.
Revisit and read John 12:27-36. Jesus never let himself be dishonest about his circumstances. But he never let his circumstances dictate his response.
2. When you’re faced with difficult circumstances, how do you typically respond? Share what your natural response tends to be and why you think that might be. How often do you stop to think about how you should respond before you do?
Application & Discussion
3. Expect a bigger purpose. Have you seen God use difficult circumstances to glorify himself and draw people to him? If so, share the story and impact with your group.
4. Expect God to bring something good, even when we’re walking through something bad. When you hear this truth, what's your initial reaction? How can you keep from letting it become a way to gloss over the reality of hard situations, and instead, allow it to bring hope in the midst of them?
5. Expect others to act like they know better than God himself. Have you experienced moments when others’ expectations didn’t align with what you knew God was calling you to do? How did (or how can) you navigate these moments while staying faithful to God’s direction?
6. Let Jesus set your expectations. We will walk through darkness - and God will be there to light our path. Do you accept the truth that darkness is a part of life we can’t escape? How does embracing this reality actually free you to trust that Jesus will light your path, even when things are uncertain?