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. In our final week of this series, Pastor John invites us to stop creating a Jesus and start following the Jesus.
Discussion
1. Pastor John said that, “Any Jesus we create is not worth following.” Talk about what that phrase meant together and a few ways you’ve created your own version of Jesus that probably falls short of who he actually is.
We risk creating a Jesus that’s under our manipulation.
2. Revisit and read Matthew 26:47-50. Judas tried to get away with betraying Jesus by hiding his signal to the authorities with a kiss. Are there any ways in which you’re trying to hide, justify, or get away with something in your life right now? How does that kind of management feel and what kind of impact does it have on your life?
We risk creating a Jesus that’s under our authority.
3. Revisit and read John 18:2-6. Judas attempts to control Jesus by bringing soldiers and officials to arrest him. How might you be trying to decide or control your life these days? Is everything on your own terms or decided by whatever the cultural norm is? If you can identify it, why is it hard to let God be in charge of this area instead?
We risk creating a Jesus that’s under our agenda.
4. Revisit and read John 18:10-11. Simon has a preference for how the disciples and Jesus should respond to Jesus’ arrest, which results in him attacking Malchus. How much are you allowing God to inform the direction and choices of your life right now? What’s keeping you from trusting his plan rather than your own?
5. Where do you need your eyes opened to the real Jesus? What does it mean for you submit to him - whether for the first time or to surrender again? How can, or should, your group support you?
Application
- Be reminded. Read the Easter story over the course of this week in Luke 22-24.
- Be humbled. Allow God to remind you of who Jesus really is and what he’s done for you.
- Be ready. God will move and speak to you. Be ready to respond in faith and surrender to what he has for you.