Knowing Jesus - Knowing His Sacrifice - Part 1

Introduction:

Life's Two Biggest Questions, Answered on the Cross (John 19:17-27):

1. Is there Purpose in Wickedness ? (John 19:17-24)
2. Does Jesus Really Care ? (John 19:25-27)

Romans 8:32 - He (God) who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

1 Peter 5:7 - cast all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read John 19:17-27

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think Pilate wrote what he wrote (John 19:19, 22)? Why did he stop giving into the Jews’ demands? What was God's purpose in making this happen?
   

3. Tell of a time in your life when you witnessed God use man's wickedness to accomplish Gospel purposes.
   

4. Why didn't Jesus make arrangements for Mary before (or even after) the cross? Why did He do this while on the cross? What does this tell you about Jesus?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Knowing Jesus - Knowing His Reproach

Introduction:

Pilate on Trial (John 19:1-16):

1. Where is Jesus From ? (John 19:7-9)

   Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth...

   Matthew 10:14 - And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

2. Do you understand how Authority works? (John 19:10-11)
3. What should I Do with Jesus ? (John 19:12-16)

   Isaiah 33:22 - the LORD is our king; he will save us.

   Matthew 27:22 - Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read John 19:1-16

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why didn't Jesus answer Pilate (John 19:9)? How do WE know when to be silent and “not cast pearls before swine”? Have you ever been in a situation where, looking back, maybe you should have just stopped talking?
   

3. In what ways did Pilate try to stop the crucifixion of Jesus? Why did Pilate ultimately give in? Have you ever been in a situation where standing up for Jesus would be costly?

Breakout
Pray for one another to be prepared to make a better decision than the one Pilate made (John 19:16).

Knowing Jesus - Knowing His Kingdom

Introduction:

John 12:32-33 - "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

The Lord on Trial (John 18:28-40):

1. Who is Jesus ? (John 18:33-37)
2. What is Truth ? (John 18:38a)
3. Do you want Jesus or Barabbas ? (John 18:38b-40)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read John 18:28-40

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. How can people be so committed to religious ritual while being blind to blatant sin (John 18:28)? Have you seen examples of this?
   

3. When Pilate asked Jesus if He was the “king of the Jews” - why didn't Jesus just say “YES” (John 18:33-34)?
   

4. When Pilate asked “what is truth?”, do you think he sincerely wanted an answer, or was he being cynical? Why didn't Jesus answer this question?
   

5. Is there any area of your life where God's truth isn't directing your thinking? Any area where the truth is clear but you have dismissed it?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Knowing Jesus - Knowing His Innocence

Introduction:

Two Things to Avoid When the Pressure is On: (John 18:12-27):

1. Avoid the Extremes .
2. Avoid Compromising the Truth.

Matthew 10:32-33 - So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read John 18:12-27

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Is there an example in your life when you were like Simon Peter: went from one extreme to the other in your walk with Christ? What did you do?
   

3. Is there any context in your life right now where you are tempted to be afraid to speak up for Jesus and His Gospel?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Knowing Jesus - Knowing His Resolve

Introduction:

Knowing His Resolve: How to Face Trouble Confidently Like Jesus (John 18:1-11):

1. Know what's Comin . (John 18:1-4a)
2. Remember who has the Power . (John 18:4b-6)

3. Rest in His Promises . (John 18:7-9)
4. Follow His Example . (John 18:10-11)

   Isaiah 51:17 - Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering.

   1 Peter 2:21,23 - For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps... When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read John 18:1-11

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. What “trouble” are you facing right now? What promises from God's Word directly address your situation?
   

3. How does knowing what's coming (end-time prophecies) equip us to handle these global troubles confidently? How confidently are you handling them?
   

4. Recall Peter's actions in John 18:10. Tell of a time you tried to handle the trouble before you in your own way (instead of God's). If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

Breakout
Pray for one another.