Looking Above - Episode 9: John 17&18

Looking Above - Episode 9

This week we're discussing John Chapters 17 and 18 where Jesus is about to go to the cross.  We get a sneak peek into his final moments with his disciples as he prays for them and us.  And then we witness the beginning of his journey to the cross.

Discussion Questions:

1. Did you take notice of the words "give," "gave," "given" and "gift" in this passage?  How were they used?  What do you glean from their use?

2. Similarly, take a few minutes and search for the word "glory" in this passage.  How is this word used?

3. Jesus viewed the cross as His glory.  IS it possible for us to view hardship and suffering as glory? How could that perspective change the way we suffer?

4. I shared the story of my AP Calculus test.  Can you share a story of a teacher being glorified because of their student's success?

5. How have you brought glory to God? / Can you accept that we do not get to escape this world and its struggle?  In what ways are we protected in suffering?

6. Jesus prayed for you to be set apart for a special task.  Do you have any ideas about what God has chosen and set you apart to do for His Kingdom? How do you feel, knowing that Jesus asked the Father to equip you to do that task?

7. How/where do you see unity in the Church (the big "c" church - speaking of all believers)?  How/ where do you see disunity in the Church (among believers)?  Why is disunity so problematic?

8. Discuss the imagery of the blood flowing through the Kidron valley as Jesus crossed it on the way to the olive grove.

9. Discuss each of the characters in chapter 18 (Priests/ Pharisees, Soldiers/ Temple Guard, Pilate, Peter, Jesus). What motivated each to act the way they did?  What was noteworthy about their actions? Can you understand why they acted the way they did?  What would you like to ask each of them?

10. How can we be more like Jesus (motivated by obedience and love) and less like the priests and Pilate (motivated by self-preservation/ glorification)?