STARTER
Describe a time when you have felt rejected.

WORSHIP
Use John 8:31-32 as an introduction to worship.

READ PASSAGE ALOUD

RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY
(Personal reflection)

PERSONAL FOCUS
(Personal reflection on the passage / commentary & questions in silence 10 minutes)

COMMENTARY
This passage is all about the world not recognising Jesus. Neither the Roman world nor the Jewish religious community recognised who Jesus really was. They call him 'king' but do not understand the truth of it. Jesus is already in control: he is the victor as he walks the way of the cross, he rules from the cross. Jesus' power is the truth he has and the truth he is. His kingdom is not of this world, but it is coming into this world – that kingdom calls into question the way things are done by the rulers of this world. (Baranowski)

PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
    What might God be saying to you?

2. In what ways do you experience the conflict between the values
   of the Kingdom and the values that modern society preaches?

3. What are the obstacles that pull you away from following Jesus?

Share together in threes the results of your individual reflection.

When you have exhausted your discussions, return together as a group and share any insights

Now look together and discuss these questions.

LIFE FOCUS

Jesus testified to the truth.

Does the church ever compromise the truth in order to be acceptable to today's society?

Consider some examples and discuss ways in which this church could be more 'truthful' to the truth.

GROUP MEMORY TIME

(reveiew the actions you agreed to carry out at previous meetings)

REVIEW and PRAYER

1. What would you like to do differently next time we meet?

2. Agree to pray for particular concerns daily until we met again.

PRAYER CONCERNS:

NEXT MEETING

Fix date and venue of next meeting.