Starter: (In pairs)
Tell of a journey when you lost your way or when you had to ask for directions.
How did it feel to be lost? OR Tell of the houses you have lived in.
Worship:
Use Psalm 31 1-5, 15-16 as a basis for worship
Read the Passage Aloud.
Personal Focus & Commentary
Re-Read Passage
Commentary:
Jesus here begins his final discourse to his followers. They are not to be afraid (a sentiment that occurs again and again in Scripture). He tells them that in God's heavenly house there are many rooms. Part of his task is to go and prepare places for us . Jesus' reply to the question Thomas asks refers to the relationship Jesus (the Son) has with God (the Father). Jesus says he is the way to God, that he is the truth (i.e. there is nothing false about him because he is of the same essence as the Father), he is life (abundant life). The followers of Jesus have an insight into God's ways having seen Jesus. Those who have encountered Jesus have seen what God is like. The God Jesus reveals is one who he describes as Father. Jesus looks forward to his ascension and the sending of the Spirit who will equip his followers for the work they need to do.
Personal Focus
1. Is "Father" the most appropriate image of God for you?
2. What does it mean?
3. What does it mean to you to say Jesus is the way?
4. What does it mean to you to say Jesus is the truth?
5. What does it mean to you to say Jesus is the life?
6. What are the consequences of these statements for your life?
7. What do the words "no one comes to the Father but by me" mean to you?
8. What might you want to ask Jesus for (verse 13 & 14)?
Life Focus
1. What space is there in your group or church for those who might find the "Father"
image of God difficult?
2. What does this passage say to us about inter-faith dialogue?
3. What dialogue does your group have with people of other faiths?
4. What might be the purpose of such dialogue?
5. What things that Jesus did might we do?
and what might it mean in verse 13 when he speaks of us doing greater works?
6. Dare we really ask in prayer for "anything"?
Group Memory Time
Review actions carried out since the last meeting. What needs to happen as a response to this session?
Prayer Time
For those in your neighbourhood with a different faith or no faith.
Pray for those who engage in dialogue.
Pray that we may show by our words, deeds
and attitudes that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
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