Starter: (In pairs)
What do you value most in a really close friend?
Worship:
A time of adoration and thanksgiving for the presence of God in our lives.
Reading: John 14:15-21 & Acts 8:5-8,14-17
(Read aloud, then allow time for everyone to re-read them for themselves along with the commentary and the personal focus questions and reflect alone.)
Commentary:
The Gospel lectionary begins to look forward towards Pentecost. In this passage Jesus assures his disciples that he will not leave them abandoned, defenceless orphans [v.18] even though he has to go away from them and return to the Father [v.20]. He will continue to be with them but in a new way, namely, through the presence of the Holy Spirit [v.16]. The faithful, those with enlightened eyes by faith, will be deeply aware that he is there with them. He will be not only "with" them, but also "within" them [v.17], a source of inner strength and confidence. Christians are caught up into the very life of God! For us, this means the Spirit will enable us to find Christ in ourselves and in each other [v.14]. (Baranowski)
Our love for Jesus is reflected in our willingness to be obedient to the commands of Jesus [vv15 & 21]. That love will be returned to us by the Father and by Jesus [v21].
The complementary reading Acts 8:5-8,14-17 shows the promise being widely fulfilled.
Personal Focus Questions :
(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to clarify your thinking to make notes in the spaces provided. This will also give you material to reflect on in the future)
1. What thoughts come to mind as you read these passages?
What might God be saying to you?
2. In what ways do you experience God as present within you [v.17]?
3. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life help you be obedient
to the commands of Jesus [v.15]?
How do you know what the commands of Jesus are for you?
Share together in threes the results of your individual reflection.
Return together as a group and share any insights.
Now together discuss these questions.
Life Focus
1. We prepare for Christmas with the season of Advent and Easter with the season of Lent.
How could we better prepare for the festival of Pentecost?
2. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?
Group Memory Time
Deal with any remaining actions you agreed to do in previous meetings.
Review:
Do these group meetings help you to become aware of the presence of God within your life?
If not what would you like to see changed.
Prayer Time
Do these group meetings help you to become aware of the presence of God within your life?
If not what would you like to see changed.
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