STARTER
(In pairs for 5 minutes)
Tell of a time when someone forgave you? How did it feel?
WORSHIP
READ PASSAGE ALOUD
(As you hear this passage read note down on the back of the sheet anything you do not believe.)
RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY
(Personal reflection)
PERSONAL FOCUS
(Personal reflection on the passage / commentary & questions in silence 10 minutes)
COMMENTARY
When John speaks of Jesus being lifted up on the Cross, he refers to more than Jesus' death. This lifting up is the whole sweep of Jesus coming from and returning to his father: life, death, being raised from the tomb, being exulted over the whole world.
The reference to the snake Moses raised in the desert (v.14) is found in Numbers 21:6-9. The Israelites, bitten by snakes as a result of their grumbling in the desert, are cured by looking on an image of their woundedness, a snake lifted up on a pole. In the same way, Jesus has taken on our own humanity and will bring healing and eternal life through his death and glorification. The very life and love of God can be seen and touched in the only Son lifted up for us on another pole, the cross. (Baranowski)
The unfathomable depth of the love of God is stressed: God so loved…(v.16). The all-inclusive scope of God's love is also here; He loves the world, everyone. The condition that is required of us is only belief (v 18). As we come to Jesus as the light (see also John 1:4-5) so the darkness is removed from our lives by God.
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 verse in this reading speaks to you? What is God saying to you?
2. Do you really believe that God doesn't judge you (v.18)?
What difference does, or would, that belief make to your life?
3. How do other people see the light of Christ in your life? (v.21)
PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS
(Discuss in triplets / pray for each other -25 minutes)
LIFE FOCUS
(Discuss in whole group-15 minutes)
4. How does your congregation proclaim these beliefs to others outside of the church?
What needs to be changed?
5. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?
GROUP MEMORY TIME
(Review the actions you agreed to carry out at previous meetings)
REVIEW TIME
Does this group affirm or challenge your beliefs?
What would you like to do differently next time?
PRAYER TIME
You could pray that the Holy Spirit will build up the faith and belief of the members of the group.
You could pray for the church that the Holy Spirit would enable its members to share their beliefs.
