Winter 2009, Week 8 – Small Group Questions

The sermon for this week from the series “Nuts and Bolts: Essentials of Christianity” is titled “God in a Box“.

Describe the last time you tried to talk someone into something or make a deal with someone? How did it go? Did you succeed? What tactics did you use?
Have you ever felt manipulated by someone? Or have you ever felt like someone wanted you to be something that you were uncomfortable with? How did that feel?

Read John 12:9-16 out loud. What stands out for you? What questions do you have?
Why do you think the people were so excited about Jesus?
How could you tie in their hope that Jesus will do at this Passover what God did at the first Passover?
Why a lowly donkey for Jesus (see Zechariah 9:9)? What was Jesus communicating to the crowds by riding in on a donkey?
How do you think the people felt when they realized Jesus wasn’t going to meet their expectations?

What convinced you that Jesus is your King? What is the best thing you’ve seen about the type of King he is?
Have you ever tried to get God to fit into your agenda? Have you ever bargained with God?
How difficult or easy is it to allow God to transform you (as opposed to trying to get God to conform to what you want him to be)?
In what area of your life do you need to allow God to transform you?

Application: Take a moment of silent prayer. Ask God to help you be open to whatever transformation he wants to do in your life.
Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
Here at Northminster: Pray for our Holy Week worship services this coming week: Maundy Thursday, 7pm; Good Friday, 7pm; and Easter morning, 9:30 a.m. Ask God to bless us as we remember the crucifixion and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Ask God to bless those who will be our guests on Easter morning, that God would touch them in a special way.
Beyond Northminster: Pray for all those in our neighborhood who have not experienced the life-giving love of God. Pray that we might connect with them so that they might experience God’s love through us.