Opener Questions
- Describe a time when you had a really significant meal. What were the circumstances? Who was there? What did you do?
- What is one of your favorite Easter traditions or memories?
Discussion Questions:
1. Personal Scripture Recap:
Where have you been in Scripture this week? What have you learned about who God is and what he’s done? What have you learned about who you are and how you are called to live?
2. Enter into the Story:
Dig into the different gospel recordings of the Last Supper found in Matthew 26:20-29, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-30, and John 13:1-30.
a. Divide your group up into four groups and have each group read one account slowly and thoughtfully, making observations of the text. Bring back observations to share with the rest of the group to form a larger understanding of the significance of the Last Supper.
b. Come back together to discuss: The Last Supper is a powerful symbol of love, unity, and sacrifice. What does Jesus share with his disciples about service, humility, selflessness, and love for one another?
c. How can we model Jesus’s actions by showing love and kindness, especially in difficult times and with difficult people? What observations are included in the gospels that inform our obedience to love like Jesus?
3. The Last Supper is threaded between the historical event of the first Passover and the ongoing practice of remembering (Exodus 12:1-30) and the future hope we have of sharing in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9 – go back and read the prophecy in Isaiah 25:6-9).
Read these passages. What do you learn about God? How does that impact your mind and heart as we enter into the practice of communion?
4. After spending time at The Table with Jesus and his disciples, reflect on the depths of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. How do these truths shape and inspire your faith journey?
5. Upcoming Woodlands in the Word:
The Woodlands in the Word passages for next week are 1 Thessalonians 1-5.
Next week’s message will focus on the Garden. You can find those accounts here: Matthew 26:36-56; John 18:1-12 (we may include John 17); Mark 14:32-52, and Luke 22:39-53.
Practical Applications
Dinnertime Discussions: How have you experienced the love of Jesus through the practice of sharing a meal together? What would you like to see as a continuing practice or new practice in sharing a meal together?
Gospel in Everyday Life: Share a meal with others this week. Break bread together. Sit down with brothers and sisters in Christ; spend time with each other and praise the Lord for His provision.
Journal Prompt: How do you resist the human tendencies towards betrayal and brokenness and embrace servanthood like Jesus demonstrated? Ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you are struggling and to strengthen you to follow his example.
Practicing Prayer: Make your worship a prayer. Pick one of the songs that we sang in worship on Sunday and pray through the lyrics. (Mystery, Christ Be Magnified, Praise, Victory In Jesus)
Service Opportunities: Spring into Action registration is live. Consider signing up as a group to serve on May 18. Visit: https://woodlandschurch.org/sia/