Matthew 26:14-27:66
Lead in #1: At the Last Supper as Jesus sat at table with his disciples, it would be the last time that they were all together before his death. It was that very night that one of his disciples, Judas, would betray Jesus.
Prompt #1: Reflect on and pray about a time when you felt betrayed. How was that for you?
Prompt #2: Reflect on and pray about a time you may have betrayed another. How is that for you now? What did you learn through the pain of that?
Lead in #2: While at table with his disciples, Jesus predicted that the disciples would have their faith shaken.
Prompt #3: Talk about a time you had your faith shaken. How was that for you?
Lead in #3: In the garden with Peter, James, and John, Jesus asked them to stay awake. Jesus was hoping his disciples would be with him in his time of need. But as Jesus prayed, they fell asleep on him.
Prompt #4: Reflect on a time that you “fell asleep” to the very thing in your life that was important for you to stay awake for. How was that for you and what did you learn?
Lead in #4: When they tried to arrest Jesus, Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
Prompt #5: When have you been tempted to retaliate as a way of getting even? How was that for you? What did you learn from that?
Lead in #5: When questioned about Jesus, fear caused Peter to deny that he even knew Jesus.
Prompt #6: Reflect on a time when fear caused you to forsake the very thing you thought you’d never forsake. How was that for you? What did you learn from the pain of that?
Lead in #6: As he hung dying on the cross, Jesus said to the good thief who opened his heart to Jesus, “This day you are with me in paradise.” Just think of it! The paradise Jesus was talking about begins not just in heaven. If we want, it begins right now in the life we are living today.
Prompt #7: If the paradise that Jesus promised the good thief begins today, what do you think Jesus meant by that?