The Beginning of The End...of The Beginning

#1 Listen to “The Beginning of The End of The Beginning”

Consider this Sunday morning’s lesson. You can listen here: http://bit.ly/1gCDfNL

Or watch here [video will be posted by Monday each week]: www.vimeo.com/rrcoc

What stuck out to you as interesting?

Did you encounter any challenging or re-orienting truth?

How’d it make you feel?

 

#2 Palm Parade

What previous experience do you have with Palm Sunday? Have you ever celebrated it in an interesting or memorable way?

On Sunday we read Matthew’s account of the triumphal entry. Read Luke’s in chapter 19, verses 28-40. You can read John’s in John 12:12-19.

  • What’s interesting to you about this story?
  • What does it teach us about Who Jesus is?

Do you relate more to the Pharisees who’re skeptical of Jesus’ entry or to the crowds who praise Him? Would you have believed He’d raised Lazarus (even if you hadn’t seen it with your own eyes)?

If we were to modernize this story, how might it play out? Suppose Jesus was going to enter Austin in a “triumphant” way, with crowds declaring Him savior and king. What might it look like? What would we yell? What might He ride? Be creative and try to keep the themes of peace and salvation which were so central to His message. 

 

#3 Word Study

Consider the word “Hosanna.” What does it mean?

[In case you forgot: “Save now/God save us.”]

Imagine you’re in the crowd on Palm Sunday yelling “Hosanna,” and imagine Palm Sunday is today. What are you crying out to God to save you from? Personally, collectively, globally, what do we need saving from? List as many things as you can. Be specific. Identify any forces, powers, or darkness that may take us captive.

Play the song "Hosanna" and meditate on the lyrics [You can find it HERE]. As you listen to the words, consider in what ways you need God to save you personally. Consider, too, people close to you who need saving. Pray silently for God to save us now.

At the end of the song, pray together over the list you made. Pray for each individual in the group to be saved. Pray for loved ones. Pray for the world.

 

#4 Lord Jesus

What does the word “Lord” mean?

Read Col. 2:6-15

  • What does it look like to recognize Jesus as Lord of your life?
  • According to this passage, how does making Jesus Lord change your life?

Read Romans 14:8-9

  • How do we “live for the Lord”?
  • How, specifically, are you called to live for the Lord? What does it look like for you to live for the Lord tomorrow?

William Barclay wrote:

It may well be that the world is denied miracle after miracle and triumph after triumph because we will not bring to Christ what we have and what we are. If, just as we are, we would lay ourselves on the altar of service of Jesus Christ, there is no saying what Christ could do with us and through us.

  • Do you have a hard time bringing Christ what you have and what you are (just as you are)? Why do you think that might be? How can we overcome our hangups and challenges?

 

#5 For The Kiddos

If your group includes children, round them up and watch THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O56CiH0dwLw) together. Ask them questions to see what they learned.

  • Why did the people put down their coats and palms for Jesus?
  • What does it mean that Jesus is King?
  • How did Jesus save His people?

Groups without kids are welcome to watch, too. :) 

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