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Engaging The Word Study Guide

April 10, 2022 [Palm Sunday]

John 12:

This material is intended for either personal or group discussion.

Please use the material as best suits your needs, usage and learning situation.

GATHERING

· Welcome

· Check in—updates, prayer requests, sharing

· Opening Prayer(s)

· Opening songs (with or without instruments)

 

PASSAGE: John 12:1-19 [April 10, 2022 Nelson Ave Morning Message]

· Before you read ask each person to (1) close their eyes for the reading and (2) listen for the word or phrase in the reading that they connect with the most.

· Read John 12:1-19. Sit in silence

· Read John 12:1-19 a 2nd time. Ask each person to share the word of phrase that connected with them.

· Read John 12:1-19 a 3rd time. Any other words or phrases connecting with the listeners?

After the 3rd reading and sharing:

· What do you notice about these verses?

· What questions do you have about these verses?

· What do you sense is the tone of this passage?

 

VIDEO: Watch “Gospel Of John, Chapter 1-12” (Bible Project)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2e9mMf7E8

· What comments do you have about this video?

· What is your understanding of the Gospel of John? What are some of the passages / verses you know from this Gospel? What is this book mostly about?

· Does this video help put John 12:1-19 into context? If so, how?

 

QUESTIONS [John 12:1-19; specifically verses 12-19]

· Why is Jesus riding into Jerusalem? What is the meaning of this act?

· Why is Jesus riding into the city on a donkey? What is the meaning of the donkey?

· What do the palm branches symbolize (does Google help you to find the answer?) Where else do we find “palm branches” in the Bible? Does this help you understand the meaning of the palm branches in John 12

· What is this story saying to you in terms of how you respond to Jesus?

o Do you welcome him as those on Palm Sunday did?

o Do you acknowledge him as the “king” (verse 15?)? If so, what does this mean in your life?

· In his sermon Pastor Jo mentioned that was a lot of death in the context (John chapters 11 & 12) of this Palm Sunday scene. Is this significant?

· A few verses after the Palm Sunday scene we read Jesus say the following:

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me (John 12:23-26).

How does Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey help interpret these words?

How do these words help interpret Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey?

· Do you have any final comments or questions about this passage?

 

CONCLUDING PRAYERS…for each other, for our church family, for the world

 

Final words of blessing / song

 

DISMISSAL