GO & MAKE DISCIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES.
***Updated every Monday!***
For the Newsletter Growing Deeper email click here.https://mailchi.mp/a8610c44103b/weekly-connection
Growing-Deeper-_-John-19_1-16.pdf

Sermon study guide for next-level growth.

Watch Sermon Series Here

Sermon Overview

I hope this message finds you well as we reflect together on Sunday's powerful journey through John 19.  This Sunday, we explored the brutal reality of what Jesus endured on our behalf: flogging that many didn't survive, humiliation from soldiers who mocked the King of Kings, and condemnation to death despite being completely innocent. Yet all of this suffering was necessary, not just to fulfill ancient prophecies, but to pave the way for something beautiful: a new life where we can walk in forgiveness and gratitude. When we truly grasp the weight of what Jesus went through, we realize that the only appropriate response is surrender, not to earn salvation, but as an expression of profound gratitude for the gift we've been given.

Sermon Series: 
John: The Explicit Gospel
Key Passage:  John 19:1-16

Key Takeaways

  1. Jesus was tortured, mocked, and sentenced to death so that those who believe in Him may walk in forgiveness and gratitude.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage
  1. Why does the sermon emphasize not "fast-forwarding" through the difficult parts of Jesus' suffering? What do we lose when we become too familiar with this story?
  2. Read Isaiah 53:4-6 together. How do these prophecies written hundreds of years before Christ give you confidence in God's plan? What specific details stand out to you?
  3. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, yet he still condemned Him. What does this tell us about human nature, fear, and the pressure of public opinion?
Going Deeper
  1. The sermon mentions that "familiarity leads to a lack of gratitude." Have you experienced this in your own faith journey? How can we keep the reality of Jesus' sacrifice fresh in our hearts?
  2. Walking in forgiveness means both receiving AND sharing it. Which is harder for you personally? Why?
  3. Shame vs. Forgiveness: The sermon addresses how shame can prevent us from receiving God's free gift of forgiveness. Have you struggled with feeling like you need to "earn" forgiveness through good works? How does understanding Jesus' suffering change that perspective?

Personal Application
  1. Gratitude through surrender: The sermon states that "the suffering of Jesus demands a response, and that response is surrender”. What does practical surrender look like in daily life? Consider these areas:
    1. Your time (Monday-Saturday, not just Sunday)
    2. Your talents and giftedness
    3. Your treasure (financial resources)
    4. Your struggles and sin patterns
  2. The "ripple effect" challenge: The sermon asks us to imagine if every person took one step forward in forgiveness or gratitude. What would that look like in:
    1. Your family?
    2. This small group?
    3. Our church?