The Suffering of Our King | April 10, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passage: Matthew 26:36-39

● Read Matthew 26:36-39. Take a minute of silence to allow the Holy Spirit to guide
and center you! Today’s LifeGroup will be very reflective and conversational.
○ Share with one another what spoke to you from Phil’s sermon on Sunday.
What speaks to you from this passage?

● Google “Christ in the garden of gethsemane kuindzhi”. Speak about what this
picture represents. Have everyone take one minute to reflect.
○ Share as a group the things that stood out to you in your reflection. What
was Jesus feeling as he entered the garden. Jesus knew what was to
come and he STILL chose to enter in.

● Google “christ in the garden of gethsemane perov”. Take one minute to reflect on
this image. Reflect on the weight of the sin of the world coming upon Christ’s
shoulders. Not only the sin but the effects and suffering of this world.
○ What stands out to you during this time of reflection.
○ What does it mean to you that Jesus took on your suffering? Do you have
suffering right now that you need to place upon His shoulders?
● In order to fully rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection we need to fully embrace his pain
he endured. As we fully grasp the weight of our sin we will begin to fully embrace
the joy in his resurrection!
○ What sin is it that put Jesus in this pain?

○ Jesus was in such an immense amount of stress that He endured what is
called Hematidrosis or sweating blood. Look up this definition and read
aloud. This is a real phenomenon that Jesus experienced as he began to
take the weight of sin upon Himself.

● End your time by playing and reflect on the words of the song “Roll away the
stone” by Page CXVI.

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.