Main Idea: The Lonely Road
Check-In (Highs & Lows) 15 min
A great, quick way to catch the highlights of what is happening in the lives of the people in your group is to take turns quickly sharing the “highs & lows” of your week. High: What was your biggest highlight since we last met? Low: What was the low point during this time?
Settle-In (Ice-Breaker) 10 min
Share a moment when you felt truly connected with someone, breaking through any sense of loneliness.
Dig-In (Scripture) 35 min
1. Read Matthew 26:36-46. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experiences profound loneliness. How does the account of Jesus’ distress and his disciples’ response highlight the nature of loneliness?
2. Read Matthew 26:63-68. How does Jesus’ response to Caiaphas’ question reveal the depth of his understanding of loneliness, especially considering the subsequent events of his arrest and trial?
3. Read Isaiah 53:3. Reflect on the prophecy in Isaiah about the suffering servant, Jesus. How does this contribute to our understanding of Jesus’ experience of loneliness?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. Why is Jesus being made sin for us significant in the context of loneliness? How does this act as a bridge between our loneliness and the hope of resurrection?
5. Read Hebrews 4:15. What does it mean for us that Jesus, who faced loneliness, is a high priest able to empathize with our weaknesses? How does this offer hope in our own experiences of loneliness?
6. Read John 14:16. How does this promise from Jesus contribute to our understanding of loneliness? In what ways does Jesus assure his followers that they are not alone?
7. Read Hebrews 12:3. Consider how focusing on Jesus, who endured loneliness, can prevent us from growing weary and losing heart. How does this truth bring hope in our own moments of loneliness?
Gear-Up (Application) 15 min
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lonely. How did you respond? Did it draw you closer to God, or did it push you away? Why?
2. How can the acknowledgment of Jesus’ experience of loneliness bring comfort and hope in your own times of feeling alone?
Step-Up (Homework)
Reflect on the lies that Satan tells us about loneliness. Take time to identify if any of these lies are influencing your perspective on loneliness. Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers on this matter and discuss your reflections with the group in the next session.