Connect

Who is in your “Quaran-team” (the people you are living with during the Stay-at-Home order)? Are there any creative or unique activities you have implemented with your Quaran-team over the last few weeks? Explain.

For those of you who are married, tell the story of your marriage proposal. For those that are not married, share a memorable proposal that you heard from someone you know. Pick one that is either moving or cringe worthy.

Engage
Read Luke 23:26 – 24:12
This is one of four accounts in scripture that tell the Easter story; the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. According to verse 27, who was present during his procession to the place of crucifixion and why were they present? What does the criminal say about Jesus in verses 41-42? Following his death, describe the reaction from those present in verses 48-49. What is significant about verse 55? In verses 2-3, what did the women discover when they went back to the tomb? What was the reaction of the apostles in verse 11? How did Peter react specifically?

Read John 16:17-33
In this passage, Jesus was speaking to his disciples for what would end up being his last meaningful conversation with them before he was arrested. In verse 31, He says to them “you will be scattered.” How might the disciples have interpreted this statement? Do you think they were still confused, or was Jesus’ foreshadowing of his departure starting to sink in for them?

In the last half of verse 33, Jesus makes two statements: “In this world you will have trouble”, and “But take heart! I have overcome the world”. In the first of these, what do you think Jesus meant by the term “this world?” How would the disciples have understood this term? Same questions for the word “trouble.”

Discuss the statement “overcome the world.” What does Jesus mean by this? Read John 19:30. Does this verse add any further meaning to His statement?

Apply

In his message, Scott introduced the Greek word “thlipsis”, which is a way to describe feeling as if the whole world is bearing down on you. Have you ever felt this way?
If so, what were your circumstances? Is this feeling still with you? If you are a follower of Jesus, did you feel his presence during that time? Explain.
During the message, we heard the story of Jessyca. In her story, there was a lot of “trouble” going on in her life before she met Jesus. Did this trouble go away after she came to know Jesus? What was the difference Jesus made in her life when new troubles came her way? Discuss how Jessyca’s story has inspired you, or can inspire someone going through a similar situation?

Scott talked about the concept of “living in the now and not yet.” What did he mean by that? Discuss what this might look like in your life.

Pray together

Take some time to pray for those who are suffering right now because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This has been very difficult for many of us. This is the time to remember the ill, those in isolation separated from their loved ones, those on the front line caring for the ill and for the elected officials as they make increasing difficult decisions that affect our daily lives. We have a God that knows there will be trouble in this world, but He is the God that has overcome this world.