Hope to the Fallen
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
November 11, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: John 13:33–14:3

Introduction to John: Click here for a brief summary on the Gospel of John.

KNOW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.

Note that all of the discourse that occurred in John chapters 13 and 14 took place at the Last Supper. During this special meal that Jesus shared with His closest followers, He took the time to impart words of wisdom and knowledge shortly before He was arrested and led away.

READ AND REVIEW JOHN 13:33–35
Throughout all of the time Jesus spent with His disciples, He explained on various occasions and in various ways the truth of His upcoming death and resurrection. Just as within this particular passage in John, although He was clearly telling them that He would eventually be leaving them, they just did not understand what He meant.

Read Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 9:30-32, and Luke 18:31-34.

  • Why do you think the disciples were so confused when Jesus made these proclamations?
  • What were they expecting in a Messiah (Luke 24:21 and Acts 1:6) and how was Jesus’ form of salvation the opposite of what they were anticipating?
  • How do Jesus’ words in John 10:11-18 confirm God’s plan and how was it completely counterintuitive to the disciples preconceived notions of a Messiah?

Read John 7:33-36 and John 8:21-24. Note that in these two instances, Jesus is not speaking to His disciples and followers. Instead, He is addressing the unyielding, unbelieving Jews.

  • What exact words does Jesus repeat in these passages as in John 13:33?
  • What is the difference in what he is explaining to the unbelieving Jews and what He is telling His disciples with these words?

In verses 34-35, Jesus issues the disciples a “new commandment.” This commandment wasn’t truly “new,” but increased.

  • Based on John 13:34, 1 John 2:7-11, and John 15:12-13, what is the biggest additive or difference in this “new commandment” compared to the Old Testament teachings that the disciples would have already known, such as Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18?
  • Out of all the commandments He could have given, why do you think Jesus chose to charge His disciples with this one in particular?
  • How significant of a role does love for others play in our witness to this world? How is it indicative of our very salvation? Is this something that you find difficult to do at times? Cross reference John 13:34 with 1 John 3:10-18 and 1 John 4:12, 20-21.
  • Why is this new commandment impossible to follow without Jesus and whom should it extend toward? Reference Romans 5:5 and 1 Thessalonians 3:12.

READ AND REVIEW JOHN 13:36–38
It’s important to consider the setting and events of John chapter 13 just prior to Peter and Jesus’ conversation. Jesus had just exemplified ultimate humility to His disciples by washing their feet, He told them that one of the disciples would soon betray Him, He proceeded to discuss His upcoming glorification, and then He informed them that where He was going, they could not come. Considering all that Jesus had just revealed to the disciples, It’s no wonder that Peter was confused and sought clarification from Jesus regarding where He was going.

  • What hope did Jesus give to Peter that was not given previously to the unbelieving Jews? Reference Verse 36.

Peter was well-known to be brash, bold, and overeager. In order to gain an even better idea of how vehement Peter was in his proclamation to Jesus in verse 37, read an expansion of his statement in the parallel account of this interaction from Matthew 26:33 and 35.

  • Knowing that shortly thereafter, Peter would indeed deny Jesus three times as predicted, what lesson can this teach us in terms of being overconfident in ourselves? Reference 1 Corinthians 10:12.
  • What should we do to avoid this pitfall? Reference Matthew 26:41.
  • How can we determine the difference between being strong and bold in our faith and being overconfident to the point of folly?

READ AND REVIEW JOHN 14:1–3
Based on all that He had just told them and all that was playing out, Jesus knew the hearts of the disciples were troubled. They had left everything to follow him (Matthew 19:27) and it appeared as if their grand visions of a conquering king were not going to come to fruition. Jesus, the ever compassionate Savior, instead of focusing on His own upcoming torment, sympathizes with the disciple’s confusion and concerns.

Read Isaiah 53:3-4.

  • What do these verses teach us about the heart of Jesus? Have you taken time recently to reflect upon the fact that the Son of the God of the universe cares enough about us to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows?

In John 14:1 when Jesus tells the disciples to “believe in God; believe also in Me,” He uses the present tense of the verb “pisteuo” for “believe,” which references an ongoing trust as opposed to an initial belief.

To further provide confidence and comfort to the disciples, Jesus assures them that this separation would not be permanent and that He was preparing a place for them in His Father’s house. Consider the following verses expounding upon what Jesus tells the disciples here:

  • Read John 17:24. What does Jesus desire?
  • Jesus is preparing a place in His Father’s House where we will reside with Him one day. What does Revelation 21:9-27 tell us about this incredible place?
  • Compare a description of Jesus’ return for His church in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 with a description of Jesus’ second coming in Matthew 24:29-31. Which return is Jesus referencing here in verse 3; the return for His church or His second coming? How did you come to that conclusion?

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Jesus gives the command to His disciples to “love one another; as I have loved you” and goes on to say that “all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

  • How would you describe the love Jesus has for us and what is the significance of Him differentiating this type of love?
  • What actions are associated with loving people the way God loves us?
  • How can loving people in this way impact or change our environment, relationships, and how we view others?

Jesus knew Simon Peter so well that at their very first encounter, Jesus gave him a new name that meant “rock.” At the time Jesus gave this name to him, Peter definitely WASN’T the definition of “rock.” He wasn’t firm, steady, steadfast, or dependable… in fact, he was basically the opposite. Yet Jesus gave him the name of the thing that He wanted and knew Peter would eventually become (through His guidance)… that’s how well he knew Peter.

  • What does Jesus’ treatment of Peter highlight about God’s character?
  • Understanding that Jesus likewise knows you to your very core, what name do you think He would give you right now and does it align with the name you would want to be given by Him?
  • What do you allow to structure your thoughts about God? Human relationships? Preaching? Culture? Church history? What is the only thing that SHOULD shape your knowledge and view of God? Is this true in your life?

Jesus says to Peter, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”

  • God has a redemptive plan that we cannot deter! What does this mean for believers when we fail to follow Jesus?

From today’s message and text, think about Jesus’s conversation with His disciples.

  • What is the difference between the sin of unbelief and the sin of a believer? Which will God eventually reject? Reference Hebrews 3:18-19, John 8:44-45, and Romans 11:20.
  • Have you ever allowed your failure as a believer to hinder your progress and beat you down? What if Peter would have done this? What steps should we take when we do sin, and how can we continue to move forward in gratitude and confidence? Reference 1 John 1:8-9, Galatians 5:16, and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Jesus wanted His disciples to own their weakness because Jesus wanted to be the solution.

  • What reaction does it cause you to know that God has already forgiven and planned to forgive you before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-14)? How does this impact your relationship with Jesus and why should this gift never be abused (Romans 6)?
  • What are you most looking forward to in regards to being in heaven one day with Jesus?
  • Read Psalm 73:23-26, what does this say about you?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Believing in Jesus provides comfort and peace in the midst of trouble on earth. Jesus promises His followers that He is preparing a place in heaven for us and that He will come back for us and we will be together for eternity. This hope in Christ shifts the focus from worldly desires to living in a way that has eternal impact.

  • As you reflect on your life, what is your purpose on earth? Do your actions reflect your Hope? What changes do you need to make to focus more on living for the Kingdom this week?

Once we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, our sin can’t keep us from Him.

  • Who in your life needs to hear this Truth?

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Prayer Team:
Interested in praying with and for others. Learn more by reaching out to us through prayer@nwbible.org.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.