Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
God Willing
Scripture
25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Main Idea
John 19 tells us how Jesus, while on the cross and close to death, gave John the responsibility for caring for Mary after his death.
Jesus lived out Exodus 20:12, honoring his mother, that she would be cared for after his death. John cared for Mary for 12 years before her death. John did not leave Jerusalem in that time, even though the Gospel was being spread. John followed through on Jesus "small" request.
Mary, in Luke 2:34-35, Simeon blesses Mary and says her son will do great things but that a sword will pierce her soul. When we are used significantly, we will suffer significantly. In following our calling, we must remember that Satan will try to stop us and we will need Jesus to be successful.
John was present at the crucifixion, but why did Jesus ask John to care for Mary? Was it because John's family had money? Was it because John's family had influence? Because John was there at the cross. He was the only disciple present at the crucifixion. There is power in being present. Even though John had recently failed Jesus by falling asleep instead of watching over Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus affirmed John when he came back. Jesus welcomes us back when we return to him.
"If we get too big to do something small, we will be too big to be used at all."
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to honor your mother and father? How do you live that out?
- What kind of obstacles do you see in your God-given calling? How do you ask for help?
- Can you think of a time you were blessed just for being present? What happened?
Summary
The lives of those present at the crucifixion were forever changed. Even in his time of dying, Jesus honored his mother. Mary knew from Simeon's prophetic words that she would be hurt, but she carried on and raised Jesus anyway. John, the one Jesus loved most, was given the task of caring for Jesus mother for 12 years after His death. Only then did John's ministry get started. We succeed in the face of our enemies when we are present, call upon Jesus for help, and honor the commandments.
Take Action
- Read Luke 2 and understand Simeon's prophecy.
- Read Luke 16
- Read Exodus 20
Announcements
First Wednesday - March 4 @ 7 pm
Youth Camp Meeting - March 4 @ 6 pm
Essentials - March 8 @ 1-3 pm (vel.city/essentialsclass)
