Sermon Cloud

Further Reflection, Discussion and Application

1. Take time to read and reflect on the gospel accounts of the final hours of Jesus...
2. Reflect on the scene at the Garden of Gethsemane – what do you think Jesus was experiencing?  Why did he want/instruct his disciples to pray? How does “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” show itself in your life?
3. Look again at Jesus’ arrest – what surprises you here?  Specifically, what do Jesus’ questions show about him and his purposes?
4. Jesus was asked many questions during his trial, and asked a few more of his own – what do you make of those interactions?
5. How would you explain what Jesus meant by his final question from the cross (Matt 27:46)?  Have you ever felt distant from/abandoned by God?  How does this experience of Jesus speak to that?
6. What does focused reflection on the cross do for you?  Does it stir you to a particular response?  If so, what?
7. In your own words, state how the passion of Christ shows how bad we are and how loved we are.