We realize you may not be able to discuss c. had a plan that led him to the cross of all the questions. Pick the ones you like. Calvary. What might have distracted Jesus as he prepared to offer his life as a sacrifice for Small Group Questions the world? “What Shall I Do With Jesus?” John 7:32-52 Discussion Questions Read John 7:32-52 Previous message summary: The world today is confused about who Jesus is and what he has come into 2. What things were the people muttering (saying) the world to accomplish. This is not new. When Jesus about Jesus? Read John 7:25-31. What did the walked the earth and performed miracles two thousand do in response to the muttering of the years ago, people were confused about Jesus. Some said people? he was a good man, others said he was a deceiver, and a. What did Jesus say in response to the others said he was the Son of God. It is in the midst of Pharisees’ attempt to arrest him? (Verses 33- this confusion that Jesus goes to the Feast of Booths in 34) What was Jesus referring to when he to proclaim that he has been sent by the talked about going to a place where they could Father to accomplish the Father’s will. Jesus is the Son of not come? God who has come to give his life as a sacrifice for the sin b. How many times has Jesus talked about giving of the world. his life as a sacrifice in the book of John, up to What we learned: The Jews chose not to accept the truth this point? (:29; 2:19; 3:14-15; 6:56-57) about Jesus. They had too many historic traditions and c. How do the Jews respond to Jesus’ statement preconceived ideas that got in the way of who the about going to a place where they cannot go? was. Each person is faced with answering the Are the Jews confused about who Jesus is and question of who Jesus is. Is he a liar, a lunatic, or is he what they should do with him? your Lord? The way that each person answers this question will impact their life for all eternity. 3. What does Jesus do on the last day of the Feast? Read John 7:37-38. What is the significance of Introduction Jesus making this statement on this particular day of 1. Doing projects around the house can be fun for the Feast? some, and a chore for others. The completion of any a. What does the Feast of Booths commemorate task takes mental focus and an intent on reaching for the Jews? Read Leviticus 23:42-43. Was the goal. What projects have you completed in the this an important feast? past, or are currently working to complete? b. How does the symbolism of water connect to a. Did the project go well for from start to finish? the Feast of Booths and their commemoration Did you have interruptions that distracted you? of and the wilderness wanderings? Read Ex. 17:6; Num. 20:8-11; Deut. 8:15. b. Did the project plan stay the same from start to finish or did it change as you worked towards c. How would this invitation of Jesus to come and completion? drink be a fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, pointing to the fact that Jesus is the Christ? b. did not go along with his peers by Read Isaiah 35:6-7; 43:19-20; Joel 3:18. asking them to give Jesus a fair hearing. How 4. What does the Apostle John tell us in verse 39, that comfortable are you to stand up for what you helps us understand what Jesus means when he believe in Jesus, even when it means going says “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”? against your peers? Is this a fulfillment of prophecy? Read Joel 2:28; Challenge: Jesus told the Jews, “I will be with you a little Acts 2:17. longer . . . You will seek me and you will not find me. a. Is the Holy Spirit promised to be a part of the Where going you cannot come.” It’s interesting to life of every Christian? Read Acts 2:38-39. note that after his death on the cross and resurrection, only those who believed in him had the opportunity to b. How does the Holy Spirit act in the life of a spend time with him before his ascension into heaven. Christian? Read Galatians 5:22-23; Romans May this reminder about Jesus motivate you to make him 8:14; 8:26-27. (There are many more.) Lord of your life today so that you can spend time with c. How has the Holy Spirit helped you live the him for all eternity. Christian life? Action: We live in a world that is thirsty for the things that 5. Jesus makes the offer of water to those who thirst, Jesus offers. Things like grace, peace, purpose, and but instead of receiving the offer, how do the people meaning are sought after at all costs by people all around respond? Read John 7:43-44. us. Jesus is inviting all people to come and drink a. What misconception about Jesus did people regardless of who they are or what they have done in the have that led them away from accepting Jesus past. Make a commitment to extend Jesus’ offer to come as the Messiah? Read John 7:41-42. and drink to thirsty people in your world. b. What misconceptions do people today have Next Steps: about Jesus that lead them away from accepting him as the Son of God? G I realize that only Jesus can quench my thirst and provide water for my soul. c. What can you do to help people have a proper understanding of who Jesus is and what they G Many people reject based on false should do with him? information. I will do my best to present myself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to 6. Who comes to the defense of Jesus among the be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth (2 Jews to make sure that Jesus gets a fair hearing? Tim 2:15). Read John 7:50-51. Where have we seen this man before in the of John? Read :1-2. G Like Nicodemus, I want to move from standing on the sidelines, to courageously living out my faith. a. Do we know if this man is a follower of Jesus at this point in his life? What does he do later in the that helps us understand that he did believe in Jesus? Read :42 & 19:39.