We realize you may not be able to discuss d. Statistics tell us that people are most open to the all the questions. Pick the ones you like. message of Jesus and his love for them when Small Group Questions they go through times of crisis. How can you use “Anchors in The Storm” the future hope of heaven to reach out to people John 14:1-6 who are going through crisis? Have you ever done this? Previous message summary: As a disciple of Jesus, we Discussion Questions have been called “to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others” by the Apostle Paul in Read John 14:1-6 Philippians chapter two. This means that we intentionally 2. Why does Jesus tell his disciples to not let their hearts look for ways to humble ourselves and serve others. We be troubled? What has Jesus been telling them that think about the needs of others and then do something might give them reason to be troubled? Read John about them. 13:21, 33, 36-38. What we learned: If we call ourselves disciples of Jesus, a. What does Jesus tell his disciples to do, in verse we should seek to not only learn what he taught, but 1, in order to fight the urge to be troubled? imitate his life of love, surrender, and service. This means b. How does believing in God and his Son Jesus that we learn to shift our thinking from thoughts of how I give the disciples peace as they face the storm can be served, to how I can serve those around me. We that is about to come upon them? were challenged to find ways to serve our family, our co- c. How can this same belief in God and Jesus give workers, our neighbors, our small group, and our church you peace in your storms? family. 3. How does Jesus describe his “Father’s house” in this Introduction passage? What does God’s house represent for the 1. What comes to mind when you think of heaven? Christian? What will heaven be like? a. How does this statement from Jesus serve as an a. Does the thought of heaven and what waits for anchor of hope to help the disciples weather the you there, help you to weather the storms of life? storm that is about the take place in their lives as What storms has the future hope of heaven Jesus is arrested and crucified in the coming helped you weather in your life? hours? b. How can you use the future hope of heaven to b. Does the thought that there are lots of rooms in encourage people in your small group or church heaven give you hope? How does the idea that as they go through times of trial and difficulty? there is room for you to dwell with God forever give you peace in your life today? c. For non-Christians who do not believe in heaven, 4. Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a what things do they hold onto as anchors when place for them. What is Jesus about to do that will the storms of life overwhelm them? Do these prepare the way for the disciples (and all people) to anchors ultimately help? dwell with God? a. How can knowing that there is a place for them, 7. Does the reality of who Jesus is and what he help the disciples (and you) weather the coming accomplishes for his followers, become a source of storms? hope and peace that helps them through life? Is this a b. When you think about the sacrifice that was made message that the world needs to hear? by Jesus giving his life on a cross so that you Challenge: Are you experiencing a storm in life? Do you could dwell with God in heaven, how does that feel the stress and the weight of the world on your help you appreciate and look forward to heaven? shoulders? Are you tired and feeling beat down by the 5. When Jesus talks about going away to prepare a world? If so, remember that: 1) Jesus is preparing a place place, what does he add to his promise about his for you; 2) Jesus is coming back to get you; and 3) you return and how that will impact his followers? Read can put your faith completely in him. John 14:3. a. How many times had Jesus talked about going Action: This week, make a commitment to share the away? Read John 7:33-34; 8:21; 13:33 & 36. hope that Jesus provides in this passage, with one person What had Jesus always said about being able to who you know needs an anchor in the midst of their storm. follow him each time he talked about going away? Next Steps: b. What does Jesus finally reveal about his intention for this followers in this verse? What do all G Even in times of storm, I will believe in God who can Christians look forward to at the end of time? anchor me. Read 1 John 3:2 & 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. G I will live with the understanding that the world is not c. How do these words of Jesus give you hope and my home. provide an anchor in your storm? For people with cancer, or depression, or relationship problems, G I will gladly give Jesus a room in my heart now in or any kind of struggle, what is Jesus’ message to exchange for a room in heaven later. them? Does this give you strength and hope? 6. Which disciple speaks up and confesses that they do not know where Jesus is going? Is this a legitimate question? a. How does Jesus answer the question about knowing the way? Read John 14:6. b. What does Jesus mean that he is the way, the truth and the life? What does Jesus reveal in this statement about being the “I Am”? c. How many ways are there to get to the Father? Doesn’t Jesus seem narrow-minded? What does Jesus’ statement say to those who think there are multiple ways to get to heaven and have a relationship with God?