We realize you may not be able to discuss c. What can you do to share the gifts of God with all the questions. Pick the ones you like. people in your life? Who would you like to share Small Group Questions the gift of love with? Who would you like to share Gifts for Everyone the gift of peace with? Who would you like to John 16:25-33 share the gift of victory with? Discussion Questions Previous message summary: Jesus is preparing his disciples for what will happen as he is arrested, crucified, buried, and for Read John 16:25-33 the reality that he will rise from the dead. Jesus tells the 2. When Jesus admits to using figures of speech, what is disciples, “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and he referring to? What has he been talking about in again a little while, and you will see me.” Jesus knows that figures of speech? through his death, burial, and resurrection, there will be a change in the way the disciples see Jesus. They will no longer a. When will the time come, when Jesus talks plainly have to ask about who he is and why he died on the cross; they about the Father? What will happen when the will clearly and fully understand its significance. The death, Holy Spirit comes? Read John 14:26 & 16:13. burial, and resurrection will also put their feelings in the proper perspective by turning their grief and sorrow into joy. In addition b. Jesus admits that his message has been hard to to seeing and feeling, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection will understand. Are there things about the Christian change the way they ask God for help in doing the work he has life that are difficult for you to fully comprehend? called them to do. What aspect of the Christian life would you like better understanding about? What we learned: Three days changed everything for the disciples, but it also changes everything for us. As we look at c. Does the cross of Christ and what he did by life through the lens of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, paying the price for sin, help you understand the we know that we too can see understand Jesus for who he is most important aspects of Christianity? and what he has done for all people. We too can give our sorrow and grief to Jesus by clinging to his promise to turn 3. Jesus tells the disciples that the Father loves them. them into joy. The three days of Jesus from the cross to victory What reasons does he give them for the Father’s over the grave changes us and our ability to ask for God’s help love? (Verse 27) in accomplishing his will in our life. Three days changes a. Is it possible to have the love of the Father without everything for us! loving and believing in Jesus? Why or why not? Introduction b. Read John 3:16. What does this verse tell us 1. As you think back over your life, what was the best about the love of the Father? What is the Christmas gift you ever received? Why was it the best appropriate response to the love of God? Is it gift ever? important to respond to God’s love? a. Have you ever given a gift that made a special c. Is what you believe about Jesus important? impact on a spouse, family member, or friend? 4. What central part of the Christmas story do many in our world choose not to believe about Jesus? Read b. When you think about the gifts God has blessed John 1:1, 14; & 16:28. you with, what comes to mind? Name some gifts that he has given to all people. a. How can you use this season of the year to help a. What does Jesus promise to those who choose to people understand who Jesus is and the believe in and follow him? importance of believing in him? b. What will we have in the world? What do we have b. Who in your life needs to hear the message of in Jesus? Christmas and really believe? c. How can the gift of love, peace, and victory help 5. How do the disciples react to Jesus’ statement about you live the life that God wants for you? coming from and going back to the Father? Read John 16:29-30. Challenge: As you exchange gifts this Christmas season, remember the gifts of love, peace, and victory that were a. What reasons do the disciples give for believing given to you through Jesus Christ. Allow those gifts to that Jesus came from God? transform your life and fill you with meaning and purpose. b. What reason do you cling to for believing that Jesus came from God and went back to God? Action: Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the greatest gift c. How does Jesus respond to the disciples’ of all Jesus; through whom we receive love, peace and admission of clarity concerning who he is and victory. This week I will share God’s gifts with ______what he is about to do? Do the disciples really ______. understand all that is about to happen at this Next Steps: point? 6. What does Jesus tell the disciples about what will I am thankful . . . happen when he is arrested and crucified? Read John G For the love of God which has been demonstrated 16:32 & Matthew 26:31. through Jesus Christ. a. Is the reaction of the disciples to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus a fulfillment of prophecy? G For the gift of peace that calms in times of trial and Read Zechariah 13:7. confusion. b. In troubling times when the world seems to fall G For the victory of Christ that overcomes the world. apart around you, is it easy to forget that God is in control? Why or why not? One way I can demonstrate my love for God this Christmas is ______. c. In times of trial and difficulty, why do people abandon God? Have you ever struggled to cling to God in difficult times? d. When everyone abandons Jesus, who is still with him? How can this truth about God help you withstand the most difficult times in your life? 7. What are Jesus’ last words to his disciples before going into the Garden to pray prior to his betrayal and arrest? Read John 16:33.