We realize you may not be able to discuss b. Is there someone currently away from home all the questions. Pick the ones you like. that you would like to celebrate with when they Small Group Questions return? “A New Kind of King” c. How would someone like Saeed Abedini (Boise John 12:12-26 pastor who is imprisoned in Iraq for his faith) be welcomed home if he were to be released? Previous message summary: During the final week of Jesus’ life, before he is crucified for the sin of the world, Jesus is Discussion Questions together with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus celebrating what Jesus has done by bringing Lazarus back to life. At some point Read John 12:12-26 during the dinner, Mary takes a jar of expensive and very fragrant ointment and she anoints Jesus. Judas (along with the 2. This section of Scripture details what we know as other disciples) critically asks why the ointment was not sold for the Triumphal Entry of Jesus. Why do we call it the a year’s worth of wages and the money given to the poor. His triumphal entry? question is a disguise for his greed. Judas did not care about the poor, he was only interested in how he could line his own a. What happens to Jesus during this last week of pockets and use the money for his own purposes. Jesus his life? Read John 18:12 & 39-40; John 19:1- defends Mary and the act of sacrifice and devotion that she has 3, 16-18, & 40. shown to Jesus in preparation for his burial. b. From the world’s perspective, is this a triumph? What we learned: In this story we see the hearts of several c. From a Christian’s perspective, what makes it characters. Judas has a heart that is far from God. He is so triumphal? consumed by his own greed and manipulates the situation to serve his own purposes. Martha is still serving, but she has a 3. As Jesus enters into Jerusalem, a large crowd has heart that is content and at peace about what her sister is come to welcome and cheer him. What are some of doing. Instead of criticizing what Mary is doing, Martha is the things they do as he rides into Jerusalem? focused on what she can do by serving. Lazarus has a heart a. What is the significance of waving palm that is devoted to being a walking billboard to the power of Jesus in his life. Lazarus’ testimony is not about what Lazarus branches? Is this something that had ever has done for Jesus, but what Jesus has done for him. Mary’s been done before for other kings? heart is one of surrender and devotion to Jesus. She has a b. What is significant about the word “Hosanna” perceptive heart that takes the opportunity to anoint Jesus that the crowd is shouting? What does knowing that she may not have another opportunity. The hearts “Hosanna” mean? Read Psalm 118:25-26. of these characters help us evaluate our heart for Jesus. c. What was the expectation that the crowd had Introduction of Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem? What 1. Have you ever been a part of a celebration to phrase do they add to their shouts that indicate welcome a soldier home from a tour of duty, or a what they expect Jesus to do? Read John traveler from a long trip? What kind of emotion 12:13b. surrounded that celebration? 4. What is significant about Jesus riding into Jerusalem a. What things did you do to let that person know on a donkey? Is this how conquering kings and you were excited to have them home? generals would come into Jerusalem as victors? a. How does this act of riding a donkey fulfill 8. How would you describe the kind of King that Jesus prophecy about the Messiah? Read Zachariah is? Is he like any king this world has ever had? 9:9-10; Genesis 49:10-11. Challenge: As you think about the Triumphal Entry of b. What does the fact that Jesus chose to ride a Jesus, and how his entry is different than that of the donkey into Jerusalem tell you about the kind worldly king or conquering general, realize that those who of King he is? follow him live differently than the world. We are called to 5. What do the Pharisees say about Jesus in verse 19? live lives of humility, and service, and genuine love for What is their biggest concern or fear? God and others. We are called to look different than the 6. John tells us that some Greeks (Gentiles) go to world because we follow a new kind of king. Jerusalem to celebrate Passover and they want to see Jesus. When Jesus learns that these non- Action: This week, with God’s help, I will choose to live Jewish people want to see him, what does he say? differently by doing ______, and not doing ______. a. What is significant about Jesus saying, “The hour has come”? What does “his hour” refer to? Next Steps: b. What has Jesus said about “his hour” prior to G Following Jesus means serving Jesus (12:26). I this point in the Gospel of John? Read John understand I am supposed to serve Jesus (it is not 2:4; 7:6 & 8. about getting Jesus to serve me). c. What does Jesus say about “his hour” from this G I want to die spiritually to myself, in order to live fully point forward in the Gospel of John? Read for Jesus Christ. John 12:27; 13:1; 16:32; 17:1. G One area in which I still need to die to myself is 7. What does Jesus say to those who would choose to ______. follow him and be a part of his Kingdom? Read John 12:25-26.

a. Is this a message that Jesus has shared with his disciples throughout his ministry? Read Matt. 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23-24.

b. What does it mean to lose your life? What does it mean to serve and follow Jesus? How does this show up in the life a Christian on a day-by- day basis?

c. What are the promises, found in verse 26, that Jesus gives for those who choose to lose their life and follow Jesus?