SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS – John 18:1-19:16 For starters – Why is notion of absolute truth largely rejected by our culture? READING TO UNDERSTAND – JOHN 18:1-27 1. What does v.4 indicate about who is really in control of whether Jesus lives or dies? 2. Jesus will not achieve the salvation of God’s people by the sword but by drinking “the cup” the Father gave him (18:11). What “cup” is Jesus referring to and why will drinking it mean our salvation? (see Isaiah 51:17 and 53:5-6; Rom 5:9-11; 1 Thess 1:10; 5:9) 3. How do you think Peter would have felt when the roster began to crow? 4. As serious as it was for Peter to deny Jesus, yet by the grace of God he found forgiveness and restoration in Jesus (see John 21:15-19). What encouragement do you get from this episode in Peter’s life? READING TO UNDERSTAND – JOHN 18:28-40 5. When you consider what John’s Gospel has recounted up to this point, in what way might the actions of the Jews in v.28 be considered absurd? 6. In what ways has John’s Gospel answered Pilates question in v. 33 – “are you the king of the Jews?” 7. What does v.37 indicate about who is really in control of whether Jesus lives or dies? READING TO UNDERSTAND – JOHN 19:1-16 8. What does vv.10-11 indicate about who is really in control of whether Jesus lives or dies? Why is the answer encouraging? 9. In v.15 the Chief Priests finally reveal the truth of where their allegiance lies. What are the implications for how you answer this question: “Who is your King?” 1 MEDITATION ON THE WORD AND PRAYER – JOHN 19:1-16 Adoration – What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me? Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me? Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has done? Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of this? 2 .