YOUTH DISCUSSION GUIDE Written by Rev. Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE It’s not often that the story of Jesus’ last days is told on network TV. Less often is it told by some of the leading actors, musicians, producers and directors in the world. And so as THE PASSION airs on Palm Sunday, there is a unique opportunity for us all to share a cultural moment that places Jesus’ story front and center in our media and entertainment saturated culture. This discussion guide is meant as a resource that can help users to reflect on the story as it’s presented in a unique way. And from there, it is created to provide ideas for daily reminders, like road markers, of how the passion story plays out during Holy Week, leading to Easter. It contains a series of teachable moments that have direct connections to God’s Word. THE PASSION gives us a chance to move beyond entertainment toward an opportunity for lasting life change. THE PASSION sets this story in modern times, and so we hope that you will be able to connect this timeless story to our very specific point in time. In many ways, this guide is about making connections to major points of the story: We connect to Jesus’ passion. We connect with our communities, as you’ll see people in New Orleans walk across many neighborhoods. We connect with one another as we share our journeys. And we connect with God’s great grace that makes all things new. Through exploring these connections, this guide is designed to help users see how Jesus’ story continues to be told and lived today in our homes, our schools, our neighborhoods and our communities. This resource is designed for youth pastors, small group leaders, and students who want to make an impact. When used together, the television event and this guide can provide great opportunities to explore the meaning of Jesus’ passion in our lives and communities. Challenge your ministry, small group, and friends to see the movie together and have a discussion about it afterwards. Take the challenge even farther by inviting students who don’t normally go to church. This resource has three conversation starters. You can use one, two, or all three—in any order. Do what is best for your context. While there is no one right way to use this tool, here are a few ideas for you to consider as you custom tailor this resource to fit your ministry: 1. WATCH THE EVENT TOGETHER AND HAVE AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION AFTERWARDS Pick a time for your ministry, small group, or friends to see the television event together, and then immediately go through the initial questions. 2. USE THIS RESOURCE AS AN EASTER WEEK DEVOTIONAL GUIDE The resource has a different topic for each day of the week leading up to Easter. Ask your group to use this during the week, and check in every day or two to see what insights or thoughts you have about the questions. 3. ENGAGE FAMILIES Help your parents “win” by encouraging them to have a conversation with their son or daughter about this event. They could watch the show together as a family and talk about it afterwards. No matter how you decide to use this resource, we’re excited about what God is going to do in your ministry. 1 THE PASSION chronicles “The Greatest Story Ever Told”: those last moments in the life of Jesus the teacher and healer; the death of Jesus, the “King of the Jews”; and the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. For billions of people across the globe – and even more in the past 2000 years – Jesus represented all of these, and much more. His life was written down so that we may share it across generations: each new telling of the story presents a new opportunity to understand Jesus and our own selves in a new way. This guide is about exploring our connections that are made through God’s love in Jesus. We connect to passion, or suffering. We connect to our communities – our schools, our churches, our neighborhoods. We connect to one another in our daily relationships and all of the complexities of who we are. And we connect with God’s grace, which makes all things new. The television show exemplifies these connections in many ways. Take some time to reflect on these connections, and keep them in mind during the week ahead leading to Easter. CONNECTING TO PASSIO(N) “Passion” means a lot of things for us today – it can describe intensity (to do something passionately) – or it can describe love (feeling passion). But go as far back as the 2nd century: the Latin word passio meant “suffering” - and nothing more. The tale called “thepassion ” is about connecting to the suffering of Jesus in a powerful and personal way. Reflect on this: - Where do you see suffering in the world today? - How do you experience suffering, and what is your response? - When is the last time you noticed suffering, as opposed to simply hearing or reading about it? - What are ways we become disconnected from the suffering of others, or our own passio? BRINGING IT HOME: CONNECTING TO YOUR COMMUNITY This telling of the story does not happen in Jerusalem but in New Orleans – a city that knows too well what both death and resurrection mean. The residents of New Orleans share their personal connection to The Passion, and now it’s your turn: Think of where you call HOME. What is the situation there right now? How are people struggling? Jerusalem was a world city where people would come from all over to make offerings, celebrate feast days, and sing together. But everything was not happy for everyone – there was much oppression, much corruption, and unfortunately the Temple of that era, and the Roman government, were part of the problem. Jesus came as an advocate for those people – the ones he called “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40) Who are the LEAST OF THESE living in your community now? During the show, Mary sings, “Your Love is My Love,” and Jesus sings that, together, our “Love Can Move Mountains.” What would “moving mountains” look like at HOME? Take some time to think about how true community looks, feels, smells even…and how perhaps your community – church, school, home, city – can be more loving? *NEVER FORGET: Whenever we feel lonely or that we have no place in this world, hear the words in the song Jesus sings to Peter (“Home”): I’m going to make this place your home. God connects us and makes us responsible for the world we live in. (Genesis 1:26) 2 GOD’S BEAUTIFUL HANDS: CONNECTING TO ONE ANOTHER At the Last Supper, Jesus sings “With Arms Wide Open,” I’ll show you everything. Sometimes we want to watch God “take care of everything,” but Jesus’ final moments are spent empowering the disciples…empowering each and every one of us. (Matthew 10; Mark 3) Even Mary sings in “Hands”: I won’t be made useless/I won’t be idle with despair…we are God’s hands. (Matthew 9:36-38) Let’s take a look at some of these hands. Can you relate to: …Judas, who betrays his best friend, then sings from his soul, “wake me up inside/call my name and save me from the dark?” We should all seek forgiveness in how we may have caused suffering for others. Forgiveness is not easy; it’s necessary. (Matthew 6; Acts 3) …or Jesus, who after being arrested, sings “Calling All Angels” to keep his strength. How do you sustain yourself in difficult times? What do you do when you feel empty? …or Peter, who denies Jesus 3x, and knows he’s “not a perfect person,” but confesses his wrongdoing, and ultimately becomes a great leader. Jesus was for him “The Reason” to “change who he used to be.” What is your reason? …or Pilate, who sees the madness of condemning innocent people to die… the madness of oppression… where do you see madness right now? How would you describe your “Mad World”? Even imperfect hands are beautiful to God – your hands are beautiful – and as Mary sings, “Though your dreams be tossed and blown/walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart/And you’ll never walk alone.” (Hebrews 13:5) UNCONDITIONALLY: CONNECTING TO GRACE The Crucifixion was supposed to be the end of the story, but on Sunday morning an empty tomb revealed that Jesus has conquered death… just as New Orleans has conquered death and risen again, just as all those with faith are invited into the loving arms of God. Not because we are perfect, but because God is gracious, we are invited and reminded by the final song Jesus sings to us, “Unconditionally”: Come just as you are to me Don’t need apologies Know that you are worthy I’ll take your bad days with your good Walk through the storm I would I do it all because I love you, I love you This is the truth of The Passion – that suffering is real, that we are responsible and capable of change, and that God loves each and all of us. “… And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” –Jesus (Matthew 28:20) As you journey through the week ahead - Holy Week - take a few minutes each day to reflect on some of the themes that are part of our faith.