APRIL 2
WHEN THIS IS ALL I HAVE
When Jesus showed up in people’s lives in the Gospels, something shifted. The same is true today. When we radically encounter who God really is, in the greatest way possible, nothing is ever the same. God will stop at nothing to show you that you are chosen like a woman who demonstrated that extravagant love invites extravagance.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Describe something in your life where you go regularly “all in”. Is there a sport you play that you hold nothing back? Maybe you put all your heart and energy into your work, or your kids? Maybe it’s serving or leading at church? Etc. What makes it worth it to go “all in” in this?
2. Read John 12:1-7 and answer the following questions:
- Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say?):
- Who is talking?
- What is the circumstance?
- Any repeated phrases?
- What surprised you?
- What stood out to you?
- Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean?)
- What questions do you have?
- Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
- What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
- What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
- Now make some applications (what’s my response?)
- How do you respond to what you are reading?
- How does this apply to your life?
- What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
- Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
3. What are specific ways Jesus has gone “all in” for us? What made it worth it for Him?
4. If you follow Jesus, what are some ways you have gone “all in” with Him? It could mean that following Him cost you relationships, a promotion, a certain kind of lifestyle, etc. What made it worth it? What have you gained as a result?
- If you don’t yet know and follow Jesus, what would it take to go “all in” with Him? What is holding you back?
5. Think of things in your life that you are holding close to your chest. What fears keep you from giving them over to God? What would it take to let go so that you might hold nothing back with Jesus? What is the next step you can take toward letting go?
6. Spend time meditating on the passage you just read about Mary. Ask God that you might give you clarity of sight to see the great worth of Jesus so that you can hold nothing back with Him.
KEY SCRIPTURE
John 12:1-7 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
TAKE A NEXT STEP
If you haven’t yet, download the gateway app and don’t miss out on our Easter week reading plan that follows Jesus in the week leading up to His crucifixion. It includes Scripture, videos, reflection questions and prayer prompts. https://www.gatewaychurch.com/app/
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids hear about the time Peter denied knowing Jesus.
- THE BIBLE: I can stick with Jesus when my day is dark.
- THE BIG IDEA: Matthew 26:31-35; 57-75
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- What are real ways you can stick with Jesus?
- How do you know sticking with Jesus is a good choice?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse Luke 24:6a (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC & Elem: “He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:6
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids will hear about Jesus’ death and resurrection.