Present but Defeated Evil | Why I Don’t Believe Anymore | Week 4
Opening
Consider opening your group by asking what things they have attached to Jesus that do not need to be there. How have they handled learning to remove those things from following Jesus?
Overview
On Palm Sunday, the church celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem when the people laid down their cloaks and palm branches before Jesus. A week later, that same crowd was shouting for Jesus to be put to death. Jesus did not meet the expectations of the people and they deserted him. We are often tempted to do the same.
Jesus came to save us from sin, evil, and death. He did not come to prevent pain or fulfill our desires. But often that is what we expect and it sets our faith up to fail when Jesus doesn’t meet our expectation. Our belief in Jesus cannot be sustained by whether or not we understand or agree with Jesus. Instead belief in Jesus is sustained when we face trials through Jesus’ resurrection and the Father’s presence.
Discussion Questions
- Where has evil affected your life?
- How do you respond to the evil of the world?
Practice
John 16 31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Prayerfully read the Scripture passage out loud. How does this passage make you feel? Have you seen it lived out in your own life? What has it meant for you to live in God’s peace throughout your life? How could misunderstanding God’s peace to mean you don’t have problems impact your faith?
Closing
Pray for the people of your group to experience the presence of God in their weeks.