WELCOME ICEBREAKER It is important to be ready to welcome newcomers and the regular attendees. This will set the tone for the rest of the evening. Please be sure to pray for the group beforehand. WORSHIP Worship is key to welcoming the presence of Christ. WORD Background
As a group, read through the key text in Matthew 26:36-46. - Why do you think Jesus was so sorrowful?
- Why did it bring Him close to death?
Jesus was about to finish the work He came to do. From the very beginning He announced that His reason for coming was to die so all men could live. He would have had the devil give Him many reasons not to go through with the death. - As a group, discuss some of the thoughts Satan would have tormented Him with in the Garden.
Even though He was in the battle of the ages, Jesus still took time out to encourage His disciples to pray. Always the teacher, He wanted them to learn how they could escape temptation and ultimately fulfill their destiny. Tragically they slept, but in the years to come they would model their Lord's example even to a martyr's death. They would learn not to procrastinate on the call God had on their lives. Procrastination is a thief of our destiny. It will rob us of going to a higher level. St. Augustine once said: “God promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” - What caused the disciples to procrastinate on praying that night?
- What was the key for Jesus to push through? Read Hebrews 12:1-2
Read James 4:13-17 - Ask the group what they are procrastinating on right now in their lives.
- As a group, discuss why we procrastinate. What excuses do we give for procrastinating?
WORK Take time to pray for those in your group who are struggling with an area of procrastination in their life. By speaking it out and being accountable, we can overcome. Also again encourage your group to go and see the movie The Passion of the Christ. If possible, go as a group. Use this opportunity to reach out to others. Has this lesson helped you? Please let us know! Email home group testimonies with this form! We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! Hebrews 12:2 — CEV
|
