Group Discussion Guide
Kingdom of God, Part 6
This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
LOVING
First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
- How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
- What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
- How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
LEARNING
The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).
Scripture References from Message: Mark 11:1-11, Mark 15: 6-16
Big Idea from Message: Don’t let your expectations of Jesus keep you from experiencing who He really is
What’s an area in your walk with Jesus where the reality has looked different than what you expected? How have you responded to that disconnect—honestly?
Throughout this message series, we continue to see how the Israelites were expecting a military king and conqueror. This expectation was deeply woven into the history and traditions of the Jewish people. Yet Jesus came as a different kind of King—not contrary to Scripture, but contrary to historical perceptions.
If you're honest, what picture of Jesus did you grow up with (or maybe still carry today)? Is there anything about that picture that needs to be unlearned so you can see Him more clearly?
Read Luke 24:21 together as a group. In this verse, we see the disciples’ disappointment as they wrestle with the tension between their expectation of an earthly king and the reality of a Messiah King—this, even after the crucifixion. Is there something you're holding onto tightly—maybe even something you've been praying for—that could be shaping or distorting how you see Jesus?
The people laid down their cloaks and palm branches before Jesus—a physical act of honor and surrender. They let go of something valuable to make way for Him. Yet, just a few days later, many of those same voices would be shouting, “Crucify Him!” What does that say about the kind of surrender Jesus is truly looking for? Where do I need to release control and embrace surrender?
Scripture References from Message: Mark 11:1-11, Mark 15: 6-16
Big Idea from Message: Don’t let your expectations of Jesus keep you from experiencing who He really is
What’s an area in your walk with Jesus where the reality has looked different than what you expected? How have you responded to that disconnect—honestly?
Throughout this message series, we continue to see how the Israelites were expecting a military king and conqueror. This expectation was deeply woven into the history and traditions of the Jewish people. Yet Jesus came as a different kind of King—not contrary to Scripture, but contrary to historical perceptions.
If you're honest, what picture of Jesus did you grow up with (or maybe still carry today)? Is there anything about that picture that needs to be unlearned so you can see Him more clearly?
Read Luke 24:21 together as a group. In this verse, we see the disciples’ disappointment as they wrestle with the tension between their expectation of an earthly king and the reality of a Messiah King—this, even after the crucifixion. Is there something you're holding onto tightly—maybe even something you've been praying for—that could be shaping or distorting how you see Jesus?
The people laid down their cloaks and palm branches before Jesus—a physical act of honor and surrender. They let go of something valuable to make way for Him. Yet, just a few days later, many of those same voices would be shouting, “Crucify Him!” What does that say about the kind of surrender Jesus is truly looking for? Where do I need to release control and embrace surrender?
LIVING
The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.
This week, identify one thing you may be holding too tightly—control, expectations, fear, or something else—and bring it honestly before Jesus in prayer each day. As an act of surrender, spend a few moments worshiping Him not for what He can do, but simply for who He is. Let that quiet space reshape your trust in the One who sees the bigger picture.
This week, identify one thing you may be holding too tightly—control, expectations, fear, or something else—and bring it honestly before Jesus in prayer each day. As an act of surrender, spend a few moments worshiping Him not for what He can do, but simply for who He is. Let that quiet space reshape your trust in the One who sees the bigger picture.