GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: What makes a leader truly worth following? During the ancient Jewish festival of Hanukkah, Jesus speaks publicly for the last time. He makes bold claims about himself, and he challenges us to think about who we allow to influence us and how we can lead others well.
Main Points:
Hanukkah was established in 164 BCE to commemorate the rededication of the temple and to reflect on spiritual leadership.
In the Old Testament, God promised that he would remove bad shepherds and personally lead Israel, and Jesus claims that he is the fulfillment to these prophecies.
Jesus escalates the tension by quoting Psalm 82, implying that he is the essence of Hanukkah and the true temple of God.
On-Ramps:
Invite Jesus to lead you personally.
Don’t follow people who don’t follow Jesus.
Lead like Jesus, for Jesus and to Jesus.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Were you familiar with the details of Hanukkah before this message? What are your reflections on this Jewish holiday?
Read Ezekiel 34:2-16, 22-23, 31. (It’ll take 3 minutes). In what ways does this passage connect with Jesus teaching about the “Good Shepherd”?
In our society, where do you see these truths: (1) We really want great leaders. (2) Being a great leader is really hard.
Share for 30-60 seconds each about this question: Who (besides Jesus) is one of the best leaders you’ve ever known?
When you think about the different people influencing you right now, are they leading you towards Jesus or in other directions? Explain.
In your life right now, where do you have the opportunity to lead and influence others? Practically, what might it look like for you to lead like Jesus, for Jesus and to Jesus in those environments?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: John 11:1-57
