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: In today’s passage, we'll see how an ancient Jewish festival celebrating God's provision and the anticipation of the Holy Spirit connects to our lives today. By examining three aspects of this story, we'll learn how to journey towards lasting fulfillment through surrendering to Jesus, embracing his teachings, and experiencing the Holy Spirit.
Main Points:
During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Israelites remembered God’s provision for them in the wilderness and looked forward to the promise of the Holy Spirit.
At the Feast, Jesus gradually revealed more of his identity, and the people were increasingly divided in their response.
On the last day of the Feast, Jesus clearly described himself as the ultimate fulfillment of the deepest hopes of Israel.
On-Ramps:
Surrender to Jesus, try on his teaching, and experience the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t be afraid to share about Jesus with others, and leave the results to God.
Be patient and persevere as you wait for God’s ultimate redemption.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
As you read through this passage, how would you describe the general flow of events? What is happening? What is progressing?
Read verse 17. Jesus says that if we do God’s will, we will be able to find out if his teaching is from God or not. How have you experienced this in your life?
One author writes, “The message of Jesus still splits any crowd.” Look through this passage and identify all the different responses among the crowd and the religious leaders. In what ways do you see these responses in the world around us today? How does Jesus’ statement in verse 7 play into this?
As you consider the different responses, how might these inform our efforts and emotions in regard to being witnesses for Jesus?
Read Exodus 17:1-7 and John 7:37-39. How is the Old Testament story a metaphor for our lives right now? How are Jesus’ claims connected to that story? How have you experienced Jesus promise of fulfillment in your life?
Practically, what is your understanding of HOW the Bible teaches us to find fulfillment in Jesus? What are the different aspects or practices involved in this in a big picture way and in a daily way?
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 8:1-12 (Healthy Sexuality)
