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: When God doesn’t act as we expect, how do we respond? As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds had strong reactions—some celebrated, others opposed, and many misunderstood him. Through this moment, we see how our own expectations can shape, and even distort, our view of God. Are we pursuing God for who he truly is, or for what we hope he’ll do for us?
Main Points:
God often does not do the things we want him to do.
God often does not act in the way we think he should act.
Our responses to God reveal our perspectives on God.
On-Ramps:
Are you pursuing God, avoiding him or just coasting?
What drives your worship of God—trust, duty or something else?
How do you respond when God’s plans don’t align with your desires?
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Read Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9:9-10. Discuss the ways that the events in this week’s passage fulfill these Old Testament scriptures.
According to Isaiah 55:8-9, how should we expect God to act?
When you look at our world, what specific problems have recently led you to wonder, “Why hasn’t this gotten better?”
Would you say that the people in our society are more likely to pursue Jesus so that He will give them want they want or reject Jesus because He threatens their comfortable existence?
What do you do when you are confused about what is going on in your life? How do you respond when God doesn’t come through?
Which response from this week’s message do you relate with the most: The crowd, who saw Jesus as the “poster boy“ for their movement; the Pharisees, who saw Jesus as a threat; or the disciples, who didn’t claim to understand but patiently trusted Jesus?
Share your responses to the questions in the On-Ramps.
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 12:20-36
