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’s the last time you were betrayed or hurt by someone close to you? Jesus faced this with Judas and Peter—one betrayed him, the other denied him—but he still chose to love. Jesus was deeply hurt, but he didn’t let pain define him. Instead, he chose to love, and he calls us to do the same.
Main Points:
Judas betrays Jesus, despite knowing him deeply and personally.
Peter denies Jesus, despite his deep commitment and genuine enthusiasm.
Jesus loves his friends, despite being painfully rejected, and commands us to do the same.
On-Ramps:
Are your secret decisions drawing you closer to or further away from Jesus?
Is your relationship with Jesus public or private? A sliver of your life or your whole life?
What’s your next step to love and serve others, even those who have hurt you?
What needs to change for us to become a church that loves and welcomes like Jesus?
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Why do you think Jesus revealed His knowledge of Judas’ betrayal to the disciples?
How does Jesus’ reaction to Judas’ and Peter’s betrayal display His character and mission?
How does the “new commandment” to love one another distinguish followers of Jesus from the world?
What does love and betrayal look like in the world around us? Do you see a difference in the church?
Have you ever felt betrayed by someone close to you? How can Jesus’ response to Judas and Peter inform and shape your response?
Why is love so central to the identity of a Christian? How can we practically demonstrate this love in our lives? How does Jesus’ love impact how we interact with our family, church, and community?
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 14:1-14
