The Final Week #1: SundayLuke 19.28-44March 8-14, 2020

CONNECTION….………………………….………………………………………..15 Minutes

WELCOME/ INTRODUCTIONS

Describe your expectations for this study

OPENING PRAYER

Spend a few moments in silence and then invite God to join and lead our group.

ENGAGEMENT………….….………………………………………………………….35 Minutes

BACKGROUNDThis week, we begin the series The Final Week, exploring the events in Jerusalem the week Jesus is arrested and executed. The 5 days we will look at will last from Sunday of the Triumphal Entry to Thursday of the Last Supper. They are days filled with strong emotion, conflict, accusation, and plotting.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, he knows that he has already been rejected by the religious leaders. He understands what he is riding into: he knows that he will be betrayed and killed by week’s end. His presence in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple area day after day, and doing such things as expelling the money changers from the temple, actually accelerate his death. Jesus has put the leaders in a position where they now have to deal with him.

READING/DISCUSSING THE WORD

Read Luke 19.28-40. Military generals in the 1st century would typically enter a city on a stallion. How did Jesus enter Jerusalem, and what significance did his mode of transportation have on the story? What was he trying to communicate? (See Zechariah 9:9)

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, how would you describe the reaction towards him? Faithful follower Curious onlooker Angry skeptic

Which category best fits you? Can you pinpoint a time in your life when your opinion about Jesus shifted strongly one way or the other? Explain how and why your opinion shifted.

Read Luke 19.41-44. How would you describe Jesus’ heart as he overlooks the city? Why is he weeping?

Have you ever had to watch someone self destruct right in front of you and there was nothing you could do to stop it? This is what he is experiencing in this moment

What might change if we saw the tears of God more often when we are engaged in those actions/behaviors that break God’s heart?

How might seeing the deep emotions of Jesus impact your relationship with him and your relationship with your own sinful behavior?

ACTION………….…...………………………………………………………………….10 Minutes

PERSONAL EXAMINATION

As we begin the Lenten Season and engage this five-week series leading up to Easter, it may be helpful to read ahead. In your personal devotional time this week, read Luke 19-23.

Read a chapter a day or until something important stops you. As you do so, look for the specific emotions of Jesus to rise from the story because in becoming more like the Christ, we need to think, feel, and act as the Christ would.

CLOSING PRAYERS

As you pray this week:

Ask God to give you tears for what breaks his heart. If you recognize anything in your life that breaks the heart of God, determine to fast from engaging in that activity or behavior for the entirety of Lent.

Ask God to give you joy and peace with the things in life that give him joy and peace.Spend 5 – 10 minutes each day reflecting on the previous 24 hours and thank God for the specific blessing of the day that brought you gratitude and joy