Reading from The Gospel According to John 13:12-17 (NLT) ~Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus confirming with His disciples the purpose of the foot washing. The humble example of washing feet at a time when Jesus would otherwise be reclining at the table.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 13:1-11 (NLT) ~Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus example of service even to Judas who would betray Him. The picture of God’s never ending, never giving up, always and forever love. Relating to Peter’s heart displayed in the interaction. Encouragement to let go, and let God.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:37-50 (NLT) ~The Unbelief of the People~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. John pauses the story to point out the unbelief of the people and how it was predicted by the prophet Isaiah. Pitfalls of seeking the praise of people.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:30-36 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts His Death Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God speaks form heaven, and some explain it away as thunder. Jesus’ words of encouragement that when He is lifted, He will draw everyone to Himself. The Holy Spirit continues to draw people to Christ. Our response is to tell everyone the way to God has already been made.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:20-29 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts His Death~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus challenging His disciples while He himself faces His greatest challenge. Chasing after things that decay. Planting the kernel of wheat in the ground. The Holy Spirit being near those facing their mortality. The promise of God.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 12:12-19 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Triumphant Entry~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Times in life when we do not recognize what God is doing until He shows us later being part of the life of faith. When we take the time to reflect on our life through the filter of the word of God it gives us great hope for the future when we will see even more of what God has done.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:55-12:11 (NLT) ~Jesus Anointed at Bethany~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the offering and worship given to Jesus by Mary, Judas’ response, and the fork in the road where we choose.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:45-54 (NLT) ~The Plot to Kill Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Pharisees are no longer divided about Jesus and plot to kill Jesus for their own self-preservation. Their words were seen as efforts of self-preservation, but they actually prophesied was salvation for all. The accounts of Jesus engaging humanity gives us a picture, He holds up a mirror revealing what is going on in the hearts of people, and our own.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:28-44 (NLT) ~The Raising of Lazarus Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion reflecting on the “if only” mindset. Anger followed by sadness, followed by anger showing grief. God’s perspective and our perspective, living with an eternity mindset. God sees the outcome, morning and grief will come in the space between now and then, but we know that God hears us and always answers prayer though it may not look like our expectations.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 11:14-27 (NLT) ~The Raising of Lazarus Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ intention on being late for the sake of the disciple’s faith. The surreal reality of following the Messiah. Following Jesus through death and the reassurance of His teaching.