When it comes to our relationship with our unbelieving culture, we are often tempted to swing towards two extremes: syncretism (blending in with the world) or separatism (retreating away from the world). In this passage King Solomon shows us a better way, being driven by a concern for God’s Name.

“The ends justify the means.” We all know that those who live by the mantra often end up as monsters, but to what extent do we pursue and pray for certain ends without concern for the means? In this passage we see how the King leads us towards the end goal of seeking God by not neglecting the means

Meditation Service, Good Friday 2026

We live in an unjust and cruel world, where evil is often seen to prevail over good. Where is God in this? As we consider the ‘Problem of Evil’, this passage may not give a complete answer, but it does give us the beginning of an answer.

NOTES:

Trial 1: Jewish Council - prejudiced but powerless (vv63-71)

Trial 2: Pilate - savvy but spineless (vv1-7)

Trial 3: Herod - curious but callous (vv8-12)

Trial 4: Crowd - cruel and capricious (vv13-25)

What does this passage reveal about...

...us?

...Jesus?

...God's plan?

What is it that motivates our hearts to deny Jesus? What is it that motivates Jesus’ heart to embrace us? In this passage we are given remarkable insight into the mind of our Saviour, who took on human flesh for us and our salvation

At a time when more and more young people are considering following Jesus, fewer and fewer are entering into full-time paid ministry. In this passage Jesus lays out to the future leaders of his church his expectations for ministry and well as correcting our motivations.

At this Women's Breakfast, Jo talks about Money in our Money, Sex, Power series.

Passages:

1. Proverbs 31:10-31

2.⁠ ⁠1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

3.⁠ ⁠1 Thessalonians 2:8-9

Discussion question:

1.⁠ ⁠USE YOUR MONEY FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD – Proverbs 31:10-31

•⁠ ⁠What is our natural reaction to thinking about money and finances?

•⁠ ⁠Is there anything that surprised us in this passage?

•⁠ ⁠What impact do you think fearing the Lord has no the woman in this passage?

2.⁠ ⁠USE YOUR MONEY FOR OTHERS – 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

•⁠ ⁠Where do you most see/ feel the pull to pursue more money and more stuff?

•⁠ ⁠What most helps you to pursue contentment?

•⁠ ⁠Can you remember a time when a Christian friend shared something with you?

3.⁠ ⁠USE YOUR MONEY FOR THE GOSPEL – 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9

•⁠ ⁠Who is someone you love, who you share life with, and would love to see come to know Jesus?

•⁠ ⁠What is something they love, or that you love to do together?

•⁠ ⁠Pray for them together.

What are Christians supposed to be thinking or feeling as we come to the Lord’s Table for communion? As Luke narrates Jesus’ last supper before his death we are encouraged to look forward to his return, look back to the cross, look around at our new family, and look within to check we come with repentance.

The Lord's Sell-out (v1-6)

The Lord's Sovereignty (v7-13)

The Lord's Supper (v14-23)

Look around

Look forward

Look back

Look within

What is the hope for the diverse people of God in the midst of suffering? In this passage we see the hope of the nations. That God will save His people, and that His church is a diverse body of all then nations that will praise Jesus forever.

1) God will seal his servants v.1-3

2) God will save the Nations v. 4-12

3) God will comfort his people v. 13-17

How can people from totally different backgrounds truly live together in unity? In Colossians 3:11–15 Paul shows us how the gospel gives us a new shared identity in Christ which reshapes the way we treat one another. Unity in our diversity, Christ is all in all!

1.⁠ ⁠Christ brings Unity (v.11)

2.⁠ ⁠⁠Unity brings Love (v.12-14)

3.⁠ ⁠⁠We are One Body in Christ (v.15)