Look Book Took
Year A, Easter 5
May 10, 2020
The Way Forward
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Look:
What are you looking forward to when we begin to go back to normal?
Book:
John 14:1-14
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
1. Describe what you think many “dwelling places” or “mansions” or “rooms” in God’s house is like.
2. “Dwelling place” comes from the word “to remain” or “to abide.” What does it mean to “abide” or “remain” with Christ?
3. What do you think it means to know Jesus?
4. How would you feel if you were a disciple listening to Jesus speak to you in this passage? Would you respond like Thomas or Philip?
5. What would happen if God answered every prayer the way we wanted it be answered? (Think Bruce Almighty).
6. What are the works that you see of Christ in the world today? Do you think everyone who does works that Christ would do abides with Christ?
7.
How might you use this passage to describe hope to someone who has not been to church.
Took:
On a scale of 1-10, 1 being not very good, and 10 being amazing, how would you answer this question: “I am having a good day.”
What is the most difficult part of the pandemic for you? How do you pray for it? Do you feel God has responded? If so, how has God responded to your prayers?
Remembering the “Look” from above, how might we look forward to today?
How will we be changed for the better?
What opportunities are there for the church going forward? Do you think this is an opportunity for another “Great Awakening?”
What works are we able to do as a community now? What are the opportunities to do the works of Christ now?
Do you ever feel the presence of Christ? If so, when do you feel it? What is it like? How would you describe it to someone who does not believe in Christ?
As we “remain” where we are, what do you do that renews you? Might you use this practice after we are back out in the world?
What is the Church’s main role in helping the world move forward from the pandemic?
What is your main prayer when you sit down to pray?
Pray together (or if it is easier over Zoom, have one person read it) the portion of Psalm 31 from this Sunday:
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame; *
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Incline your ear to me; *
make haste to deliver me.
3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
for you are my crag and my stronghold; *
for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
4 Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
for you are my tower of strength.
5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me,
O Lord, O God of truth.
15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me."
