Live Better By Stealing

One of the chief ways we grow in wisdom is by watching others. People in the past with notable lives. People in our own past that made an impression on us personally. People around us today that we are paying attention to. Much of what we call maturing, wisdom and common sense is actually gained by simply looking at another person's choices, good or bad, and the subsequent results, and stealing that information for ourselves.

Only a fool refuses to consider and learn from precedent when trying to m

ake a decision.

This series will be several weeks of character studies from major (and a few minor) players in the scriptural record, learning what they did or didn't for our own context.

In this first discussion, you may find that an appropriate encouragement to begin following Jesus will come about. Some in your group have been journeying for a

while but still haven't actually committed to anything yet. A step toward actually entrusting their lives and interests might be what they are waiting to do, but not until their leader or another in their group expresses encouragement to do so.

Be mindful of this as you discuss Judas.

Thaw

• With 2011 half over, what do you feel like you haven't done that you thought would be done by now?
• What do you think it seems as though times moves faster every year?
• What should a thoughtful person, seeking to really live life, do about this phenomenon?

• What most stayed with you from the message from Sunday?
• How have these ideas come up in your life and thinking since Sunday?

Read

• John 12:1-8
• Thoughts?

Leader note: One of the obvious dimensions of this passage is "the poor". Let the group discuss this as much as it seem necessary for your group to understand and step into this reality, but don't let this become a talk about the "the poor" or any other mere idea. It's hard to discover what's going inside our own hearts when we sit around discussing ideas that don't require us to face ourselves!

• What do you think the atmosphere was like having Lazarus at dinner?
• What's the difference between Judas' general statement of objection (to the pouring of the perfume) and going to God and expressing confusion?
• Why do you think this short story was included?

Read

• Matthew 26:14-16
• Thoughts?
• What does it mean "from then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over?"

Leader note: See if you can get the group to embrace this symbolically. Judas, from this point on, was around Jesus but was always looking to get rid of him. What are we doing when we spend time around discussions of Christ, but gravitate toward ways to not submit ourselves to him, finding justifications instead to keep him at arm's length.

• How would you define "eternal Life"?

Read

• John 17:3
• Thoughts?

Discuss

• How does one know God?
• How is this different than religion?
• How is this the same as religion?

Leader note: REALLY lead the group away from trite explanations of what a relationship or knowing God is about. Try to not use words like "all you gotta do" or "just...". Knowing God, as you have gotten to know over the years, is very difficult. All relationships are difficult, and this one is no less so in that we don't get to employ our 5 senses, or get the same kind of familiar feedback and validation that we do with even our loosest of human friends. Be sure and encourage every single thing that a group member has pointed at the things of God to help them understand they are on their way. Admit the difficulties yourself, and be sure and show respect for people in the group who seem to have an easy time, while pointing out it's not that way for everyone. Throughout the scriptures, trusting in God is described by living in his way, remaining in obedience to his commands, and loving others in genuine, others-centered humility. Love of others is the center of what it means to live out faith. Prayer, generosity, increasing sensitivity to his presence... These, too, are ways that we slowly immerse ourselves into what it means to know God and live out eternal life.

Apply

• What is the difference between being around discussions of Jesus, and actually seeking him out as master, for yourself?
• What step do you sense you are being invited to take, but that you hesitate to take?
• How can this group, or particular members of this group, be helpful as you consider moving from just seeing jesus, to being seen (being in an interactive relationship with) him?
• What would you like to do with your relationship with Jesus right now?