“…If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.” John 8:31
The two weary travelers compared notes from the weekend. They had sincerely believed that the Teacher was the One prophesied. His capture and death by the authorities had left them in shock and dark depression. How could this have happened?
A lone traveler joined them. They didn’t care. He asked what they were discussing and listened patiently to the whole story. They spoke of their disappointment and discouragement.
Their companion referred to Scriptures that they had forgotten. Point by point He explained the Holy Word with a passion that left the two men breathless. He showed how God had prophesied that the Messiah would come, live, die for His people and enter His glory. God’s Word breathed new life into the darkness of these discouraged men.
The travelers listened intently. They had heard these Scriptures many times in the past. These ancient prophecies had been there for them to read, believe and live by every day.
But they had not acted on what they had heard. They had missed the main point of the prophecies.
The two slowed their pace as they neared their village. Home was just around the corner. The sun was low over the fields. The Stranger started to walk on alone.
“Come home with us!” They called after the Stranger. “It is too late to walk on alone.” The Stranger smiled to Himself, turned and followed them home.
The evening meal was full of surprises. The Stranger lifted His hands to bless the food. That is when they saw His torn hands. That is when they remembered His Voice. Jesus! They would live by His Word forever
Mentoring Moments
- Whose word do you listen to in your life? Your best friend? Your spouse? Your colleague at work? Why do you listen to that person?
- Read John 8:31, 32. What does it mean to continue in the Word of Jesus?
- Read Luke 24:13-35. How did Jesus value Scripture? How can you read and obey the Word of God in Scripture? Here are a few helpful hints:
- John 5:39 Always keep Jesus as the focus of what you are reading. Ask yourself, “What is the passage teaching me about Jesus?
- John 16:13 Before you begin reading, pray for the Holy Spirit to be your Teacher
- James 2:17 Before you close your Bible, ask God, “How can I apply what I read to my life today?” Then, go practice what God impressed you to apply to your day.
- What would change in your life if you read God’s Word daily and lived by His Word?
Small Group Guide For Chapter 8
Meet everyone at the door and greet them by name. Make everyone feel welcome and a part of the group.
Ask: What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of something that is full of life? Describe this in three words, and see if the group can guess.
Jesus’ life transformed “The Kid.” This week, take practical steps every day to love the challenging people in your life.
Ask: In the last seven days, how did God help you love the challenging people in your life?
Invite everyone to team up in twos and ask each other if they did the challenge and how it went. Remind everyone to be encouraging to each other even if someone did not do the challenge. When everyone has had 1-2 minutes to share in twos, ask if there is one or two who would like to share with the whole group.
Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to encourage every heart.
Read the story so your audience can imagine that they are right there in the moment! Consider involving others in your group who like to read.
Read the Word. Discuss the questions.
Jesus reveals Himself to you through His Word. This week, read it every day to make a discovery about Jesus and to apply this discovery to the way you live
Tell a short story from your life that reveals what the challenge means to you personally. Do not be afraid to get real about wins or losses in living the challenge. Challenge each person to live the challenge over the next seven days before the next lesson.
Make this moment the high point of the lesson. God says that the Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Boldly ask God to send the Holy Spirit to guide each person to all truth as each does this challenge.
This resource was written by Don Maclafferty as a supporting resource for The Hopeful. The Hopeful was produced by Hope Studios, the cinematic brand of Hope Channel International.
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