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Questions for Discussion and Reflection:

Reflections for Holy Week

1. Where do I find myself in the journey of Holy Week—at the garden, the cross, or the tomb? What emotions or thoughts are rising within me as I consider each moment of this story?
2. What spiritual discipline from this Lenten season has felt most meaningful or challenging? How can I continue to practice this discipline during Holy Week and beyond?
3. What does it look like for me to “stay present” in this week of reflection, rather than rushing toward the hope of Easter? How can I hold both the pain and the hope of Holy Week together?
4. In what areas of my life is God inviting me to deeper surrender, as we remember Jesus’ ultimate act of surrender on the cross?
5. As I look ahead to Easter, what aspects of the resurrection do I need to reflect on more deeply—hope, renewal, joy, or the promise of new life? What would it look like for me to wait with anticipation through the week leading up to Easter?

Hold Paradox in the Wilderness
John 16:16-32

1. Jesus tells the disciples that they will experience sorrow for a time, but their sorrow will turn to joy. How do you think the disciples felt hearing this?
2. Can you think of a time when something in your faith journey didn’t make sense, or when the world felt confusing and chaotic? How did you respond to that tension?
3. Jesus presents the paradox of sorrow and joy, death and life, in this passage. How does this invitation to embrace mystery help us grow in deeper truth?
4. How does the mystery of the cross—where life came from death—shape your view of faith and the struggles you face?
5. Jesus speaks of the peace He gives that the world cannot give. How can this peace sustain us when the world feels uncertain or overwhelming?
6. In what areas of your life might Jesus be inviting you to embrace the paradox rather than resist it?
7. What is one way you can lean into the paradox of faith this week, trusting that you don’t need to make sense of it all?

Be Rooted in the Wilderness
John 15:1-17

1. Jesus uses the imagery of the vine and branches to show the importance of staying connected to Him. Why do you think we sometimes have a desire to withdraw or disconnect, especially in times of uncertainty?
2. Have you ever tried to “go it alone” or pulled away from God or others during a difficult season? How did that affect your spiritual life?
3. What might be some signs that you are beginning to disconnect from Christ or your faith community?
4. Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” How does staying connected to Jesus provide stability in the midst of life’s challenges?
5. What does it look like to be “rooted” in Christ, and how can we nurture that relationship?
6. Jesus mentions pruning, which can be a painful process. How can God use times of difficulty to help us grow deeper in our faith?
7. What are some practical ways you can stay rooted in Christ this week, especially when life feels chaotic or uncertain? How can we, as a group, support one another in maintaining deep, sustained relationships with Jesus and with each other?

Be Resilient in the Wilderness
John 14:1-21

1. Jesus speaks to the disciples’ fears, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled. What do you think was causing their anxiety?
2. How do we typically respond when faced with uncertainty about the future? Is there a tendency to grasp for control?
3. Can you think of a time when not having all the answers left you feeling disoriented? How did you cope?
4. Jesus assures His disciples that they will not be left alone—that the Holy Spirit will come to guide them. How does this promise offer comfort in times of waiting?
5. How does remembering God’s faithfulness in the past help you trust Him in the present?
6. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” How does knowing that Jesus is the way through uncertainty change the way we approach challenges?
7. Where are you being called to trust and wait, rather than control or rush through uncertainty?
8. In what area of your life do you need to remind yourself that you are not alone, and God is faithful to hold you in the waiting?
9. How can we support each other in cultivating resilience, especially when facing unknowns in our personal lives or in our community?

Be Servants in the Wilderness
John 13:1-17

1. Peter resists when Jesus tries to wash his feet. Why do you think he struggled to accept this act of service? Have you ever found it difficult to receive help or an act of kindness from someone else? Why do you think we sometimes resist being served?
2. How does our desire for control keep us from fully embracing a life of service?
3. Jesus, knowing He had all authority, chose to serve. How does this challenge the world’s definition of power and leadership?
4. How can serving others bring a sense of stability, even in times of uncertainty?
5. Think of someone you know who models Christlike humility and service. What can you learn from them?
6. Where in your life might Jesus be calling you to let go of control and serve with humility?
7. What is one practical way you can follow Jesus’ example this week—whether at home, work, church, or in your community?

Be Obedient in the Wilderness
John 12:1-11

1. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was an extravagant display of devotion. How do you think she felt in that moment, especially with others questioning her actions?
2. Have you ever felt called to do something that didn’t make sense to others? How did you respond?
3. Judas criticizes Mary, questioning her choice. How can fear of judgment from others impact our obedience to God?
4. Jesus affirms Mary’s act, saying she is preparing Him for burial. What does this teach us about trusting God, even when we don’t fully understand the bigger picture?
5. How does obedience to God bring stability, even when we don’t know what’s ahead?
6. In what areas of your life do you struggle with obedience because of fear or uncertainty?
7. What is one small step of obedience you can take this week, even if you don’t see the full picture yet?

Be Centered in the Wilderness
John 11:45-54

1. How does fear influence our decisions, especially when faced with change or uncertainty? The religious leaders reacted to Lazarus’ resurrection with fear—have you ever resisted something new or different because of fear?
2. What does Jesus’ retreat after this moment teach us about handling opposition or conflict? When have you needed to step back to gain clarity or strength?
3. The religious leaders feared losing control and status—how do we sometimes prioritize comfort over transformation? Where might God be inviting you to let go of control and trust?
4. In what ways can we prepare spiritually for difficult seasons, as Jesus did? What practices help you stay grounded in faith when facing uncertainty?
5. How can we respond to moments of disorientation with faith instead of fear? What encourages you to trust God’s bigger picture, even when the path ahead isn’t clear?

Getting Ready for BeWilderment
John 11:1-46 (Ash Wednesday Scripture)

1. How do you typically approach the season of Lent? What does it mean to you?
2. The pastors described sin as anything that separates us from God. What are some things in your life that might be creating distance between you and God?
3. Have you ever experienced a season of “disorientation” in your faith? How did that time shape or change you?
4. The pastors talked about orientation, disorientation, and reorientation in faith. Can you think of a time when you moved through these stages in your spiritual journey?
5. In the story of Lazarus, both Martha and Mary express frustration that Jesus wasn’t there sooner. Have you ever felt like God was “delayed” in answering a prayer? How did that experience impact your faith?
6. Lent is often seen as a time of giving something up, but it can also be a time of taking something on. What is one spiritual practice or habit you could embrace this Lent?
7. The theme of “Bewildered” suggests that faith isn’t always about having the answers, but learning to trust in the midst of uncertainty. How does this idea challenge or encourage you?