The Weeping Tree

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.  

HANGOUT

Imagine you are talking to someone with very little knowledge about the Bible or the story of Jesus. One day, this person approaches you and asks, “Hey, I know you’re a Christian. Tell me, who killed Jesus?” How would you answer that question?

HEAR

Read John 19:1-16

• What stands out to you in these verses and why?
• Why was Pilate afraid? Who does Jesus say gave Pilate his position of authority? Who did Jesus suggest has “the greater sin”?
• Pilate refers to Jesus as the “king of the Jews” in verse 14 and again in the sign he had placed over Jesus’ head (vs.19). Why did he do this?

Read John 19:17-27

• What stands out to you in these verses and why?
• How did the Jews react to the sign Pilot had placed over Jesus’ head? What does this reveal about the motivations of Pilot and the Jewish leaders?
• Why does John include Jesus’ last words to His mother? What does this passage tell us about Jesus? What does it say about John?

Read John 19:28-42

• What stands out to you in these verses and why?
• What was “finished” by Jesus’ death on the cross?
• What does verse 35 tell us?
• Why are the details of Jesus’ burial significant?

HUDDLE  

What does Jesus’ death on the cross mean to you? Read Galatians 2:20. In what ways does this verse relate to how you are currently living your life? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read through John’s Gospel, reflect on the final days of Jesus’ ministry and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about God’s great love for you.

• Day 1: John 13
• Day 2: John 14
• Day 3: John 15
• Day 4: John 16
• Day 5: John 17
• Day 6: John 18
• Day 7: John 19

Think Deeper

1. How would you have responded to Jesus in the upper room (John 13)?
2. What stands out to you about Jesus’ prayer in John 17?
3. Reflect on Judas, Peter, Pilot, Herod, and John’s role in the final hours of Jesus’ life. What stands out about each of these men?

Suggested Reading

The Day the Revolution Began, by N.T. Wright

No Wonder They Call Him Savior, by Max Lucado

A Case for Easter, by Lee Strobel

Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.