Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 6

Welcome
It seems fitting that at the end of Jesus’ emotional journey to the cross, we would find our Savior calm, grounded, and at peace with what is to come. For all the emotional experiences we share with Jesus, it is a gift to know that even in the darkest moments Jesus is able to find peace. May this week’s scripture serve as a guide to cultivating peace in our lives, and a reminder that when we struggle we can always look to Jesus.

Opening Prayer
God, we have been riding the emotional rollercoaster with Jesus for weeks now, and it is hard to believe that we have finally made it to Holy Week. We have learned so much, and been comforted, challenged, and inspired by the stories of Jesus’ human emotions. Be with us today as we pursue inner peace. Amen.

Ice Breaker
Peeps, chocolate bunnies, or jellybeans—what’s your favorite Easter candy?

The Head
After weeks of following Jesus’ journey to the cross, this week we are looking at Jesus’ trial. It doesn’t look like judicial proceedings we see now, but it is the moment when Jesus' fate will be decided. Things are decidedly out of his control. In what has to be a stressful moment, Jesus displays an unexpected level of peace and calm.

John 18:28-40

28 The Jewish leaders led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s palace. It was early in the morning. So that they could eat the Passover, the Jewish leaders wouldn’t enter the palace; entering the palace would have made them ritually impure.

29 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What charge do you bring against this man?”

30 They answered, “If he had done nothing wrong, we wouldn’t have handed him over to you.”

31 Pilate responded, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your Law.”

The Jewish leaders replied, “The Law doesn’t allow us to kill anyone.” (32 This was so that Jesus’ word might be fulfilled when he indicated how he was going to die.)

33 Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others spoken to you about me?”
35 Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.”

37 “So you are a king?” Pilate said.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”

38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.

After Pilate said this, he returned to the Jewish leaders and said, “I find no grounds for any charge against him. 39 You have a custom that I release one prisoner for you at Passover. Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?”

40 They shouted, “Not this man! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas was an outlaw.)

• In this passage we see the Jewish leaders hand Jesus over to Pilate, and Pilate asks the crowd what he should do. Why do you think these powerful people were eager to give up power in this situation?
• What do you think Jesus means in verse 36 when he says “My Kingdom doesn’t originate from this world”?
• In verse 38 Pilate asks, “What is truth?” Why do you think he asks that question? Do you think he was being sincere in this question?
• How do you interpret Jesus’ feelings from his responses in the passage?

The Heart
In today’s scripture Jesus has every reason to freak out. A part of him was probably still on the emotional rollercoaster. In her book Atlas of the Heart (an immensely helpful textbook of emotions), Brene Brown writes, “When I think about calm people, I think about people who can bring perspective to complicated situations and experience their feelings without reacting to heightened emotions.”

• How do you react to the idea that one can still feel calm even when feeling other big emotions? Does this describe your experience on the emotional rollercoaster of life?
• As you reflect on all of the many emotions we have talked about during this series, which ones are the most difficult for you in terms of finding your way to a calmer place?
• The truth of scripture can provide grounding perspective in difficult times. What truth of scripture helps you feel at peace?
  
  

The Hands
Some people are described as “cool customers,” never seeming to get too high or too low emotionally. Others struggle to feel calm; it just doesn’t come naturally to them.

• Think about a situation when you have felt heightened emotions. How did you react? What could have you done differently?
• Jesus faced many accusers in his final hours. How can you practice peace when dealing with difficult people?
• What is one small step you can take this week to invite more peace into your daily life?

Closing Prayer
God, help us to trust you as we face dark times. When our world feels scary, overwhelming, and out of control we ask for your help to find peace. As we reflect on the betrayal, death, and resurrection of Jesus this week, open our hearts to a new revelation from familiar stories. Fill us with anticipation for the new life Jesus brings on Easter. Amen.

Going Deeper
In case you forgot, this weekend is Easter! The Gathering offers worship experiences on both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. These can be deeply meaningful experiences that enrich your Easter Celebration.

• As you move through Holy Week, what emotions do you feel?
• Have you had any especially emotional experiences on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday in the past? Share those experiences with the group. 

References
Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. Random House.

From Pastor Charity
CoreGroups is one of the largest ministries at church. So many people participate, but we’re rarely in the same place at the same time.  Let's SEE the impact of hundreds of folks in CoreGroups. One CoreGroup One Day will take place Tuesday, May 6, 6-8pm, at the McCausland Site. It’s a party, worship, inspiration, and a little bit of information. This is for every member and leader. PLEASE RSVP HERE SO WE CAN PLAN TO WELCOME YOU!