LIFE Groups Sermon-Based Discussion Questions
The Gospel of John: Believe
“Betrayed with a Kiss”
John 18:1-11, for the week of Sunday, March 8, 2020
I. Betrayal is one of the most painful of all human relational experiences. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Take some time to read the 4 gospel accounts of this betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane. Read John 18:1-11, Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50, and Luke 22:47-54. Compare John's account with the synoptic gospels (i.e., Matthew, Mark, Luke). What are the similarities? What differences do you see? What do you notice about Jesus' character and actions? What is praiseworthy? And what do you learn about the disciples? How are we often similar to them in our fears and difficulties?
Supplemental material to help discussion from the sermon
"When he said, 'I am he', there was something that made them feel, 'This is one before whom violence cowers abashed, and in whose presence impurity has to hide its face.'"
"Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last
Be still, my soul, the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below"
II. Read John 18:11. What is "the cup" that the Father gave Jesus? How does this "cup" relate to the cross? How does it relate to the doctrine of hell?
Supplemental material to help discussion from the sermon
Revelation 14:10-11 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night.
See also 1 Thessalonians 1:10
There is absolutely no way of avoiding the cup of God's wrath for your sins if you reject Jesus Christ. Either Christ pays for your sins…or you will, forever.