Lenten Darkness
The Faltering Fellowship
Personal Daily Scripture Readings
Matthew 26:14 (Judas agrees to betray Jesus)
Matthew 26:20-26 (Jesus confronts Judas)
John 13:18-30 (Jesus confronts Judas repetition)
Luke 22:24-30 (Disciples argue)
John 16:16-33 (Jesus warns the disciples)
Questions to Consider
How is Jesus feeling in this moment?
How are the different disciples feeling in this moment?
What is confusing or unexpected about what is happening?
What influences, motivations, and pressures are the people involved experiencing?
If you were one of the disciples and could have a private interaction with Jesus at this moment, what would you want to talk to him about?
Journal your thoughts on each reading in preparation for the group meeting
Opening Discussion
What things stood out to you in this week’s scripture reading? Was there anything surprising or confusing to you?
Related Spiritual Reading
Francis Chan writes this about Judas:
“You can’t fully mature without being attacked. I know it doesn’t feel right when the attacks come from within the Church. Nonetheless, God uses these situations to sanctify us. We all need a Judas in order to become like Jesus. When everyone around you loves you, it’s nearly impossible to develop the character God wants for His children. Reasonable people do not aid your growth in the same way arrogant people do. We don’t display Christian love when we love those who love us. It is when we love those who slander us that we demonstrate the love of Christ. Find joy in sanctification. Challenge yourself to grow to the point where you become thankful for difficult people.”
What do you think about the idea that Jesus needed a Judas (and for that matter, all of the other bickering, power-hungry, clueless disciples) in His life? How do you feel about the idea of finding joy and benefit in your own experiences with these kinds of people?
Closing Question
How has your understanding of Jesus grown or changed this week? Has He become more real to you in any way?