Warm Up
Watch Video – The Chosen s5e1 – Triumphant Entry
Or read John 12:12-19
- As you watched the Triumphal Entry, who did you most connect with in the crowd—and why? Were you celebrating, curious, cautious, confused… or something else?
- Do you think that the crowd “loved” Jesus?
Section #1 . Love Challenged
Read John 18:15–18, 25–27
Discussion Questions:
- What details stand out to you in this scene?
- What emotions do you notice in Peter? Fear? Confusion? Self-preservation?
- Why do you think Peter denied Jesus? Fear of consequences? Shock at how events unfolded? Trying to survive?
- Do you think Peter stopped loving Jesus in that moment? Or is something else going on?
Bringing it closer to home:
- When have you experienced your faith or love for God being put under pressure? Eg Fear of what others might think, desire to fit in, doubts, self-protection?
- Do you think that God expects perfect, unshakable faith/love from us? Or something else?
- If you place yourself in Peter’s story… what do you sense Jesus’ response to you would be in that moment?
What do these verses reveal about how God meets us in our weakness?
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
- 1 Peter 1:6-8
Section #2 – The Power of Love (The Crucifixion)
Watch Video – Bible Project The crucifixion
We now move to the cross—the place where love is not just spoken… but fully revealed. John 13:1 says: “Having loved his own… he loved them to the end.”
Read John 19:17-30
Discussion Questions:
- What stands out to you in this passage?
- What surprises you about Jesus’ words or actions?
Zoom in on John 19:26-27
- What is Jesus doing here?
- Why might this matter in the middle of suffering?
- What can we read into the idea that even on the cross, Jesus is forming community and care
Zoom in on John 19:28 (I am thirsty)
- What does this reveal about Jesus?
- What can we read into the idea that on the cross, Jesus is still revealing his vulnerable humanity?
Zoom in on John 19:30 (It is finished)
- What do you think is “finished”? Victory? Mission? Love’s work?
- In what ways is the cross the ultimate expression of love?
- How might seeing the cross as love (not just suffering) change how we live? What does it mean for you to be loved like this?
How do the following verses help us see the cross as an expression of love?
- John 3:16
- Romans 5:8
- John 15:13
- 1 John 3:16
Section #3 – Do you love me
Watch Video – John chapter 21
or read John 21:1-19
After failure… after the cross… after the resurrection… Jesus comes looking for Peter. Not to condemn but to restore.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the mood in this story? How does it change?
- Why do you think Jesus performs the miracle of fish? Why share breakfast?
- Why does Jesus ask Peter “do you love me” three times?
- What do you think Jesus meant by “feed my lambs” “feed my sheep”?
- If Jesus asked you today, “Do you love me?” — how would you respond?
- What do you notice about the connection between loving Jesus and caring for others? Why do you think Jesus links the two?
How do the following verses speak to us about forgiveness and restoration?
- Romans 8:1
- Psalm 103:10-12
- Jonah 3:1
- Ephesians 2:10
Prayer
Loving God, thank you that your love meets us where we are — in our strength and in our weakness. When our love falters, and when we fail to follow you as we hope, remind us that your grace is greater still.
Jesus, thank you for the cross, where love was fully revealed— a love that gives, forgives, and never lets us go. Restore us again in your love. Call us forward with purpose, to love you and to love others in your name.
By your Spirit, help us to live this love in the days ahead. Amen.