Glencairn Church

Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend, or on your own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like.

1. Pray for each other, our church and leaders, for the not-yet believers in your life, and for opportunities to disciple others. Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. In the moments before his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus pleads with His Father to take this cup of wrath away from him. For the first time, we see the unflappable Jesus become undone. What was Jesus experiencing in those moments, and what does it tell us about his heart for us? What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you? Which ones encouraged you or posed a challenge to you?

3. What is the difference between moral reformation and spiritual transformation (hint: restraining vs changing)? Why is the law ineffective in changing our hearts? Read Jer 17:9. What hope do we have for a
changed heart, and therefore spiritual transformation?

4. Read Mark 14:32-42; Mat 26:36-46; Luke 22:40-46. Take your time to read through these parallel passages and note any differences. What are some of the details in Matthew and Luke that aren’t included in Mark? How might those details help you understand what Jesus and the disciples were facing at this moment?

5. How do you imagine the conversation between Jesus and the disciples would have been like when he asked them three times to stay awake? How were the disciples feeling? How do you feel when you say “yes” to Jesus but don’t follow through? What do you think Jesus would like to say to you about that?

6. Read Psalm 75:7-8; Isa 51:17-23; Jer 25:15-16; Eze 23:31-34. Many people struggle with the idea of God’s wrath. Is it possible to have a completely loving God without any wrath/anger? Why or why not? Why did Jesus “drink the cup” of God’s wrath? How does God’s wrath show you how valuable you are to him?

7. Why does Jesus call his father Abba (v36)? Jesus’ relationship with his father is infinitely more intimate than anything we’ve ever experienced, and yet he was rejected by Him. Have you ever felt rejected or abandoned
by God? How might Jesus’ experience help you?

8. Take a moment of silence to consider how God is speaking to you. Is He asking you to make changes or to do something new? What concrete steps of
response do you want to take? How can your group support you in these steps?