Small Groups
Reflection Guide: John 4:16-30
Reflection Guide Key Terms This mountain/Jerusalem – This mountain refers to Mount Gerizim, on which the Samaritans built their own temple. Jews, on the other hand, believe that true worship must take place at the temple in Jerusalem. Spirit and truth – The exact meaning of this phrase is uncertain but Jesus is clearly using…
Read MoreJohn 4:1-18: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Samaria – The region between Judea (where Jerusalem is located) and Galilee (where Nazareth and Capernaum are located). After Assyria conquered the area in the 700’s BC, the remaining Israelites intermarried with Assyrians, leading to centuries of hostility between Jews and Samaritans, whom Jews viewed as impure. Living water – In…
Read MoreReflection Guide: John 1:35-51
Reflection Guide John 1:35-51 | What It Means to Follow Jesus Key Terms Rabbi/Disciples – Rabbi was a title of honor meaning “teacher.” Disciple literally means “learner” and can also be translated “follower” or “apprentice.” This scene in John’s gospel shows that Jesus and his disciples will have a teacher and apprentice relationship. Messiah/Christ –…
Read MoreReflection Guide: John 1:19-34
Reflection Guide John 1:19–34 | Make Way for a New Day Key Terms Jews, priests, Levites, Pharisees – Each of these terms represents a group who regularly shows up in John. Jews can refer to Jewish people in general, but is also used to refer to Jewish leaders who oppose Jesus. Priests were those who…
Read MoreReflection Guide: The Most Marvelous Thing You Will Ever See
Reflection Guide John 1:14–18 | The Most Marvelous Thing You Will Ever See Key Terms Glory – In the OT, the word glory is used to convey God’s intrinsic goodness and holiness, often connected with his presence—and thus a display of his goodness and holiness—with his people (see Ex 24:16 & 1 Kgs 8:10-11). John…
Read MoreReflection Guide: John 1:1-5
Reflection Guide John 1:1–5 | Life and Light for Restless Hearts Key Terms John – While the Gospel of John itself does not identify an author, the internal evidence and Early Church history affirms the apostle John as the author. 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation are also attributed to the apostle John. Word –…
Read MoreLean on Me – Genesis 30:25-31:55: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Genesis 30:25–31:55 Key Terms Speckled/Spotted/Black – Speckled and spotted goats and black lambs were the opposite coloration of typical goats and lambs and were less desirable (Gen 30:32 & following). Household gods – Although it’s unclear exactly what these household gods are (Gen 31:19, 34, & 35), they are most likely figurines made…
Read MoreStairway to Heaven – Genesis 28:10-22: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Paddan-aram/Haran – These two place names are used interchangeably in the narrative to refer to the same place (or it’s possible that Paddan-aram is the region containing the city Haran). Thus when Isaac sends Jacob to Paddan-aram in v. 6, Jacob is being obedient when he goes to Haran (v. 10).…
Read MoreThe Masquerade Party – Genesis 27:1-46: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Blessing – In Ancient Near Eastern culture, it was common to pronounce blessings or curses on others. These blessings/curses were not seen as mere wishful thinking but were believed to be influential ways to call upon God to act in a certain way towards an individual or a nation. This means…
Read MoreWalking with God in the Age of Amazon – Genesis 26:1-35: Reflection Guide
Reflection Guide Key Terms Famine – Famine was a common occurrence in the ancient Near East where much of the land was difficult to cultivate and modern technology to grow, store, and transport food was not yet invented. Abraham experienced a famine during his life (Gen 12) and famine would be instrumental in Israel’s history…
Read More