John Sermon Series

The God Who Weeps

February 2, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 11:17–37

Ever wonder what God's heart might look like at a funeral? (After all, unlike us, he could fix this.) In these next two Sundays, Jesus shows us: tears and anger at his friend's funeral. Why does it matter that 'Jesus wept'? What does it reveal about God's heart toward us and the broken things of this world? And what hope does it give us in the face of the worst things that could ever happen to us? Jesus, show us who you are! Discussion Questions Why did Jesus treat Martha and Mary differently? Has the appearance of favoritism and partiality ever turned out to be the best thing for you? Why is it so difficult for us to trust God when he acts differently toward others in comparable situations? Notice verses 21-26. (cf. Luke 10:38-42) Mary presses Jesus, and he responds with tears. Why does it matter so much to us that Jesus wept (v.35)? The Greek term here depicts deep, shuddering sobs. How does this moment challenge our potentially stoic notions of what godly suffering should look like? How do Jesus' tears (and ours) make us 'aching visionaries'? What is it we are longing for beyond the immediate relief of our pain? If you’re in pain now, what is it that you are really wanting? Try to go further than your initial response. Jesus holds truth and tears side-by-side in this passage. Which of these two are your greater tendency? How can we embody both compassion and truth in our daily workplace and communities? What opportunities are there? On the cross, Jesus voluntarily bore our suffering. How might growing in his love lead us to do the same for others? How might that become good news; not only for them, but also for us? What did you need to hear in the sermon or during this discussion?

If It Dies, It Bears Much Fruit

March 8, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 12:20–36

Jesus calls his disciples to give their lives away for the cause, just as he is doing. If this is more than a figurative principle, how is this good news for the world or the disciples? Discussion Questions: Share about a sacrifice you made; it could be magnanimous or a small one you make every day. What did you trade or lose and what was gained? Throughout John, Jesus talks about “his hour” (his death). But repeatedly, he says "my hour has not yet come" (John 2:4, 7:28-30, 8:20). Suddenly, for the first time in the Gospel of John, Greeks (Gentiles) seek him out. And he immediately says, "my hour has come." What does that show us about his sense of mission? What does Jesus consider his cause worth dying for? Why was this the tipping point? Since most of us are Gentiles (non-Jews), why would that be comforting? Are you genuinely comforted? 'Glory' means 'weight' in Hebrew (kabod) - as in significance, honor, or gravitas - whereas, we say that things ‘matter’ (or not). What are some common phrases or ways we use that term ('matter') today that might echo the biblical idea of 'glory'? How will the Son of Man be made to ‘matter’ (v.23)? How will the Father make his Name ‘matter’ (v.28)? How do the challenges of verses 25 and 26 challenge our views of what ‘matters’ in our lives? In verse 27, Jesus says his soul is troubled. Yet we know he was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Is it possible to have inner conflict and yet be without sin? How might that be an encouraging thought in the midst of our struggles? Read Hebrews 2:18 and 4:16. Why might falsely requiring a stoic Christianity (e.g., "Keep a stiff upper lip!" and “Don’t break down!”) within our hearts and minds be dangerous for our mental and spiritual health? Because of this verse, JC Ryle said: "The believer may be known as much by his inward warfare as by his inward peace." What does he mean? (Consider Romans 7:15-8:1.) Look at verse 32. How does Jesus' death on a cross "draw all people"? As repulsive as the overt violence of the cross is, how could that same cross be attractive? Why are 'losers' drawn more readily to the cross than 'winners'? Look at verses 24-26. If the wheat does not die, it doesn't bear fruit. If one loves his life, he loses it. How are Jesus' statements here directly contrary to how our society operates? If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Is Jesus calling us to die? Literally? In what sense? Daily? (Luke 9:23) Why would that be threatening? What are the other causes people in the South Bay are already dying for every day? How did early Christians embody his teaching in the midst of plagues? How was that a contrast to the world? How might we - with great wisdom and creativity - begin to embody that same joy in our city today? What did you need to hear in the sermon or in this discussion?

God on a Donkey

March 1, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 12:12–19

Today we see our political leaders attempt to cultivate their own image, and here Christ gives us this image of his leadership - God on a donkey. What do we do with that? Jesus is exposing the stark difference between the king we want and the king we need. How might he so change our hearts that the king we need becomes the king we joyfully serve? Let's look at the so-called 'triumphal entry' of Jesus into Jerusalem. Discussion Questions: What celebrities or leaders were your favorite when you were a teenager or as a young adult? Did you have any posters, bumper stickers or t-shirts that portrayed your vibe in some superficial way? Do you sneer at People Magazine or buy it? Be honest and have some fun with this one. Without diving into the politics, what sort of leaders do Americans seek? Why is that what we laud or pursue? What kind of leader are we looking for? Why are we so hard on our leaders? What does 'hosanna' mean? What are they looking for? What would bring them out to cheer for Jesus like this? What draws a parade like this in LA? What does that reveal about our city's desires? What events bring us this sort of hope and joy? Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Why would God choose an image like this? Riding a donkey was not considered unroyal, but it was reserved for peacetime. So what is Jesus conveying? Read Psalm 45:4-5 and Revelation 19:11-16. How different are these images and why does it matter? Read John 12:16. John does not hide that they didn't get it at first. How might that be a comfort to us? If these details seemed little at the time, but later became big, can you think of an example of God using things in your life that seemed little at the time, only to realize later how significant these events actually were? Read Luke 9:23-25. If Jesus purposefully moved toward us with such weakness, what does he call us to do toward LA? If that is admitting our weakness, which should encourage us, why does that seem harder? How does the cross ironically reveal Jesus' ferocious strength and love for his children? How can you lead in the same manner this week? What did you need to hear in the sermon or in this discussion?

Poured Out

February 23, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 12:1–11

This week we come to John 12. As the disciples gather with Jesus, Mary worships Jesus in such a lavish way that the disciples become shocked and even angry. We live in a culture of shock and outrage, so we may be numb to that reaction. But it is Jesus' counter-reaction that is so jarring. What they find shocking, he finds beautiful. What are these ardent followers of Jesus missing that is so important he comes to her defense? That's not just a matter of trying to 'be more like Mary.' What does she see so clearly about Jesus that they (and we) are so often missing? Why does she have joy where they have anger? Discussion Questions: Quickly share when you undervalued something, or when someone else undervalued a thing that obviously meant more to you than to them. Talk about a season in your life when you undervalued Jesus. Share about a time in your life when Jesus was most valuable to you, and it changed the way you lived. Mary was called out by Judas for taking her gratitude and worship too far, to the point of doing something wasteful and wrong. What does this look like today? Have you ever been Mary or Judas in this kind of scenario? Mary's worship is not conditioned by cost, self-determination, or self-preservation. Why is that so offensive to other Christians? How is that threatening? How could we ever begin (even just to want) to worship like this? Christ ardently defends the poor almost everywhere else. He knows the OT prioritizes care for the poor. If he's not being dismissive of poverty or callous about it, what are the boundaries he is drawing? How do we similarly prioritize him? Why does Jesus connect this perfume to his burial? Read Psalm 22:14. What does it mean that he is being 'poured out'? Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” How does God fill us in order that we might be poured out? Mary saw her brother raised from the dead, and it reminded her of God's provision for her. How do we remind ourselves of that daily? What has God done like that in your personal life? What did you need to hear in the sermon or in this discussion?

Jesus Waits

January 26, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 11:1–16

Jesus' friends call to him for help in a time of serious need - and he waits. He delays. He doesn't come right away. And it seems to cost his friend's life. Why would he do that? The answer he gives is even more aggravating: "I'm glad I wasn't there for your sake, so that you may believe." How do we deal with a God like that, especially when it feels like he fails to show up at the time of our greatest need? Discussion Questions: Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just show up and do something about the situation you’re facing? How’d you come out of that moment; more critical or more confident in God? We hear that Jesus is always with us, ready to hold us and care for us, but sometimes we are left asking “Why doesn’t God do something about THAT?” Whatever that is - a situation at home or work, a broken relationship, someone’s health, salvation of a family member or friend, etc. Why doesn’t God just do something? Does his failure to act on our terms mean he is inactive? If not, why is that answer still so dissatisfying for us? Mary and Martha both say: "If you'd have been here, he wouldn't have died" (v.21, 32). The crowd even says "could not he who opened the eyes of the blind kept this man from dying?" (v.37) They clearly believe Jesus is capable of great things. But how is their belief somehow deficient or limited? Were they hoping too much or too little of Jesus? How do we do the same? Jesus says "for your sake I am glad I wasn't there, so that you might believe." But John told us the disciples already believed in him after the miracle at the wedding of Cana (John 2:11). The verb tense here actually means "come to believe" (as in, 'believe more deeply than before' or ‘come to a new level of belief’). How does the waiting cause them to believe more deeply than before? How might that be true for us? Does waiting without (immediate) explanation deepen your trust or break it? Some people are atheists because of this topic (i.e., There’s no way someone is out there who cares… It’s all chance… Clearly, nobody is in control!). How do you avoid the opposite extremes of gullible passivity (i.e., fatalism, "God is in control; I do nothing") or jaded cynicism (i.e., "God didn't show up when I needed him")? Get specific: Where does this theme of waiting on God have you losing faith and trust in him? What behavior, action, and steps do you need to reverse in terms of trusting God’s timing, power, and goodness more than you are now? What did you need to hear in the sermon or during this discussion?

Scripture Cannot Be Broken

January 19, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 10:31–42

Jesus says that “Scripture cannot be broken.” He is giving us a glimpse of his inner thought world. And it stands in stark contrast not only to how most of LA thinks, but also in contrast to how most of us operate daily. So what’s the big risk? Why does this matter so much? If Jesus is the most joyful person to ever walk the planet, how am I missing out on life to the fullest (Jn.10:10)? Discussion Questions: What does Jesus mean: “Scripture cannot be broken?” Do you share his high view of the authority of the Scriptures? Why might our neighbors dismiss that? Which is more important to you for daily decisions: your past experiences or Scripture? Is that a false dichotomy? Do you live as though those are two separate things? Jesus memorized the Word, but he also internalized it. Share about a time when the truth of Scripture was so infused in you that it helped you in a powerful way. In contrast, share about a time when you blatantly ignored something you know Scripture teaches. What inner motivations were competing? David wrote: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” What is the difference between hiding the word in our heart and rote memorization? Share about some of your best practices for digging into God’s word or internalizing it. (Or maybe share ways that failed for you.) Don’t be boastful about this, try to be helpful to others who might benefit from what’s helped you. Have you read all the Gospels? The entire NT? Whole of scripture? Memorized verses? If not, how might you progress in that labor of love? If so, how do avoid knowledge becoming a matter of self-righteous pride instead of cultivating humility? How might the Word lead you to a spirit of thankfulness and joyful repentance - daily? What did you need to hear in the sermon? Is this Good News or just another burden placed upon your life? What sort of things are preventing his Word from permeating more of your life? How might it lead you to see Jesus more clearly?

The Divine Shepherd

January 12, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 10:22–31

Jesus presses this image of shepherd even further and gives us one of the most encouraging promises in Scripture. He holds his sheep, and "no one will snatch them out of my hand." When we go through the dark, lonely, and fearful times of life, how does that give us the confidence to endure? Community Group (CG) Discussion Questions: Do you feel owned, loved, known, and led by Jesus? What does that look or sound like? Why does being 'named' matter to us? How might it change your approach to daily life? When has his call to persevere simultaneously challenged you to endure and remain faithful? Read John 10:28-29. Jesus was claiming to be the good shepherd that will not lose one of His sheep. Does that create apathy or enthusiasm for spiritual growth within you? Why do you think he gave us this promise? Read Psalm 37:23-33. What do verses 23 and 24 say in your own words? What does it mean that we might stumble, but we won’t fall? What’s going on in your life now that is strongly related to this week’s passage and sermon?

I Am the Good Shepherd

January 5, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 10:11–21

For as rarely as most of us have interacted with sheep or shepherds, this is an incredibly popular image of Christ. Why does it resonate so deeply? And might we have missed the punch Jesus intended?

For This Reason I was Born

December 15, 2019 • Russ Hightower • John 18:37

Heaven: A Gated Community?

December 8, 2019 • Russ Hightower • John 10

One Thing I Know

November 24, 2019 • Russ Hightower • John 9

Knock Me Down

March 31, 2019 • Russ Hightower • John 18

Trading Places

February 17, 2020 • Russ Hightower • John 11:6–8, John 11:45–54

We come to the fallout of that miracle: his rivals want Jesus dead. And they are openly plotting his demise. They accurately assess that Jesus is a threat, but not in the way they expect. In this passage, the high priest himself says it would be expedient that one man die for a nation, but he assumed that would end the threat of Jesus. He had no idea that Jesus dying in our place would be the power that would transform all of creation. How does that work? And what does it mean for those who follow Jesus? Discussion Questions: Describe a time when you felt threatened. Try to think of examples different from a physical threat. What did you stand to lose? Why is a miracle worker a threat? Why would healing people be threatening to the status quo? What do we stand to lose if all our best works are cast aside? What sorts of things are difficult for you to relinquish? What are you relying on for safety and security? Consider the prophetic irony of Caiaphas' statement (v.49-50). Read Joseph's famous statement in Genesis 50:20. When people intend evil yet we trust God reclaims it for good, does that make the injustice any easier to endure? Why or why not? The Hebrew word for "atone" means "to cover over." In our reading from Hebrews 10, the Scriptures say the blood of animals is not enough to cover us (v.4). How does Jesus' blood do what animal blood cannot? (Hebrews 10:14) Why does being 'covered' matter in our daily lives - or worse, to be 'uncovered' or exposed? Read these verses together: Psalm 103:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:13. What does the Bible say Jesus' blood does for us? If Jesus became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13), how might we become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)? The leaders also wanted Lazarus dead because of this miracle (John 12:10). How might Christ transforming people make them outcasts, or even perceived threats? Have you ever rejected someone’s life-changing faith? Why did you do that? Has anyone ever rejected or tested your own spiritual transformation? Memorize Galatians 2:20 (below). Given what you’re facing right now, how might internalizing this verse encourage you this week? “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)