Questions for Individuals/Connect Groups:

• This week Kiesha talks to us about the scripture John 16:31- 33. Let’s re-read it and get some context around this passage.  Prior to this, we have Jesus eating his last supper with his disciples and spending time washing their feet. Some scholars have said this “talk” he is giving them comes at the dinner, and some believe it takes place as they walk to the garden (where Judas betrays him). Regardless of where, all of them think this is a speech he gives as a farewell before their entire lives change. The beginning of this speech is John 14-17. If you have time, read the speech in its entirety. In the light of this being his last words before he is taken away, how would you look at this scripture differently? What are some things that stand out to you? Why do you think it was important for Jesus to tell this to his disciples before he died? Why is this important for us?

• Take a moment to think about your own life. When have you experienced “trouble”? What was comforting to you at that time? Who was someone who helped you? How did hope play a part in your own life during that time? Who were the people that held out hope for you? How did that work out for you?

• Kiesha talks about belief vs faith. She said faith is about trusting. It’s about being confident when we don’t have all the information. Faith is about confidently trusting. Faith takes vulnerability in life, whereas belief takes only experience. She says peace is the presence of Jesus in the midst of our problems. Go back to that example you answered in question 2, having a presence of someone allowed you to have faith in an outcome. How has Jesus been present for you in the midst of your troubles? Where have you seen him use people around you? How can you know Jesus has carried you through some of your roughest moments? 

• Lastly, Kiesha talks about what the words “take heart” mean. She teaches us how it is active and meant to be assertive (bold). How does faith and hope show its assertiveness in problems? Looking at the scripture, what kind of view did Jesus need his disciples to have towards their future?

• One scholar wrote about this exact passage by saying this, “When one lives in hope, the present moves towards the promises and possibilities of the future, and the future transforms the sorrows and seeming impossibilities of the present.” What do you think about this quote in relevance to what Jesus asks us to do? How can promises of Jesus and hope for the future change our beliefs? How does this shape our view of troubles? Now spend some time asking God to change the way we see our circumstances. Pray and ask God to view to give you hope in the midst of trouble. 

Questions for Families:

• This week in children’s church you played the game “What’s In The Box”. Explain the game to your parents and tell them what would have been the scariest thing for you?

• After the game, we talked about the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. Do you think Daniel had any reasons to be afraid of those lions? How would you feel if your school principal sent you to a lion’s den because you didn’t follow a rule?

• What was the one thing that Daniel did against the king that showed everyone he had courage (faith) in God? Hint watch this video first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn4CpfrNpH0  

• How does God’s promise of being with us important for everyone to remember as we start off this school year? What are sometimes you really want God to stand by you this year? How can you be like Daniel and follow God over everyone else?