Lent 5
Instructions: You can use these questions—all, some, or none, as you seek to understand the scriptures. Each Sunday as you come to worship, you will have an opportunity to share your (written) insights, either by offering them symbolically, or writing them so others can read and benefit.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
1. Jeremiah is often called the “weeping prophet.” This section is an exception to Jeremiah’s general message, which is that Jerusalem will fall to the Babylonians (which indeed happened in 587 BC) because of Israel
2. In this new covenant, God promises that he will forgive and forget the sins of Israel
3. Notice that the new covenant does not stop the destruction Jeremiah sees coming, but the new covenant is a new start arising out of that disaster. Has there been a time in your life when you experienced a new start when everything was lost? How was God/faith part of that? How do you hold on to faith in difficult times? Do you have a story of victory you could share?
4. While Jeremiah preaches destruction, he also maintains that God will never abandon his people, even though they cannot avoid the consequences of their sin. Do consequences and forgiveness contradict? What does this story of God’s presence and judgment tell us about God’s love?
John 12:20-33
1. The Greeks who come to see Jesus are most likely Jews who have come to Jerusalem
2. What do you think it means to “hate” your life in this world? Why would Jesus tell us to hate our life in order to gain eternal life?
3. “Glory” is one of those church words that covers a lot of ground. When Jesus (and God) speak of being glorified, and glorifying the Father’s name, what do you think he means? How is God glorified in Jesus’ death? Can you think of a better way to describe all this to people who don’t speak church?