To Testify to the Truth

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “What images come to mind when you hear the words “the truth?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read John 18:33-37.

Small Group Questions

This Sunday marks the last Sunday of the Christian liturgical year. As you reflect on the journey from Advent 2023, the beginning of this Christian year, take a moment to consider: “Have you experienced spiritual growth over the past year? In what ways and why or why not?”

“You might have encountered this text in reference to the passion narrative and thought that it speaks mainly about the trial before the crucifixion. But there is a sense in which this narrative, this dialogue is a most important episode in the whole story of Jesus. In these 5 verses… there is a kernel and a capsule of the whole meaning and purpose of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the made manifest in the flesh here in this world. There is also a response to that human form that may be our unfortunate response to the God in our midst.” (Nov. 24 Preaching Notes)

• Have you ever thought about how the story of Jesus' birth at Christmas connects to his journey toward the cross at Easter?

When Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews, Jesus speaks of a kingdom "not from this world" (John 18:36). What do you think Jesus is trying to convey about his kingdom and how it contrasts with worldly kingdoms? [Jesus is making it clear that his kingdom is not based on earthly power or political rule; instead, it is a spiritual kingdom grounded in truth, love, and justice.]

Considering Jesus’ dialogue with Pilate, how might you understand the concept of truth in a spiritual sense versus a worldly sense? How can these different understandings of truth influence your witness as Christians? [In a spiritual sense, truth is aligned with the character and teachings of God, revealed through Jesus. Worldly truth often reflects relative perspectives, changing values, and power dynamics. As Christians, understanding truth in a spiritual context encourages us to live by God’s standards rather than conforming to societal norms.]

“What is truth? How many times do we ask that question? Not in that form too often, but in many and various ways we ask it. “What’s it all about?” “Why am I here?” “Why can’t I ever get ahead?” “What or who is God and why is God so far away when I hurt the most?” “What must I do to be a follower of Christ in a world that tries so hard to go another way, it own way?” “This wonderful, almost magical, somehow mystical story of Jesus, who is the king but not of this world, tell me, is it true?” Those are the questions, those and many more, that we bring to church, that we carry with us at work, that sit in the back of our throats as we wait for a place to ask and for someone to answer. And no one will give us an answer.” (Nov. 24 Preaching Notes)

How can the church help guide people toward understanding and living out the truth of Jesus?

How might you listen to Jesus’ voice? (“Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37c)

What is one way you will commit to testifying to the truth in the coming week?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Pray the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious God, we thank you for the truth that you have revealed through Jesus Christ. As we go forth from this discussion, empower us to listen to your voice and to stand boldly for your truth in all aspects of our lives. May we be faithful witnesses to your love and justice in the world. Amen.

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Discipleship Ministries staff created this small-group resource with assistance from AI tools.