Catch up on how things have been since the last time your Impact Group met. Allow anyone new to introduce themselves. Then ask group members:
Over this term we’re looking at a series from the Bible’s song book, the Psalms, as we seek to navigate life together looking to God in the variety of seasons we face.
Ask for a volunteer to read Psalm 124 to the group, praying a short prayer that – however much they’ve come to know Jesus, they’d know him better as a result of your time together.
Download this video to watch offline or read the transcript here.
David sings of how God has helped his people – not from their trouble, but through their trouble.
The first Passover took place whilst the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt. You can read about it in Exodus 12.
God had declared that, in his wrath, he would strike down every firstborn – both humans and animals – to bring judgement on Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. Yet if a lamb was slaughtered and its blood painted over the lintel and doorframe of a house, it died in the place of the firstborn. The family sheltered under the blood of the lamb.
This act of judgement finally persuaded Pharaoh to let the people of Israel leave Egypt. Pharaoh soon changed his mind and pursued them with his army. It was only the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-14:31) and subsequent destruction of the Egyptian armies that allowed Israel to be finally free.
Together, these actions made Passover a kind of ‘birth’ of the nation of Israel: acts in which God freed his people by the blood of a lamb so that they might enjoy the freedom of his presence and the promise of his blessing, away from their enemies. It became of one of three compulsory celebrations that God’s people were asked to attend in Jerusalem (Leviticus 23:4-8) and an annual time of reflection.
The Passover sacrifice is fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus is frequently depicted as having the very characteristics of the Passover lamb (see, for example, John 19:31-34, 36). He came to take away the sin of the world – to die on a cross so that those who trust him can be rescued from his wrath for the freedom of God’s presence forever.
In times of change, it’s good to pause and reflect. Take time to reflect now on the past year.
Put these questions in your group chat:
Give group members three minutes to reflect on the questions, then give space for people to discuss their responses and pray in smaller groups.
If you’re able to sing in your group time, why not consider some of the following songs: Our God (Water You Turned Into Wine), Here is Love or Promises.
One of the ways we can be good friends to people is by creating space to have ‘deep chats’: conversations about how we’re feeling and the things that really matter.
Questions are a great way to show you care and to open conversations up. As we hear people’s fears and frustrations, offering to pray for them shows that we care, and invites them to know God’s help too.
Thank You – Thank everyone for coming, and ask someone to thank God for your time together in prayer.
Ask – Ask those who are new to reading the Bible if they’d like to explore Uncover, a set of sessions in Mark’s Gospel, allowing them to investigate one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life alongside one of you.
Church and CU – What does the CU have planned ahead? And what help would group members value in finding a local church?
Others – Who else could you invite to join your CU Impact Group next week? These friends don’t need to be followers of Jesus and may really appreciate being invited.
See You Soon – Tell the group where and when you’ll meet next week, and arrange who will bring snacks. (You might like to alternate healthy and less healthy weeks!). See if anyone would be up for sharing a meal or just hanging out in the meantime!
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