Woman, Behold Your Son

None of us can go back to the beginning of our life and make a brand-new start; but by the grace of God and because of the cross, we can start from where we are and make a brand-new end.

John 19:26-27 (NASB)

26 When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He *said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He *said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

ACTS 2:42-47 (NASB)

42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.44And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;45and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.46Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Discussion:

  1. Who are "They" in Acts 2?

  2. What are "They" doing in this passage?

  3. What did they do first?

  4. What was the response to the first action?

  5. What are the distinguishing marks of a loving community like the one in Acts 2?

  6. Why would/did they do this? What was their motivation?

Application:

  1. In what ways do you live like this?

  2. Why do you live like that?

  3. How does your group imitate the first church?

  4. What did Jesus say the world would know us by (John 13:35)?

  5. Does your group have relationships like the Acts 2 church?

  6. What relationships could you build with people outside of your group and church to lead others to Christ?

Prayer:

  • Pray for the relationships you have in your group as you love and serve each other

  • Pray for those outside of your group that you need to show love to

  • Pray for relationships that you need to form with those in your community who need the love of you, your family, your group, and our church

Nick Bynumlast words of christ, hanging on every word