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Today\\u2019s Message
March 14, 2021
Sermon:\\u201cGod\\u2019s Good Plan \\u201d
Scripture:Luke 23:23-27
Speaker:Pastor Mick Whistler
Go Deeper This Week
Scripture and questions for study and reflection:
Read Luke 23:23-27.

1. Idleman toggles back and forth between stories of Advent and Lent in order to help us understand how Mary might have been feeling. How does remembering the earlier promises to Mary (Luke 1:28-33) impact how you understand this passage?

2. Read Simeon\\u2019s words to Mary and Joseph regarding Jesus (Luke 2:25-34). How do you think you would have understood those words in that moment? How do you understand them now?

3. Pastor Mick said that Mary went from singing to sadness, from celebration to confusion, and from confusion to chaos. What do you think he meant by that? Have you ever experienced this kind of shift in your own life?

4. Jesus was forced to walk the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering) on his way to Calvary. What is the significance of this, both literally and figuratively? How does this fit with Isaiah\\u2019s description of the \\u201cSuffering Servant\\u201d? (Isaiah 53:5)

5. As Mary walks along the Via Dolorosa near Jesus, how do you think she felt about those earlier promises?

6. When/how have you walked your own version of the Via Dolorosa in your life? How did that impact your faith life?

7. Idleman used the example of a Persian rug and Pastor Mick used the song \\u201cAlready There\\u201d to help give perspective regarding times of suffering? Did you find these helpful? Why/why not?

8. Pastor Mick used Brianna\\u2019s Hope as an example of how God takes our messes and weaves them together to create masterpieces. When/where have you seen God do this in your own life? At what point did you recognize the masterpiece amid the mess?

Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, we know that in this life we will find trouble; Jesus was clear about that. We know we will all walk our own version of the Via Dolorosa now and then. Thank you, Lord, for not letting us walk that way in vain. Thank you for taking all of our messes and weaving them together into masterpieces of good. Forgive us for the times we live in fear and doubt when we can\\u2019t see what you are doing. Give us the faith to fully trust you in all circumstances. Remind us that through Jesus, nothing can separate us from your love. Help us to truly claim victory in Jesus, and live our lives accordingly. We love you, Lord. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.