LIFE GROUP OR PERSONAL STUDY | WEEK OF JUNE 8
Sunday, June 08, 2025
Context:
This conversation takes place during Holy Week, in the upper room. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. He’s been speaking about love, obedience, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples didn’t fully understand Jesus’ words at the time. But Jesus promises that after He departs, the Spirit will remind them, teach them, and fill them with peace. Luther’s Small Catechism reminds us: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…” This Pentecost reading reminds us that the same Spirit is still at work—teaching, reminding, comforting, and giving peace that the world cannot give.
Icebreaker:
What’s something meaningful or wise someone once told you — but you didn’t understand or appreciate it until much later?
Read John 14:23-31 aloud. What stood out to you from this week’s homily? What stands out to you in this passage?
Verse 23 speaks of the Father and the Son making their home with those who love Jesus. What does it mean for you that God makes His “home” with us?
In verse 26, Jesus says the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance all that He has said. Why is remembering such a key part of faith? Have you ever had an experience where the Holy Spirit brought Scripture to mind at the right time, or remembrance of a success or season that God had clearly orchestrated for you? What was that like?
Jesus gives peace “not as the world gives” (v. 27). What might “worldly peace” look like—and how is Jesus’ peace different? When life feels chaotic or uncertain, how does the peace of Christ meet you in that space? How can this peace be more than “theoretical” for you?
What are some ways you can cultivate a heart that is open to the Spirit’s teaching and reminders? (Examples: regular Scripture reading, prayer, worship, etc.; remember: God wants to communicate with you – how can your heart be tuned to listen?)
Close with prayer, thanking God for the abiding gift of the Holy Spirit, and asking for grace to listen.