Small Grp Disc Guide: Good Friday

Discussion Guide Based on a sermon preached by Tim Bach, 3/29/26

Opening prayer:
Lord Jesus, as we gather on Good Friday, quiet our hearts and help us see the cross with fresh gratitude. Open our minds to Your truth, deepen our love for You, and remind us that You are not a victim, a pawn, or a martyr, but the King of Kings who gave Himself for us. Amen.

Scripture readings:
Matthew 21:1-11
John 19:19-22

As you read Matthew 21:1-11 aloud, pause and ask the group to listen for the contrast between the crowd’s expectations and Jesus’ true identity.

Discussion topic 1: Jesus enters Jerusalem as King
Questions:
What stands out to you in the triumphal entry?
Why do you think the crowd welcomed Jesus the way they did?
How might people today still try to fit Jesus into their own agenda?
What does it mean that Jesus came as King, not according to human expectations?
Give the group time to discuss how quickly praise can shift when Jesus does not meet personal desires or political hopes.

Read John 19:19-22 aloud and invite the group to reflect on the inscription over the cross. Emphasize that the title was written publicly in multiple languages, making the claim unavoidable, and that Pilate’s words pointed to Jesus’ kingship even in the middle of suffering.

Discussion topic 2: The cross and Jesus’ identity
Questions:
Why do you think Pilate’s inscription mattered?
What is the significance of Jesus being called “King of the Jews” at the cross?
How does the cross reveal both Jesus’ suffering and His authority?
What does it mean for us that Jesus was not a victim, not a pawn, and not merely a martyr?
How does this change the way we understand Good Friday?
Invite the group to consider how the cross was not a loss of control, but part of God’s greater purpose in salvation.

Discussion topic 3: Surrendering our agendas
Questions:
Where do we most often try to control outcomes in our own lives?
What “agenda” do we sometimes bring to Jesus instead of surrendering to Him?
How can the events of Good Friday help us trust God when life does not go as planned?
What part of Jesus’ kingship is hardest for you to trust personally?
Encourage honest sharing and allow space for silence or short reflection after each response.

Follow-up exercise:
Ask each person to spend a few minutes writing down one area of life where they need to surrender control to Jesus. Then have them write one sentence beginning with, “Jesus, I trust You as King over...” Encourage everyone to take this home and pray over it during the week, and if appropriate, pair up for accountability or prayer follow-up.

Closing prayer:
King Jesus, thank You for going to the cross with purpose, power, and love. Forgive us for the times we have tried to shape You into our image instead of bowing to Your lordship. Help us leave here with deeper trust, greater humility, and renewed awe at what You accomplished for us on Good Friday. Amen.