Discussion Questions:

1. Power and Control
   • Pastor Mark contrasts “power over” and “power with.” Where do you see these two kinds of power at work in the world today?
   • When have you experienced “power with”—a kind of leadership or relationship rooted in service, compassion, or shared dignity?
2. Pilate, Jesus, and the Illusion of Control
   • Pilate appears to be in charge, yet seems controlled by fear and pressure. Where do we see similar dynamics in our own lives or leadership systems?
   • Jesus remains calm and grounded, even when his life is at risk. What do you think gives him that kind of presence and courage?
3. The Temptation of Dominant Power
   • The sermon suggests that even good intentions can be corrupted by the pursuit of control. Have you ever seen—or experienced—this happen?
   • Why do you think dominant power can feel so effective or appealing, even when it conflicts with our values?
4. Faith and Influence
   • The religious authorities align themselves with empire, declaring, “We have no king but Caesar.” Where do we see faith communities today tempted to align with power in unhealthy ways?
   • What does it look like to live faithfully without trying to impose beliefs on others?
5. Choosing the Way of Jesus
   • Jesus models nonviolence, forgiveness, and service even in the face of suffering. Which of these feels most challenging for you right now? Why?
   • Madeleine L’Engle writes about drawing others to Christ through a “lovely light.” What might that look like in your daily life?
6. Applying the Sermon
   • Where in your life this week are you being invited to choose “power with” instead of “power over”?
   • How can we as a church embody a kind of faith that reflects humility, justice, and love—especially in a divided world?

The post Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There? No Kings (But Jesus) appeared first on Roland Park Presbyterian Church.

Discussion Questions:

1. Standing with Jesus

• In this passage, Peter denies Jesus while Jesus stands calmly during his trial. What do you notice about the contrast between Peter and Jesus in this moment?
• Pastor Mark asks the question, “Where do you stand?” What situations in our lives today make it difficult to stand openly with Jesus’ values?

2. The Temptation to Assign Blame

• The sermon begins by reflecting on our tendency to point fingers and assign blame. Why do you think humans often look for someone to blame in difficult situations?
• How might shifting from blaming others to examining our own responses change the way we live out our faith?

3. The Way of Peace

• Jesus stands firm in nonviolence even while facing injustice and hostility. What does this tell us about the kind of peace Jesus represents?
• How does Jesus’ vision of peace differ from the “peace of compliance” or power that Pastor Mark described?

4. Following Christ’s Example

• The sermon highlights that the word Christian means Christ-like. What qualities of Jesus in this passage challenge or inspire you most?
• Where do you see opportunities in your daily life to embody Christ-like love, mercy, or courage?

5. Standing with the Oppressed

• Pastor Mark notes that Jesus stands with the oppressed and the victims. Who are the vulnerable or marginalized people in our communities today?
• How might we, as individuals and as a church, stand alongside them in meaningful ways?

6. Living the Question

• Jesus promises to stand with us in our trials. When have you felt God’s presence during a difficult moment?
• As you reflect on the question “Where will we stand?” what is one small step you can take this week to live more fully in the way of Jesus?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Facing Lent Honestly

• Pastor Mark described Lent as a season many people avoid because it asks us to confront mortality, frailty, and brokenness. What feelings does Lent stir in you? Resistance? Relief? Curiosity?
• How might Lent be less about guilt and more about learning to trust God in difficult realities?

2. Jesus Wept

• In John 11, Jesus knows resurrection is coming—yet he weeps. What does “Jesus wept” reveal about the heart of God?
• When have you experienced God not as a rescuer who fixes everything, but as a companion who stays with you in grief?

3. “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”

• Martha expresses belief in a future resurrection, but Jesus speaks in the present tense: “I am the resurrection and the life.” What might that mean for how we live now?
• How does believing that “the worst thing is never the last thing” shape your response to loss or uncertainty?

4. Love That Goes Through Death

• The sermon quoted Andrew Root: “Love is only able to conquer death if it goes through death.” Where have you seen love show up in dark or broken places?
• What does it look like to allow love into the “cracks” of your own life rather than hiding your brokenness?

5. Walking Through the Valley Together

• Pastor Mark said God will not rescue us from all pain, but there is nowhere we can go that God will not go with us. How does that promise challenge or comfort you?
• How can we, as a church community, walk through valleys with one another in tangible ways?
• What would it look like for RPPC to embody resurrection hope in Baltimore right now?

6. Living This Week

• What is one area of frailty or uncertainty you are being invited to entrust to God this Lent?
• Who might need you to simply “come and see” — to sit with them, listen, and embody compassionate presence this week?

The post Sermon Discussion Guide: Were You There? The Resurrection and the Light appeared first on Roland Park Presbyterian Church.

Discussion Questions:

1. Exile and Context

• Jeremiah’s letter was addressed to a people living in exile. How do you think this message would have felt to the original hearers?
• Are there ways you feel “in exile” in your own life—disconnected, uncertain, or far from where you want to be?
• How does God’s command to “build, plant, seek the welfare of the city” speak to your current season of life?

2. Hope and God’s Plans

• Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted as a message of comfort. How does understanding its original context change or deepen its meaning for you?
• What does it mean to you that God’s promises may unfold over generations, not immediately?
• In what ways do you see “hope” as an active practice rather than passive waiting?

3. Community and Collective Faith

• Pastor Mark highlighted that “you” in this passage is plural—“all y’all.” How does thinking of God’s promise in communal terms change its impact?
• How can our church embody a shared sense of future and faithfulness together?

4. Trusting God Over Time

• Jeremiah’s message invites a kind of trust in God’s future that sustains even without full knowledge of the outcome. How easy or hard is that for you?
• Can you share a time when you had to trust God without knowing what would happen?

5. Applying the Sermon

• What small, daily actions can you take to cultivate hope and faith, especially in challenging circumstances?
• How can we as a church support one another in trusting God’s long-term vision and embodying active, rooted hope in our community?

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