Discussion Questions:

1. Truth and Power

• In the scripture, Pilate famously asks Jesus, “What is truth?” Why do you think this question still resonates today?
• The sermon suggests that truth in John’s Gospel is not an idea but a person—Jesus. How does this shape the way we understand faith and discipleship?

2. Being Boxed In

• The sermon begins by describing how people sometimes “back themselves into a corner.” Where do you see this happening in the story between Pilate, the religious authorities, and Jesus?
• Have you ever felt trapped by expectations, assumptions, or choices? How did you respond?

3. Jesus’ Kingdom

• Jesus tells Pilate that his kingdom is “not from this world.” What do you think Jesus means by this?
• The sermon describes Jesus’ kingdom as a way of life rooted in nonviolence and the sacred worth of every person. Where do you see glimpses of this kingdom today?

4. Allegiance and Identity

• The sermon suggests that following Jesus means placing allegiance to him above nation, political party, or even family. What challenges or questions does that idea raise for you?
• How might our lives change if our primary loyalty truly rested with Jesus’ way of truth and compassion?

5. Living the Truth

• In a world that often treats violence or power as normal, what might it look like to live according to Jesus’ truth?
• What is one small way you can embody Jesus’ way of truth, compassion, and nonviolence in the coming week?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Slowing Down & Paying Attention

• Pastor Mark began by reflecting on how time can either fly or crawl. Why do you think the Gospel of John slows down during Jesus’ final week?
• What might change in your life if you intentionally “slowed down” during Lent to notice where love is needed?

2. Love in Action

• Jesus washes the disciples’ feet — a radical act of humility. Why is this moment so powerful?
• What does it mean that Jesus communicates love not just in words, but in embodied action?
• Where in your life might love require action rather than explanation?

3. Seeing Ourselves in Peter and Judas

• Peter resists. Judas betrays. Pastor Mark suggests we see ourselves in both. Where do you recognize yourself in these responses?
• The sermon invites us to imagine a love that “waits until the end of the world.” How does that image challenge your understanding of grace?

4. Love That Leads to Justice

• Jesus’ command is simple: “Take care of one another.” Why is living this out so difficult?
• The sermon connects foot washing to reparative justice and confronting systemic racism. How is justice an extension of Jesus’ command to love one another?
• What does “reordering our lives” look like in practical terms?

5. Living the Command

• Pastor Mark said, “It’s really just that simple. And it’s really just that hard.” What makes loving others hard for you right now?
• What is one concrete way you can practice Jesus’ kind of love this week — in your family, workplace, neighborhood, or city?
• How can RPPC embody love that welcomes, serves, and repairs the world?

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