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?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Jesus’ Disruption at the Temple:

• What surprised or challenged you about Jesus’ actions in the temple?
• How do you interpret Jesus’ anger—not as a loss of control, but as an act of holy disruption for justice?
• Have you ever felt compelled to “flip a table” for the sake of righteousness?

2. Rethinking Holiness and Worship:

• Pastor Mark emphasized that holiness is not confined to church buildings. How do you experience God’s presence in everyday places and relationships?
• What systems or attitudes might need to be disrupted in our own faith communities for true worship to occur?

3. Sacred Value and Community:

• How does the Day of Jubilee—where debts are forgiven and relationships restored—challenge our cultural norms about worth and success?
• What would it look like for our church to embody Jubilee today?

4. Resurrection and Resistance:

• Jesus says, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days.” How does resurrection change the way we respond to injustice and suffering in the world?
• What small acts of love and courage have you witnessed that reflect resurrection hope?

5. Applying the Sermon:

• How can we, like Renee Good, use our lives as witnesses for compassion and justice—even when it is risky or costly?
• What is one tangible way you can “love more fiercely” this week?

The post Sermon Discussion Guide: Come and See: Holy Trouble 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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