Remembrance

Introduction

This last weekend was Remembrance Sunday – a time when the nation remembers the horrors and dangers of war – the first World War, the Second world war and all the wars since.  Many families remember the loss of loved ones through war, and perhaps this year the Covid pandemic will mean that those already lost through this will also be remembered.

Q1 - In your group take a moment to remember those whom we have known whose lives were tragically lost either through war, disease, or accident – share it with each other.

Study

Remembrance is important.  As we look back we can see how God is always with us in difficult times.  Our reading from the Psalms is very much a reflection on what God has done and what he has been to the people of Israel

Please read Psalm 46

Q2 - What do we learn about God’s character in the first three verses?

Q3- The Psalm has a lot of relevance for today – but who is actually in control?

Q4 - What sort of place is the Psalmist talking about in vv. 4-5?

Q5 - What is God able to do in vv. 6-7?  Does this reassure us in our difficulties?

Q6 - Looking at v.10 How do you ‘Be Still’ before God?

As we move on to the Gospel study, we move from recognising that God is in control of even the most difficult of circumstances to how we, too, can appropriate a certainty not only that God is in control but is always with us in the most difficult of circumstances.  From chapter 14 of John through to the end of Chapter 16 Jesus is speaking to the disciples about the future without his physical presence.  He knows they are going to be witnesses to his death, and much of his discourse is about the reassurance of his ongoing presence with them despite that.  In the part of Chapter 15, which we are considering here, his emphasis is on ‘abiding’ or ‘remaining’ with Christ.

Please read John 15:5-17

The concept of the vine is frequently used of Israel itself in the Old Testament    (Psalm 80:8-11, Isaiah 5:1-7,  Jeremiah 2:21 , Ezekiel 15:1-8),  – often in a negative way, Jesus begins in v.1 to talk about himself as the ‘true’ vine – the one that is not diseased, which will grow well and support the grapes (fruit).  Jesus nearly always uses illustrations with which the people he was with would have been very familiar.  Viticulture was very common in Israel at this time.

Q7 - In vv. 5-6 what is Jesus suggesting is important for a follower of him to do? Why do your think it is so necessary for us to remain in Jesus?

Q8 - vv7-8  What does Jesus say are the results of remaining in Him?

Q9 - vv 9-12 What is at the heart of seeking to remain in Christ?  Does this bring joy?

Q10 - v.13 This verse is often used on Remembrance Sunday of those who have died in war.  What does it mean for you?

Q11 - v.14-15  Jesus calls his followers friends rather than servants.  What does he say is the difference between a servant and a friend?

Q12 - v.16 Jesus enlarges on the concept of what a friend is – what does this verse tell you about it?

Q13 - v.17 The passage has been about how we remain in Christ (particularly in difficult times) what else are we told to do in this verse and why do you think it is important?

Action

In your group reflect on the last three words of the passage ‘Love each other’.  Pray together remembering those we have loved and lost, and for a new future where we learn to love each other.