Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up. The following notes are for your interest and consideration.

Personal comment:

There is something of a sharp message about our passage today, and it is about accepting Jesus or stumbling upon Him. It is easy to think of these issues as something we can address at church or discuss with friends, but the decision to accept Christ is fundamental. It lies at the heart of Christian discipleship, because without Jesus Christ, nothing we do for the Kingdom of God makes sense. Discipleship is about walking a path with our Saviour, not stumbling around because we don’t know what to make of Him!

Ideas for discipleship programme

• Ask yourself whether there are any ‘stumbling blocks’ in your life which prevent you from being effective in faith, and prayer, and witness. If possible, speak to a friend about this, and pray with them.
• Pray for those you know who do not know how to take the step of faith that will bring them closer to God. Pray that they will not prevaricate, but decide and act, so that they will come to know their Lord.

Keep us close Lord Jesus, in our families; and through You way may we be close to each other. Save us from the dangers of a world that seeks to draw people apart, and grant us the grace to be loving in all our words to each other and our deeds to each other. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord: AMEN

Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.

1. Do you feel you understand the scriptural references in this passage? Look them up and discuss in your group what they mean.
2. What are God’s purposes for the ‘old vine’ of the Israelite people, now the ‘new vine’ of the church has been created?
3. Discuss why the chief priests and authorities felt justified in wanting to arrest Jesus. What danger did He represent to them?