Ground your reading in this prayer: Living God, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit that we may receive the transforming power of your love through the scriptures and so experience abundant life in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Amen.

Read John 13:1-17:26

Consider these observations and questions:

• John 13:1-17:26 is often called “The Farewell Discourse,” Jesus’ final words of instruction to his disciples before his crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus’ teaching begins with an example: he takes the place of a servant by washing his disciples’ feet. Can you imagine Jesus stooping down to wash your feet? What would that feel like? What might we learn about the nature of Christian leadership through Jesus’ example?
• In 14:1-31, the disciples name their felt anxiety in response to Jesus preparing them for his departure to his “Father’s house.” Jesus meets them in their anxiety about his departure and invites them to trust in him. Even more, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as his abiding presence among them. In 14:26, the Common English Bible translates Jesus’ name for the Holy Spirit as “The Companion.” How have you experienced the Holy Spirit as “The Companion” in your life?
• In our cultural moment, so focused on productivity and efficiency, Jesus invites us into the practice of abiding with him (15:1-16). Our fruitfulness as Jesus’ disciples is inextricable from our lingering with God. What practices allow you to linger in God’s love? How can you commit to scheduling daily time to be intentionally present with God, to encourage friends, and to be present with creation?
• In this very moment, Jesus is praying for you, his Church, and all of the world. As we grow into the way of Jesus, we learn to pray like him, experiencing our desires and requests become more and more like his. While we often look to the Lord’s Prayer as our guide to praying like Jesus, Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1-26 is a rich source of guidance. What themes do you notice in Jesus’ prayer? How might Jesus’ prayer help you in learning how to pray?
• In 14:1-31, the disciples name their felt anxiety in response to Jesus preparing them for his departure to his “Father’s house.” Jesus meets them in their anxiety about his departure and invites them to trust in him. Even more, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as his abiding presence among them. In 14:26, the Common English Bible translates Jesus’ name for the Holy Spirit as “The Companion.” How have you experienced the Holy Spirit as “The Companion” in your life?
• In our cultural moment, so focused on productivity and efficiency, Jesus invites us into the practice of abiding with him (15:1-16). Our fruitfulness as Jesus’ disciples is inextricable from our lingering with God. What practices allow you to linger in God’s love? How can you commit to scheduling daily time to be intentionally present with God, to encourage friends, and to be present with creation?
• In this very moment, Jesus is praying for you, his Church, and all of the world. As we grow into the way of Jesus, we learn to pray like him, experiencing our desires and requests become more and more like his. While we often look to the Lord’s Prayer as our guide to praying like Jesus, Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1-26 is a rich source of guidance. What themes do you notice in Jesus’ prayer? How might Jesus’ prayer help you in learning how to pray?

Ground your reading in this prayer: Living God, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit that we may receive the transforming power of your love through the scriptures and so experience abundant life in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Amen.

Read John 18:1- 21:25

Consider these observations and questions:

• The Gospel of John is unique among the other gospels in many ways, but especially in the way Jesus’ interrogation unfolds before Pilate (18:28-38). The back-and-forth between Jesus and Pilate ends with Pilate’s haunting question: “What is truth?” (18:38). Reflecting on your life and our experience of journeying with Jesus through John, how would you answer Pilate’s question?
• Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came in the secrecy of night to ask Jesus questions (3:1-21), joins Joseph of Arimathea in the risky work of preparing and burying Jesus’ body. The risk lies in their association with Jesus, a convicted criminal who was executed by Roman authorities. It is worth recognizing that Jesus’ twelve other disciples did not join them. What can we learn about Nicodemus’ journey from curious outsider to courageous disciple? Do you find any similarities to him in your own faith journey?
• After the resurrection, Jesus continues his ministry of inviting those around him into transformative relationships in the beloved community. In particular, chapter 20 gives us two beautiful glimpses of Jesus meeting Mary in her grief (20:11-18) and Thomas in his doubt (20:24-28). How has the risen Christ met you in seasons of grief or doubt?
• We do not get a full glimpse into Peter’s mental processing, but it is easy to imagine that he is stuck in a cycle of ruminating on his three-fold rejection of Jesus (18:15-18, 25-27) during Jesus’ time of greatest need. In chapter 21, when Peter declares, “I’m going fishing” (21:3), his brothers in faith do not let him go alone. Even more, Jesus meets him on the beach and invites him to break the cycle of shame through a three-fold declaration of his love for Jesus. What can we learn from the disciples’ and Jesus’ journey with Peter as he receives forgiveness and forgives himself?

Introduction: Reading Acts of the Apostles is a whirlwind experience. Acts is distinct in genre from the gospels as a theological historiography. Beginning with the rushing winds of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the story of the early church is full of adventure, shocking reversals, and surprising encounters that witness to God’s direct guidance and intervention in history. If the Gospels give us the story of Jesus’ life, Acts reveals what it looks like for vastly different kinds of people to discover themselves as characters in the story of Christ’s resurrecting love at God’s expanding table. Indeed, Acts does not have a neat, tidy ending. Rather, the narrative invites us to find our way into the story and, with our own lives, boldly witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Ground your reading in this prayer: Holy Spirit, spark in each of our souls a welcoming presence in the world that we may both seek and accept all the wonder-filled people you invite to your expanding table. Amen.

Read Acts 1:1-8:1

Consider these observations and questions:

• Moments before Jesus’ ascension, the Apostles ask him a critical question: “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” (1:6). Jesus responds in a way that will set the direction of Acts: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (1:8). As we will discover in our reading, the Apostles will become vulnerable, yet Spirit-empowered witnesses in the world until the day of Christ’s return. What does it mean to you to live as a “witness” to Jesus and God’s Kingdom?
• While much of our attention is focused on the wonders of action-packed events like Pentecost (chapter 2), it is also important to recognize how the Holy Spirit works in the mess and mundane needs of daily life to shape and direct the church. In Acts 6:1-7, we learn how a growing tension around food distribution to widows became the occasion for the creation of “Deacons” in the church. What is the role of a “Deacon” in the early church? How do they bear witness to Jesus and the Kingdom? In what ways have you experienced the Spirit shaping and directing your life through seemingly mundane details and decisions?
• In Acts, prison is one of the most significant settings for God’s deliverance, the formation of surprising friendships, and hopeful proclamation about Jesus. Do you have experience in prison or with prison ministry? Why do you think prison is such a powerful setting for encountering God both in Acts and in our world today?
• Saint Stephen is the church’s first martyr who witnesses to Christ not only with his message but also through his death. Specifically, he imitates Jesus by extending forgiveness to his accusers and executioners (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59). What relationship do you see between forgiveness and dying faithfully?

Ground your reading in this prayer: Holy Spirit, spark in each of our souls a welcoming presence in the world that we may both seek and accept all the wonder-filled people you invite to your expanding table. Amen.

Read Mark 8:22-16:20

Consider these observations and questions:

• In a striking moment of transformation, Saul meets Jesus while traveling on the road to Damascus. Saul, a known persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:1, 9:1-2), is struck by a heavenly light and the voice of Jesus who says, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” (9:3-4, CEB). Take a moment to reflect on how the risen Christ identifies with persecuted Christians. The power of Christ’s resurrection does not preclude his solidarity with the suffering today.
• In Acts 8:26-40, we witness a transformative encounter between Phillip and an Ethiopian eunuch as they meet on the road. The Ethiopian man’s humility to ask questions and openness to invite Phillip into his carriage create the space for the Holy Spirit’s ministry of connection. Those who were once strangers are now one in the body of Christ through baptism. When has humility invited you into a deeper relationship with God and others? What are some of the most meaningful lessons you have learned from strangers?
• Saul’s journey continues beyond his encounter on the road. God does not work alone in ushering transformation. Rather, Jesus recruits Ananias as a companion in Saul’s journey of becoming the Apostle Paul. Ananias is well aware of the risk to his life and the community’s security in receiving Saul. Yet he embraces the call, trusting that God will provide, and welcomes Saul as his “Brother” (9:17). What can we learn from Ananias? Have you had experiences when God called you to do something that seemed risky?
• Peter, a Christian still living within the restrictions of the Jewish dietary laws, receives a surprising vision of God’s expanding table (10:9-16). What follows is a transforming encounter between Peter and Cornelius, a faithful Gentile. Despite their ethnic and religious differences, the Holy Spirit speaks to both men, drawing them to a shared table and life in Christ. In response to God’s gracious action, Peter rejoices: “I really am learning that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another. Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him. This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!” (10:34-37). When have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s ministry in moments of encounter with people from different cultures, ethnicities, or religions? What did you learn?
• Chapter 15 narrates one of the most significant church meetings in history. Even in debate, the members of the council are not entrenched in their positions. Instead, they are open to hearing new perspectives and testimonies, trusting that the Holy Spirit can work in new ways and in new people beyond what they ever expected. What can we learn from the early Christians as we engage in dialogue around important matters within and outside the church?

Ground your reading in this prayer: Holy Spirit, spark in each of our souls a welcoming presence in the world that we may both seek and accept all the wonder-filled people you invite to your expanding table. Amen.

Read Acts 16:1-20:38

Consider these observations and questions:

• Lydia plays a pivotal role in the founding of the Christian community at Philippi (16:11-15). She was a purple-dye trader, an industry in the Greco-Roman world that connected her with people across the Mediterranean and into Asia. The Holy Spirit worked through her business connections to draw people together to receive the good news about Jesus. Have you ever considered how God might work within your spheres of influence and connection? How might Lydia’s story set an example for how we envision sharing the good news of Jesus?
• Mary’s song (1:46-55) is an echo of Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Both women sing in celebration about God enacting a significant reversal, when the powerful and haughty are brought down, and the weak and lowly are exalted. How do Mary and Hannah’s song challenge the power structures of our world? How can we join them in song and solidarity?
• As Paul and other disciples encounter pagan culture, the message of Jesus brings about social transformation along with economic and political upheaval. In particular, Acts records episodes in Philippi (16:16-40) and Ephesus (19:23-41) in which the economic upheaval caused by the gospel leads business owners to organize crowds to resist the disciples. Take a few minutes to look at one or both of these episodes. What do people fear in the disciples’ message? Why are they resistant to change? Do we have similar fears that don’t allow the gospel to transform our economic and social structures? If so, how can God liberate us from our fears?
• In the Ancient World, Athens was one of the cultural centers of philosophy, giving us the likes of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. In 17:16-34, we witness Paul’s encounter with the Athenians. How does Paul address their religious curiosities? What is the main message of his address?
• It is often said that Acts of the Apostles should really be titled, “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Again and again, we hear the refrain “guided by the Spirit” (19:21) as the disciples go from place to place in sharing the life and love of Jesus. What does living a Spirit-guided life mean to you?
• Saying goodbye is hard, especially when someone has had a significant impact on your life. Acts 20:13-38 records Paul’s parting words and farewell to the Christians at Ephesus. Knowing that every word of the story matters, why do you think our narrator shares this moment with us? In your experience, what are the elements of a good “goodbye”?

Ground your reading in this prayer: Holy Spirit, spark in each of our souls a welcoming presence in the world that we may both seek and accept all the wonder-filled people you invite to your expanding table. Amen.

Read Acts 21:1-28:31

Consider these observations and questions:

• A large portion of Acts 21:1-28:31 records Paul’s various trials before the crowd gathered at the Temple (22:1-21) and various Roman officials. Even with the different groups of people, Paul is remarkably consistent in his message: “I am on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead!” (23:6; 24:15; 26:6-8; 28:20). What might we learn from Paul’s confident conviction as we abide in resurrection hope this Easter season? How might you share resurrection hope with different kinds of people in your life?
• Encouragement is a consistent practice within the early church. As a prisoner on a ship bound for Rome that wrecks on the shores of Malta, the Holy Spirit at work within Paul continues to encourage those around him. Indeed, we get an echo of Jesus at the Last Supper in Acts 27:35-36: “After [Paul] said these things, he took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, then broke it and began to eat. Everyone was encouraged and took some food.” Can you remember a time when someone encouraged you when you were in a desperate place? What message or actions did they offer to you?
• Uniquely, Acts ends as an unfinished story. History teaches us that Paul was martyred in Rome under the reign of Emperor Nero. Nevertheless, our narrator (who would have been aware of Paul’s death) ends not with Paul’s death but like this: “Unhindered and with complete confidence, [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ” (28:31). Why do you think the story ends this way? What can we learn about faithful Christian living through Paul’s posture of welcoming strangers (28:30) and unhindered preaching in his final days?