Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness led to three years of remarkable clarity and resolve as he taught, healed, and journeyed toward crucifixion in Jerusalem. The principle is clear: fasting fosters focus.

What is our focus? And is our view of the world around us in focus?

This week, we have the very special privilege of Kenny Schmitt teaching the Scripture. Kenny has spent the better part of the last seven years living with his family in Jerusalem and finishing his PhD dissertation on cities in conflict. Far more than a mere academic, however, Kenny has lived with and loved on people embroiled in a conflict that most commentators call the world’s most complex. In addition, Kenny lived in Buddy’s basement, spent several years as Grace’s high school pastor, and is my close friend. He and his young family will be moving back to Jerusalem in April, and I’m extremely excited for you to hear what God has taught him about finding focus and making peace in the heart of conflict. If you want to read ahead in preparation, Luke 19 would be a good place to start.

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: The Working and Weeping of Peace // Scripture: Luke 13:31-34, 19:41-42

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes

This week Kenny Schmitt continued our series Fast by talking with us about the “The Working and Weeping of Peace”. Peace is something everyone wants. But peace usually doesn’t come easy. Peacemaking is rarely peaceful. It sometimes includes pushback. However, peace is possible in every place and in every situation. So how do we become people who weep and work for peace? Peacemaking requires critique and compassion. It takes courage! Peacemaking is costly, but it is worth it. This way of peace we see modeled in Jesus throughout the book of Luke. He speaks not simply out of anger but out of a better way of life. As the architect of peace Jesus speaks prophetic words that disturb the status quo and challenge all those around Him to a different way of life. He gives His life to make peace and invites us not just into peace but also His way of peace. So, where does your life need peace and how might you live with the critique, compassion, and courage of Jesus to bring peace wherever you go?

THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.

Peacemaking is rarely peaceful.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes

Picture (What is the story saying?): Why was Jesus weeping in this passage? How did Jesus disturb the status quo? How did Jesus act with both critique and compassion? How did Jesus demonstrate courage? What did bringing peace cost Jesus?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Where does your life need peace? Where does your neighborhood or community need peace? What critique and compassion needs to be seen and heard in this place? What would it look like for you to be courageous in making peace? How might pushing and pressing in for peace in this place cost you? How would working through the cost for peace be worth it?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?):  What would it look like to live your life as a continual peacemaker? Where are the places in your work or neighborhood that need to be wept over? What might it look like to be a continual presence of peace in this place?

BE IT – Practice 15 minutes

Change UP // Peace Time 5 minutes

Take some time this week to join God in silence. Spend at least one minute in silence together as you contemplate peace in our world. Invite God to speak as you are silent. In the silence listen for a word or picture from God. Enjoy the peace of the silence. Share anything God might have given you in a word or picture as you listen together to what God could be saying to your group.

Change IN // Peace Meal

This week Kenny talked a lot about the power of simple conversation with those that are different than you. Conversations are often the byproduct of simply taking time to eat with one another. So, this week as you share a meal together with your group, press into conversations—even conversations that might be hard to approach with one another. Take time to listen to those you are eating with. Hear their thoughts and opinions and allow them to challenge and shape you.

Change OUT // Peace Walk 

Take some time this week as a group to go for a Peace Walk. Go out into your neighborhood and community together and take some time to see it as God sees it. Where is there conflict? Where might you need to bring peace into it? Use these questions to guide your walk and prayer as you weep and work for peace in that place. After you have walked the community or neighborhood, come back together and share your observations.

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.