Snake Crusher Bible Discussion #4
THE SNAKE CRUSHER
Consider dinner — chip in for pizza/Doordash? or see dinner ideas on the Resources page.
Get your timer ready!
Make sure you have a plan for playing the video (Bible Tool)
Look up Luke 24:13-35 on your audio Bible so it's ready to play.
Gather Supplies:
Paper for the group — computer or notebook paper is fine!
Pens or pencils
Print reflection questions (See Experience the Text)
Depending on who is at your group this week, you may want to read out the values again. Up to you!
Here are some group norms for our times together:
Everyone’s voice is important.
The format of the study allows for different processing times and learning styles.
I am the facilitator, not the teacher! In fact, we will decide some things together as a group about how we proceed.
Remind the group about the past session and how share how this one connects:
Last week we discussed Genesis 3 and the promise in verse 15 about the women's offspring that would crush the head of the serpent, but be bruised on the heel by him. For centuries God's people waited for this person to come. Today we're going to watch a video that helps us understand how Jesus fulfills this promise.
The video shows how the story of the “snake crusher” continues throughout the Bible. What stood out to you about the story?
Did the video raise any questions you would like to discuss more?
How does the video help us understand the stories we studied in Genesis 1-3?
Explain this to the group:
Now let’s dive into the story! Today we'll be looking at part of an ancient biography of Jesus called "The Gospel according to Luke" or just "Luke". Like before, I'll play the story on my audio Bible. If you have a Bible, you can follow along. If you don’t, no worries!
Open your audio Bible to the selected passage. Hit Play!
Pause when it comes to Luke 24:35.
Explain this:
Now I’ll play it a second time so we really soak it in. If you have a Bible, just listen this time. We’ll see if something else sticks out that way!
Set it back to Luke 24:13 again. Hit Play again!
Pause when it comes to Luke 24:35.
Explain this to the group: You guys are welcome to look at the passage while we discuss some questions.
Ask these questions, one at a time. Leave some silent space for people to process! (Note: as people start discussing, try to respond with follow up questions.)
What happens in this story?
What questions come to mind as you hear this story?
What important ideas do you see in this passage?
How do the characters in this story react to Jesus being alive after his death? What difference does it make for us?
Pass out the reflection sheets. Explain this to the group:
Thinking of all the stories we’ve looked at over the last few weeks and today, reflect on these questions:
What quotes or truths most resonated with me?
What is my relationship with Jesus? What do I want it to be?
What action will I take next? (e.g., investigate one or more of my questions, talk with someone about my relationship with Jesus)
You’ll have about 10 minutes. Afterward, gather in smaller groups to share with one another.
Share these options with the group:
If your action steps include connecting with someone else, perhaps you can connect with someone from our group.
If you want to continue meeting as a group we can spend more time with these stories and any questions you have.
Check out these resources for further study on your own or with a friend.
Optional resources for further study:
God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts - book and free video series (https://www.godsbigpicture.co.uk/)
Made To Thrive conversation guide about the good news of Jesus.
This blog post is a good summary of the Bible: The Bible Story By Brandon D. Smith and Jeremy Writebol
Photo credit: Bianca Maria on Unsplash