Catch up on how things have been over the past week (over drinks and snacks if possible). Then ask group members to:
This term, we’re exploring some of the meals Jesus shared. Not only is this helping us get to know Jesus better, but we’re seeing how the way he shared meals has loads of implications for how we experience student life today.
Ask for a volunteer to read Luke 24:13-35 to the group, praying a short prayer that, however much they’ve come to know Jesus, they’d know him better as a result of your time together.
If you’re not gathered in person, the leader should project the video for the group through sharing their screen. If you’re using Zoom, make sure you have optimized your screen share for video. You can download the video to watch offline.
Suggested questions to help your discussion.
‘Moses and all the Prophets’ was a Jewish way of referring to the Old Testament.
As Jesus meets the disciples on the road to Emmaus, they reveal how disappointed they were: they had hoped he would accomplish the redemption of Israel. But Jesus goes through the whole canon of the Old Testament (not just specific predictions!) to explain how all of Israel’s story led to him, the Messiah, and how his death and resurrection were in fact the way God had kept all his promises. Jesus is the whole point, purpose and destination of all of the Old Testament story.
There are some brilliant Bible overviews that can help those less familiar with this idea get to grips with the Bible’s big story. A great place to start is Mike Cain’s article: Have You Got the Whole Story?
Spend time praying for these things.
Read Isaiah 9:2-7. It’s one of the famous predictions of the birth of the Messiah from the Old Testament. Then discuss:
Feedback on how you got with last week’s activity, then choose another to undertake together this week (ideally a different category to whatever you did last time).
Get nourished: for group bonding
Host a Christmas celebration for Impact Group members, and invite friends and flatmates to come too. Perhaps you could eat together, or bake gingerbread. You could also invite friends to upcoming church and CU Christmas events.
Offer a taste: to do together
Embark upon some carol singing! You could even advertise your services and allow people to text you with where they’ll be and which carol they’d like you to sing. Bring along flyers for upcoming CU or church events you can leave with them.
Add spice: a personal challenge
Decorate a window of your accommodation with those you live with to mark Christmas. Send a photo to your Impact Group’s chat, and be prepared for conversations with flatmates about why Christmas is important to you.
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