WEEK 8 – Spring 2026
LIFE GROUPS – WEEK 8
ICE BREAKER:
- Who is someone you’ve met who was both incredibly strong and surprisingly gentle?
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 26: 47-56 NIV
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
undiscipling gentleness - the weakness myth
Lie #1: Gentleness is weakness.
Truth: Gentleness is strength under control.
Lie #2: If you don’t defend yourself, people will walk all over you.
Truth: God is your defender, so you don’t have to be.
Lie #3: Gentleness is cowardice.
Truth: Gentleness is courage that trusts God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Where in your life are you most tempted to prove your strength instead of practice restraint? What would gentleness look like in that situation?
- Which is harder for you personally: speaking truth with gentleness, or trusting God enough not to defend yourself? Why?
- Think about a recent conflict or disagreement. Did you respond more like Peter with the sword or like Jesus with the healing touch? What would a gentle response have looked like?
- In what situations do you confuse gentleness with weakness of cowardice? How does Jesus’ example challenge that assumption?
Life Journal Reading Plan
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Day 1: Romans 1
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Day 2: Romans 2
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Day 3: Romans 3
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Day 4: Romans 4
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Day 5: Romans 5
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Day 6: Romans 6
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Day 7: Romans 7
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