April 26, 2025
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
When everything is falling apart, what kind of image helps you understand the way Jesus stood firm—with grace, courage, and unshakable resolve?
The Eye of the Storm—In the middle of a violent hurricane, there is a small, calm center—the eye. Everything around it is chaos, but the eye is still.
A Tree Rooted in Deep Soil—Storms bend branches, shake leaves, and howl through forests—but a tree with deep roots stands firm.
A Rock on the Shoreline—Waves crash, wind roars, tides rise—but the rock doesn’t move.
A Steady Flame in the Wind—Wind tries to blow it out, but the flame holds steady—small, sure, and burning with purpose.
Gold in the Fire—Gold is purified by intense heat. The fire doesn’t destroy it—it reveals its beauty and worth.
A Mountain at Sunrise—Mountains don’t move. When the sun rises, they reflect glory even after a long, dark night.
An Eagle Riding the Wind—In storms, most birds hide—but eagles soar higher, using the wind to rise.
A River Cutting Through Rock—Water looks soft, but over time it shapes canyons. Steady, determined, unstoppable.
A Seed Breaking Open to Grow—A seed must be buried and broken to grow into something new.
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
Read Mark 14:43-50
Jesus Arrested
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
A crisis can strike without warning, turning our lives upside down. This is powerfully illustrated in the Garden, where Judas, one of the Twelve, betrays Jesus with a kiss—an act meant to symbolize love but twisted into a haunting betrayal. It raises an important question: Do our outward actions truly reflect our inner hearts, especially in how we treat others?
In this moment, Jesus—who taught peacefully—faces arrest under the cover of night, revealing the insecurities of the religious leaders. When fear drives us instead of truth, we act in secrecy. Yet, Jesus remains calm, reminding us that "all this has taken place that the Scriptures . . . might be fulfilled" (Matthew 26:56).
Even in chaos, God’s plan is in motion. As panic takes hold, the disciples scatter, fear overtaking their faith. But Jesus stands firm, understanding the bigger picture—the plan of salvation. A crisis reminds us that we are not in control, but it also shows us that through faith in a greater purpose, we can navigate chaos with confidence and hope.
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.