LifeGroup Discussion Guide

Theme: Seeing the Light Beyond the Trees- Responding to Heartache in Our World and Community

Main Idea: The Presence of Jesus is more Powerful than our Earthly Positions

Opening

  • Begin by welcoming everyone. Acknowledge that this week was heavy and different from a “normal” Sunday, and that this group is a safe place to process together.

  • Open with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to bring comfort, clarity, and courage as you talk.

Getting to Know Each Other

  • Share one small thing that brought you joy this past week. Everyone has to answer this question, going around the room in a counter-clockwise direction.

  • When you hear hard news (locally or nationally), what’s your natural first response—do you want to fight, flee, or freeze?

Looking at God’s Word

Whoever is the youngest person in the room read Matthew 26:47–56 (Jesus arrested in the garden). Jesus stood surrounded by darkness, betrayal,  and violence—yet He remained anchored in the Father’s will.

  • Which character in this story do you relate to most right now—Peter with his sword, the disciples fleeing, or Jesus standing firm? Why?

  • What does this moment teach us about facing confusion, fear, or injustice with faith?

Shifting Our Perspective

1. What matters most?

Whoever arrived last tonight. Read: Colossians 3:1–4; Ephesians 5:8

  • How can we keep our eyes on “things above” instead of getting lost in all the “trees” of the week?

  • What might it look like to live as “children of light” in our conversations, social media posts, and daily lives?

2. Who is my enemy?

Whoever arrived first tonight: Read: Ephesians 6:12; Romans 12:17–21

  • How does remembering our true enemy (spiritual forces, not people) reshape how we respond to others we disagree with?

  • What’s one practical way you could “overcome evil with good” this week?

3. Am I living for the world or for the kingdom?

Whoever has the most kids Read: Romans 12:9–11

  • How did this week’s events challenge or jolt your faith?

  • What does it mean for us to live with sincere love, perseverance, and prayer when the world feels dark?

4. Am I mission-driven or moment-reactionary?

Whoever has the most grandkids, read: 2 Corinthians 5:20

  • What helps you pause before reacting so you can respond as an “ambassador of Christ”?

5. Am I prepared to give an answer for my faith?

Whoever is wearing the brightest shirt. Read: 1 Peter 3:15

  • How can we discuss Jesus as our hope with gentleness and respect—even when emotions are running high?

6. Where is my true home?

Whoever had the longest drive Read: Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Peter 2:9–12

  • How does remembering our heavenly citizenship bring perspective to today’s struggles?

  • How might this eternal focus help us live with hope and courage now?

Personal Reflection

  • Which of these six questions hits closest to where you are right now?

  • Where do you need to invite Jesus’ light into your “trees” of confusion or pain?

  • In what ways can we put the focus on the wrong power and miss the presence of Jesus working in our lives?

Whoever has said the least during this discussion, read John 16:33. 

  • How does this verse help you see beyond the trees to the light?

Moving Forward Together

  • What’s one step we could take as a group to bring light into our community this week?

  • How can we encourage one another to remain rooted in Christ, rather than being consumed by the chaos around us?

Closing Prayer

  • Ask for God’s peace to anchor each person here.

  • Ask if there are concerns or specific challenges in one another’s lives you can pray for.

  • Close by thanking Jesus that He has already overcome the world.

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