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MESSAGE: The Garden Date: 3/15/2026
SERIES: Jesus Story Conclusion
COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Kevin Geer
CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Celebrating wins helps fuel God’s mission and inspire others to join in.
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THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you.
Read John 17:1–26. What is Jesus praying for, and who is He praying for? Since you are also a disciple of Jesus, how does this prayer speak to you personally? How does hearing His prayer add deeper meaning to the moment when He is betrayed and willingly steps forward to be arrested?
Read John 18:1-11 and discuss the following questions:
Before entering the garden, Jesus had just finished teaching His disciples and praying for them. What does this reveal about the importance of preparing our hearts with God before facing a difficult season in life? Can you think of a time in your own life when prayer, Scripture, or time with God helped prepare you for a challenging situation?
Jesus regularly spent time with His disciples in Gethsemane for prayer. What “garden” (a place or rhythm where you meet with God) do you return to when you need to be with Him? What does that practice or posture look like for you?
Judas arrives with an army and a kiss to betray Jesus. Have you ever experienced betrayal in your own life that you’d be willing to share? In what ways does our own sin resemble betrayal in our relationship with God?
Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus? Do you think it was for the money, an attempt to push Jesus into starting a rebellion against the Romans, or maybe a way to force the kingdom of God that Jesus often talked about to finally happen? Did Judas have a choice in this matter? Discuss these and other possibilities.
Jesus knew exactly what was coming and willingly stepped forward. What does this reveal about His obedience and trust in the Father’s plan? Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to adopt that same posture of trust and obedient surrender?
When Jesus says, “I Am,” the soldiers fall to the ground. What does this moment reveal about His authority, power, and majesty? Have you ever witnessed or experienced God’s power at work but didn’t fully recognize it at the time? Looking back, how do you now see His hand in that moment?
Is there an area of your life right now where you need the power and presence of the great “I Am”? How might trusting His authority change the way you face that situation?
Jesus willingly gives Himself up to protect His disciples. How does this moment foreshadow the way He ultimately gives Himself up for all humanity? In what ways does His sacrifice model for us how to serve and put God and others before ourselves?
Read Matthew 16:24–25. Jesus surrendered His life to fulfill the Father’s plan. What does it practically look like for us today to “take up our cross” and follow Him? How would you describe the Father’s plan for the world? What are some practical ways you can partner with Him to achieve it?
What “garden” habits—intentional times with God in prayer, Scripture, or reflection—can you begin or strengthen in your life this week? What biblical truths do you need to rekindle or start actively practicing? And who could you invite to walk alongside you for encouragement and accountability in this journey?
PRAYER OPTIONS: Practice praying out loud to grow and stretch your faith. Bonus Practice: Try praying out loud with the people who love you and feel safe.
Prayer Partnership: What’s on your heart that we can partner with you and bring it to the Lord?
Read and put into practice James 5:13-16. Pray for the sick, praise Him for everything, confess your sins, pray for physical, spiritual and emotional healing.
1 & 1: One thing to celebrate, one thing to bring to God.
Praise Sentences: Short prayers thanking God, then pray for shared needs.
Prayer Clusters: Groups of 2–3, share requests, pray together, and encourage each other during the week.
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THE NEW CANVAS BIBLE READING PLAN IS UP AND RUNNING
Read through the New Testament until the end of the year – 5 days a week, Find it on the Canvas Church app (“Bible Reading Plan”). Listening option available.
Read it. Think about it. Live it out.
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CANVAS + Looking for some great content to help you grow in your faith?
Check out Canvas Plus, a totally FREE content streaming platform found exclusively on the Canvas App.
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