MESSAGE: The Trial           Date: 3/22/2026

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. 

1. Read John 18:12. Jesus allowed Himself to be arrested even though He had all authority. What does this reveal about His character? What makes it hard for us to surrender control in our own lives? What does it reveal about our character? 

2. Read John 11:48–50. The religious leaders were more concerned with protecting their power, prestige, and security than recognizing the Messiah standing right in front of them. Where are you tempted to protect your comfort, control, or reputation instead of fully surrendering to Jesus? What might it look like to trust Him in that area instead of holding on?

3. Discuss what it really looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life. Be honest and practical—where is it actually hard, costly, or inconvenient? Try to avoid easy or cliché answers and instead share real experiences. 

4. Read John 18:15–18 Why do you think Peter and John stayed close during Jesus’ trial? What do you think was going on in their hearts? And when Peter is accused of being one of Jesus’ followers, how does his response sometimes reflect the way we react when our faith is questioned or challenged?

5. Read Mark 14:55–56 and Matthew 27:12–14. Jesus was falsely accused, yet remained innocent and chose silence instead of defending Himself. How do you usually respond when you’re misunderstood or treated unfairly—do you get defensive, angry, or withdraw? What might it look like for you to respond more like Jesus instead of needing to defend yourself?

6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What stands out to you in this verse? What does it reveal about what God has done for you and the life He desires for you to live? 

7. Read 1 Peter 2:23–24. How does Jesus’ example model how we are to respond when we are wronged? Where in your life do you need to trust God as your defender, provider and judge?

8. Read Luke 23:18–25. What do you think was going through Barabbas’s mind during this exchange? Can you think of a time when someone took the consequences or cost for another? How does that help you better understand what Jesus has done for you personally?

9. Read Proverbs 14:12. What’s one area of your life where following Jesus feels risky or uncomfortable, but is actually leading you toward His peace and freedom? What might you be holding onto that’s keeping you from taking your next step of faith?

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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TRY OUR NEW DEVOTIONAL TOOL

Take a moment to quietly reflect on these questions, then share what God is showing or teaching you.

1. Experiencing the Father: Where have you recently seen or felt the Father’s love in your life? Recently, I’ve experienced the Father’s love and kindness toward me through…

1. Following Jesus: Where is Jesus shaping your character or inviting you to trust Him more right now? Right now Jesus is growing me, gently inviting me to become more like Him in…
   
   

2. Walking in the Spirit: What has the Holy Spirit recently revealed to you through Scripture? During my time in the Word, the Holy Spirit revealed this to me…