Axe Memorial
United Methodist ChurchWeekly Bible Study | April 28 & 29, 2026
Group Study: “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”
This week we observe and enter a conversation that takes place during Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. He has spoken about betrayal, denial, and his coming departure. The disciples are anxious and confused. Into that fear, Jesus speaks words of comfort, trust, and promise. Clearly, this is not a calm moment—it is a troubled moment—which makes Jesus’ words even more powerful.
ZOOM Session
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
IN PERSON Session
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, Conference Room, McGee Building.
Meeting ID: 626 688 7263
Passcode: DEVOTIONAL
Scripture: John 14:1-14
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
4And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.
12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
Opening Prayer
Loving God, when our hearts are troubled, draw near to us. Open this scripture to our minds, our hearts, and our lives. Show us the way of Christ, the truth of your love, and the life that never ends. Guide our conversation and shape us into people of peace and hope. Amen.
Discussion Questions…
A. Troubled Hearts
This passage begins with Jesus saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
1. Why do you think Jesus begins here?
2. What is the difference between having trouble and being ruled by trouble?
3. When your heart is troubled, what helps bring peace?
B. Trust in Uncertain Times
Jesus says, “Believe in God, believe also in me.” By this he means, “Trust in God, trust also in me.”
1. What do you think trust means in this context?
2. How is trust different from certainty?
3. Can faith exist alongside doubt or fear? Why or why not?
4. Where have you experienced God’s presence in uncertain times?
C. Many Dwelling Places
He goes on to say, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.”
1. What images or feelings come to mind when you hear these words?
2. How have these verses brought comfort to people?
3. What might this passage say about belonging, welcome, and grace now—not only in the afterlife?
4. Who in our world most needs to hear that there is room for them?
D. The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
1. What do you think Jesus means by “the way”?
2. How does following Jesus involve more than believing certain ideas?
3. What if Jesus is describing a path to live rather than a boundary to defend?
4. How does Jesus model that path through compassion, forgiveness, and humility?
5. Where do you see the way of Jesus (love, compassion, justice, mercy) needed most today?
6. What practices help us walk that way today?
7. How might this verse become good news instead of fear-based religion?
E. Show Us the Father
Philip says, “Show us the Father.”
1. Why do you think Philip asks for something more visible or certain?
2. In what ways do people still ask that same question today?
3. Jesus says that seeing him is seeing the Father. What does Jesus reveal about God’s character?
4. How has your understanding of God changed through the example of Jesus?
F. Greater Works
Jesus says his followers will do “greater works.”
1. What do you think that means?
2. What are examples of Christ’s work continuing through ordinary people?
3. What one act of love or service might God be inviting you to this week?
Spiritual Practice for the Week
“Walking the Way”
A. Begin each morning by praying, “Do not let my heart be troubled.”
B. Then choose one concrete act you could plan for the day that reflects the way of Jesus:
1. Forgive someone
2. Welcome someone
3. Serve someone quietly
4. Speak truth with kindness
5. Choose peace over retaliation
6. Trust love over fear
C. At day’s end, reflect: How did I walk the way today?
Closing Prayer
Christ our Way, when we feel lost, guide us. When we feel troubled, calm us. When we feel excluded, remind us there is room in your love. Teach us not only to admire your words, but to walk your path. Free us from fear, pride, and exclusion. Open us to the wide and generous love of God. Amen.