1. Read the following passages together:

Psalm 8, Genesis 1:27, Psalm139, Matthew 10:29-31

2. In what ways do these passages speak to the worth and value of our lives? What helps you to understand and believe that your life holds great value? What makes this truth difficult to believe?

3. Now read the following passages together:

1 Corinthians 15:55, John 11:25-26, John 14:1-7, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Revelation 21:4

4. As you think about the hope of eternal life that we have, because of what Christ has done for us, consider these questions together:

a)     What impact can this hope have on how we, as Christians view death?

b)    In what ways do you feel prepared to face death with hope?

c)     In what ways do you feel fearful or uncomfortable about death?

d)    What do you notice about how our society handles death and loss? Can you think of any examples of how death and loss are not handled well? Can you share an example of a time that you saw death and loss handled well?

*Before continuing, please check in with your group members to see if everyone feels comfortable discussing the issue of Medical Assistance in Dying. If they do not, please skip forward to the question 6. Otherwise, please commit to engaging with question 5 with care, gentleness, and respect*

5. In our Canadian society, the practice of a physician purposefully causing death at the request of a patient, in order to avoid suffering, is a legal and widely accepted practice (MAID: Medical Assistance in Dying). Consider the following questions together:

a)     What value do you believe our lives hold when we are going through significant suffering?

b)    Supporters of MAID value automony and independence, ability and usefulness, freedom to do what you want, the avoidance of pain and suffering, and the pursuit of personal happiness. In what ways do these values conflict with the values of our faith?

c)     What can help us to face difficult suffering, and even death, with hope?

6. If you are able, share an example of someone you believe walked the road of suffering and death well.

7. Jesus offered us the ultimate example of dying well. Considering his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, as he wrestled with the intense fear of the suffering and death that was set before him: “Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39)

a)     What does this prayer reveal about the feelings Jesus experienced in this moment? And what does this show us about his understanding and compassion for us when we experience these kinds of feelings?

b)    What has Jesus modelled for us about how we are called to face suffering and death?

8. What do you know about Palliative Care?

a)     In what ways can this approach be helpful for end of life care?

b)    Does knowing that this kind of support is available make the idea of experiencing the journey towards death seem more possible to endure?

c)     Are you interested in learning more about palliative care? Consider attending North Park’s Conversation on Understanding Palliative Care on Wednesday, November 25 at 7pm

Pray for each other out of the items discussed. Pray that you would each know the profound value of your lives. Pray for God’s wisdom, to understand how we are called to walk through suffering that leads to death. Pray for one another, that you would each be encouraged and strengthened by the hope of Jesus Christ, and that this hope would radically transform your fears about facing suffering and death.