Planet of The ApesWeek 3 – Discussion Guide

Luke 22

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The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called Passover, drew near. Thehigh priests and religion scholars were looking for a way to do away with Jesus but,fearful of the people, they were also looking for a way to cover their tracks.

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That's when Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot. He was one of the Twelve. Leaving the others, he conferred with the high priests and the Temple guardsabout how he might betray Jesus to them. They couldn't believe their good luck andagreed to pay him well. He gave them his word and started looking for a way tobetray Jesus, but out of sight of the crowd.

MixersGo around the circle sharing your name and something that youwere irrationally afraid of as a child.Going Deeper1.) When Taylor is summoned to Dr. Zaius’ office after the trialZaius tells him he’s going to silence him by doing experimentalbrain surgery. Taylor resists and is dragged from the officescreaming, “You’re afraid of me doctor! What are you afraidof?” Why do you think Dr. Zaius is afraid of Taylor?2.) Read the passage from Luke 22 above. Why do you thinkthe religious scholars and high priests afraid of Jesus? Whatdid they do because of their fear?

Jesus’ kingdom is subvertingtheir power. They have made a nice place for themselves with wealth,power and social prestige and the good news Jesus is proclaiminglabels them as part of the problem. They are working against God. Butinstead of repenting and moving with God (a la folks like Matthew)they become afraid and seek to shore up their positions by murderingJesus.

3.) Do you see any similarities to what is happening to Taylor?4.) Why is fear such a powerful motivator? Is it OK forChristians to use fear as a way of bringing people in line? Whyor why not?

Fear is motivating because people think something isgoing to be taken away from them they will respond selfishly and inself-preservation, not in self-sacrificial love. This is why it is anti-to-the-Christ to use fear as a means of bringing people to Jesus. It’s fearthat killed Jesus and led to his betrayal. If Christians respond to fear