Skip to main content

Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Necessary Heartbreak

1. Michael stumbles upon Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey in a peaceful, loving demonstration. Jesus’ beautiful gesture is countered by whom from the opposite side of the city?

2. Michael chases Jesus in the street, begging for Him to bring back his deceased wife, Vicki. Discuss this and how it relates to one of Jesus’ greatest miracles. Which one is it?

3. Michael sees Judas betraying Jesus. Where does this scene take place?

4. As the disciples defend Jesus against the soldiers in the garden, the fighting abruptly stops. Why? What did Jesus say?

5. Michael chases Judas into a field after the betrayal. He tries to persuade Judas to return the blood money. Would you have done the same thing? Why?

6. If Michael had been successful in stopping Jesus from being crucified, what do you think it would have meant for Christians all over the world?

7. Michael, Elizabeth, and Leah are in the courtyard as Pilate rules on Jesus’ fate. Who does Pilate release so that the crowd can have Jesus executed?

8. Michael and Elizabeth celebrate Passover with their friend Leah. What does the meal consist of?

9. What animal was sacrificed by Jews during the feast of Passover during Christ’s time on earth?

10. Michael volunteers to carry the cross for Jesus. In the Bible, who carries it?

11. Michael reaches the top of the hill, carrying the cross. What is the name of the place where Christ is nailed to the cross?

12. Michael sees two women weeping as Christ and the cross are lifted skyward. Who are they?

13. The Romans ruled with an iron hand in first century Jerusalem. Where were some of the prisoners taken, especially during the Passover holiday?

14. Were there any apostles imprisoned in the facility mentioned in question #13? If so, who? If not, where were they taken?

15. In this novel, Judas commits suicide by hanging. Explore the different Biblical accounts of his death.

Necessary Heartbreak
by Michael J. Sullivan

  • Publication Date: March 30, 2010
  • Genres: Christian, Historical Fiction
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Gallery Books
  • ISBN-10: 1439184232
  • ISBN-13: 9781439184233