Breaking Ground
Identify a fight you had with a best friend (past or present) that, in hindsight, was ridiculous. What was it over? How did you two reconcile? What do you find humorous about it now?
The Dig
This Sunday, we concluded our series Jesus the Christ by exploring the story of Jesus’ reconciliation with Peter after his resurrection.
Begin by reflecting upon how you’ve been taught to think about God’s character & your mistakes.
How were you taught to think about God when it came to your own mistakes & poor choices? Were you taught to think of God as being personal, present, aloof, wrathful, or something else entirely in such moments? How did this impact how you responded to such missteps in your life?
Next, read Matthew 26:31-35 & 69-75, as well as John 21:15-19. Between these texts, we witness Peter’s betrayal, fall, & forgiveness by Jesus during Holy Week; all of which culminates with Jesus reinstating Peter during his final words in the Gospel of John.
What does Jesus focus on in his conversation with Peter? What doesn’t he bring up? Why do you think that is?
Why does Jesus focus his final instructions to Peter on how, in embracing Christ’s gracious love, he must, in turn, extend it to others? What does this reveal about the impact he believes his treatment of Peter should have on him?
Close by reflecting on how this story might speak to you now.
What do you currently think about when it comes to God & your own mistakes? Do you consider God to be personal, present, aloof, wrathful, or something else in such moments? How does that impact how you respond to such missteps?
How might this story inform your understanding of God in such moments? How might it change how you respond to moments where you make mistakes?
Where do you currently need to give away the love that you’ve been given in your life? Who do you need to give that love to? What might that look like?
Getting Out of the Hole
In this series, take time each week to reflect upon the story from the story & how you can find yourself within it during this season of your life.
- Read Matthew 26:31-35 & 69-75, as well as John 21:15-19. First, break this story or teaching down into pieces. What is Jesus doing or saying? How are people responding to him? What changes by the end of the story?
- Next, close your eyes & reflect upon the story. Imagine yourself in it. Put yourself into the space of the various characters & imagine what it would be like to encounter Jesus in the story.
- What images, teachings, or ideas speak to you the most in this story? What intrigues or confuses you? What feelings arose as you thought about being in the story? How can this story impact your life & your relationship with Jesus in this next season?
Additional Resources*
TheBibleProject.com
Simply Jesus by NT Wright
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, May 4th: Join us next Sunday as we begin our new series 12 Words!* Please see mye3.org for details.