MESSAGE NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL/GROUP REFLECTION QUESTIONS, 2/25/24

During this Lenten season,  our hope is that you would journey to the cross through the eyes and experiences of the apostle Peter. In doing so, may you find yourself in his flawed humanity and deep faithfulness that came through encountering Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  This week, we focus on Peter’s willingness to companion Jesus in the storm.

  1. What’s the best or worst boating experience you ever had?
  2. Read Matthew 14:22-34. What are your observations regarding Peter, Jesus, the other disciples, the Sea of Galilee or anything else?
  3. Declare a storm you are dealing with in your life? Where do you think Jesus is in that storm? Does John 16:33 bring you hope and assurance or make you mad or feel something else?
  4. When Jesus walks on the water, what emotions and reactions do Peter/disciples go through, and how might these parallel our own reactions when encountering Jesus in the midst of our storms? How does this give you freedom to be flawed and not always faithful?
  5. How does Jesus’ statement, “It is I,” (in Greek means I AM= OT Yahweh=the origin of all things) serve as a powerful reassurance during times of fear and uncertainty? And how does Peter reply, “Lord, if it is you tell me to come to you on the water.” reflect his flawedness and faithfulness?
  6. In the Sunday message, Brian declared what was our part in the storm and what was Jesus part.  Which of these do you believe or wrestle with?
    YOUR PART                   JESUS PART
    -Accept the storms          – He knows
     – Come to Jesus              – He believes in you
    – Call out to Jesus           – He will comfort & guide
    – Rely on past storms w/Jesus
  7. In your own life, how can you make a declaration of faith amidst the storms? (e.g. a verse, song line or phrase)? How might this help you with fear or any other limitations when the waves are crashing in?

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to be the faithful disciple you want me to be. Help me to answer your call to be brave and to climb out of the boat to leave my comfort zone to walk with you. When I encounter a storm and am sinking, take my hand and rescue me. Then, climb into my boat and calm the wind and the waves. In your holy name. Amen. 

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