MESSAGE NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL/GROUP REFLECTION QUESTIONS, 2/18/24
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 obey Jesus.
- We have started a new message series called Flawed Yet Faithful (the story of Peter). What do you know about Peter in the Bible? How do you find this flawed yet faithful character relatable?
- In Sunday’s message, Pastor Jodi portrayed Peter “as a flawed disciple—one who seeks to follow Jesus but who is also confused, afraid, and faltering.” In other stories, Peter portrays courage, determination and his longing to follow Jesus eventually costs him his life. Why do you think the Gospel writers included stories that portray Peter’s flaws alongside his strengths?
- Read Matthew 4:18-22. Here Peter and his brother Andrew are called by Jesus to leave their nets and follow Jesus. What stands out to you as you read?
- Interestingly enough, the Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:1-11 stories are not Peter and Andrew’s first experience with Jesus. These two Galilee fishermen took a week away from their nets and livelihood, traveling four or five days on foot each way, to hear John preaching in the desert. Read the account in John 1:35-42. How does this shed light on Matthew’s account of Jesus calling Andrew and Peter while they were fishing?
- Note Peter’s reply to Jesus in Luke 5:5. What surprises you about his “if you say so” response? When have you said to Jesus, “if you say so…I will do it”? What happened when you said yes?
- Jesus calls Andrew and Peter to be “fishers of men” or “fishers of people.” in Matthew 4:19 (The term in the Greek does not specify gender.). What do you think Jesus is calling them to do? Were they successful? What does it mean for us to be called to be disciples who make disciples? How do you feel about this responsibility?
- Sometimes Jesus asks us to do things that we don’t want to do. Perhaps there have been times when you were reluctantly obedient or even said no. What can we do to help move past our reluctances and excuses so that we may become eager and willing followers of Christ?
Prayer: I want to be your disciple. At times I’m reluctant. Sometimes, I make excuses. Forgive me for missed opportunities. I offer my life, my gifts, my time, and my influence to you. Help me to pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit. And use me to fish for people. In your name. Amen.