BIG IDEA
Because of the resurrection, Peter knew that he was forgiven.
MESSAGE NOTES:
WHAT:
We all love a good leader, but we celebrate Easter because the resurrection proves that Jesus was more than just a good leader. Walking out of His grave validated His Identity as the Son of God. And the resurrection didn’t just give new life to His body. It gave new life to all of us.
SO WHAT:
Why does God goes through the trouble of making something new? It’s because God loves us and because He loves us He is willing to forgive us and our broken pieces. As a matter of fact He’s not just willing to, he wants to. He never wanted you to be broken he knows how hard that is for us.. But accepting his help and receiving his forgiveness that can be really hard. Especially, if you feel like some of these broken pieces are your fault. Your choices did this.
NOW WHAT:
Even in our worst sins, our biggest mistakes, deep down we want to be forgiven even if we don’t think we deserve to be.
Jesus replaced those three denials from Simon Peter, with three proclamations. Because that’s what God does. He takes out the lies and replaces them with truth. Peter didn’t really deny Jesus, the fear inside him did. And love belonged in that spot where fear was residing.
When Simon Peter found the truth he was able to let forgiveness replace his guilt. And that is exactly what Jesus died and rose for. So that you would bury your guilt in a grave and let Jesus pull you out to walk in freedom.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Q1: What is something you got in trouble for as a little kid?
Q2: What is your typical reaction when you feel guilty? (Place blame, hide, deny, etc.)
Q3: Knowing how Jesus responded to Peter after his experience with denying Him, what do you think Jesus would say to a high-schooler who has done something wrong? Is it easy or difficult to believe that’s what Jesus would say to you?
Q4: Why do you think it is difficult to keep showing up and keep speaking up when we have done something we know is wrong? What would make it easier?
Q5: What would change if you actually believed that God forgave you for what you did, and you didn’t have to carry your guilt?