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Ø Questions marked with this symbol are particularly recommended for group discussion. Group leaders may add other discussion questions, or substitute other questions for the marked ones, at their discretion.
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"An 'engraved invitation' from Jesus"
Tuesday, 19 September 2017
Mark 16:1 When Shabbat was over, Miryam of Magdala, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and Shlomit bought spices in order to go and anoint Yeshua. 2 Very early the next day, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 They were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Then they looked up and saw that the stone, even though it was huge, had been rolled back already. 5 On entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right; and they were dumbfounded. 6 But he said, “Don’t be so surprised! You’re looking for Yeshua from Natzeret, who was executed on the stake. He has risen, he’s not here! Look at the place where they laid him. 7 But go and tell his talmidim, especially Kefa, that he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there, just as he told you.”
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It seems likely that as Jesus' enemies condemned and crucified him, Peter thought his denial of Jesus would haunt him the rest of his life. Thankfully, unlike Judas (cf. Matthew 27:3-5), he did not succumb irreversibly to despair. But Mark’s story (and John 21:3, which we’ll read tomorrow) do strongly suggest that Peter wasn’t sure that he would ever be welcome as one of Jesus' disciples after his triple denial of his master.
Ø In Mark 16:7, the messenger told Mary Magdalene and the other women, “Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter three times had made a point of publicly denying that he even knew Jesus. Yet Jesus made sure his name was specifically included in the invitation to his disciples. What does this tell you about Jesus’ grace toward Peter? Can you trust Jesus to treat you the same way when you fail?
• The significance of another detail in this story may escape us. “The disk-shaped stone used to seal a tomb’s entrance was large and heavy, normally requiring several men to move it in the groove.” * The women weren’t sure how they’d move it—yet when they reached the tomb, it was open, with the stone moved out of the way. In what ways does that hint at the supernatural power behind Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, lest Peter let shame exclude him from your company, you invited him by name. Thank you for offering the same kind of personal, “nothing is too bad to forgive” grace to me. Amen.
* HarperCollins Christian Publishing. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, eBook: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Kindle Locations 227529-227530). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
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Randy Greene
Randy Greene is a part of the Communications team at the Church of the Resurrection. He helps develop and maintain the church's family of websites. He is also a student at Central Baptist Theological Seminary and loves to write stories about faith for his blog.When I was a kid, much of my identity was built on how I performed academically. If I succeeded in school, I felt really good about myself. On the flip side, if I bombed a test or received negative feedback, my self-esteem plummeted. Even today, I sometimes find myself measuring my self-worth based on whether I think I’ve succeeded or failed at whatever project I’m working on.
Peter seems to have had the same problem. He spent years following Christ, learning from him, defending him, and serving him. And Peter felt like this moment of testing in the hours before Christ’s crucifixion was the climax of it all, the defining moment of his life… and he failed the test. He denied knowing Christ, then he wept in shame and sadness. He must have felt like the last several years of his life had been a waste because, in the end, he didn’t measure up to the calling he’d received. I imagine he planned to give up that call and return to the simple life of a fisherman that he’d had before he met Jesus.
But the reality is that Peter’s identity was not formed by whether he passed or failed that test of his faith. His life and his faith were far bigger than that one moment!
The heavenly messenger told Mary Magdalene and the other women to tell Peter that Christ was “going ahead of [him] into Galilee,” reminding Peter that his denial was not the end of the story. Peter was called to continually follow Christ, even a crucified Christ, despite his moment of weakness. By rising from his despair and continuing on the journey, Peter demonstrated that, when we feel the most defeated, when we don’t think we are capable of succeeding, God can turn our deepest fears into faithfulness.
Randy GreeneRandy Greene is a part of the Communications team at the Church of the Resurrection. He helps develop and maintain the church's family of websites. He is also a student at Central Baptist Theological Seminary and loves to write stories about faith for his blog.When I was a kid, much of my identity was built on how I performed academically. If I succeeded in school, I felt really good about myself. On the flip side, if I bombed a test or received negative feedback, my self-esteem plummeted. Even today, I sometimes find myself measuring my self-worth based on whether I think I’ve succeeded or failed at whatever project I’m working on.
Peter seems to have had the same problem. He spent years following Christ, learning from him, defending him, and serving him. And Peter felt like this moment of testing in the hours before Christ’s crucifixion was the climax of it all, the defining moment of his life… and he failed the test. He denied knowing Christ, then he wept in shame and sadness. He must have felt like the last several years of his life had been a waste because, in the end, he didn’t measure up to the calling he’d received. I imagine he planned to give up that call and return to the simple life of a fisherman that he’d had before he met Jesus.
But the reality is that Peter’s identity was not formed by whether he passed or failed that test of his faith. His life and his faith were far bigger than that one moment!
The heavenly messenger told Mary Magdalene and the other women to tell Peter that Christ was “going ahead of [him] into Galilee,” reminding Peter that his denial was not the end of the story. Peter was called to continually follow Christ, even a crucified Christ, despite his moment of weakness. By rising from his despair and continuing on the journey, Peter demonstrated that, when we feel the most defeated, when we don’t think we are capable of succeeding, God can turn our deepest fears into faithfulness.
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“Peter jumped in the water”
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
John 21:1 After this, Yeshua appeared again to the talmidim at Lake Tiberias. Here is how it happened: 2 Shim‘on Kefa and T’oma (his name means “twin”) were together with Natan’el from Kanah in the Galil, the sons of Zavdai, and two other talmidim. 3 Shim‘on Kefa said, “I’m going fishing.” They said to him, “We’re coming with you.” They went and got into the boat, but that night they didn’t catch anything. 4 However, just as day was breaking, Yeshua stood on shore, but the talmidim didn’t know it was he. 5 He said to them, “You don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered him. 6 He said to them, “Throw in your net to starboard and you will catch some.” So they threw in their net, and there were so many fish in it that they couldn’t haul it aboard. 7 The talmid Yeshua loved said to Kefa, “It’s the Lord!” On hearing it was the Lord, Shim‘on Kefa threw on his coat, because he was stripped for work, and plunged into the lake;
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John 21 told about Peter and six other disciples back at the Sea of Galilee. (John did not explain why they chose to go fishing, but Bible students have ventured a variety of guesses.) Despite their past fishing experience, they were not successful on their own. (Perhaps they were rusty after following Jesus for three years.) Yet when Jesus guided them, they hauled in a huge catch.
Ø In his gospel’s prologue, John wrote, “The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world…. but the world didn’t recognize the light” (John 1:9-10). In verse 4 of chapter 21, he wrote, “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize it was Jesus.” When Peter did recognize his Lord, he couldn’t wait for the boat to reach shore, but jumped into the water. What helps you recognize Jesus when his presence touches your life? Are you as eager to draw near to Jesus as Peter was?
• This story (like the one in Luke 5:1-10) told of Jesus showing experienced fishermen like Peter where to find a startlingly large catch. When have you found yourself ineffective (in your personal life or an area of ministry) because you weren’t open to Jesus’ wisdom? When has “practicing the presence of Jesus” made your efforts clearly more effective?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you promised to be with me “every day until the end of this present age” (Matthew 28:20). Help me keep my heart open, attuned to your comforting, guiding presence. Amen.
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"153 fish, 7 disciples, one Lord"
Thursday, 21 September 2017
John 21:8 but the other talmidim followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish; for they weren’t far from shore, only about a hundred yards. 9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a fire of burning coals with a fish on it, and some bread. 10 Yeshua said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 Shim‘on Kefa went up and dragged the net ashore. It was full of fish, 153 of them; but even with so many, the net wasn’t torn. 12 Yeshua said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the talmidim dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Yeshua came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Yeshua had appeared to the talmidim after being raised from the dead.
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John, a master of evocative images, must have in part meant this scene of Jesus building a fire to remind readers that Peter’s faith “crashed” around a fire in Caiaphas’ court (cf. John 18:15-18, 25-27). It also showed that Jesus was no ghost—he was truly, physically alive. He built a fire and cooked breakfast! (See also Luke 24:36-43.)
Ø The fish and bread were ready, yet Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” Why doesn’t Jesus just do everything for us, changing us into the people he wants us to be, but instead ask us to join our effort with his spiritual power? In what ways does his call for you to work with him to grow spiritually offer the best path to character development, so that you are still “you,” but a new you?
• John 6:11 said, “Jesus took the bread. When he had given thanks, he distributed it to those who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish.” In John 21 we read, “Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish.” Imagine the memories this action must have triggered for Peter and the others. Think back on your own walk with Jesus. What remembered high points strengthen you for today’s journey?
Prayer: Loving Lord, long before you prepared this meal, the psalmist wrote, “You set a table for me” (Psalm 23:5). As I eat my meals today, remind me of the deeper ways you feed my soul as well as my body. Amen.
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"The triple question: 'Do you love me?'”
Friday, 22 September 2017
John 21:15 After breakfast, Yeshua said to Shim‘on Kefa, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me more than these?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.” He said to him, “Shepherd my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, are you my friend?” Shim‘on was hurt that he questioned him a third time: “Are you my friend?” So he replied, “Lord, you know everything! You know I’m your friend!” Yeshua said to him, “Feed my sheep! 18 Yes, indeed! I tell you, when you were younger, you put on your clothes and went where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 He said this to indicate the kind of death by which Kefa would bring glory to God. Then Yeshua said to him, “Follow me!”
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Three times Peter denied knowing Jesus. His heart must have been aching, eager to reconnect. Jesus, a master psychologist, didn’t want that failure to haunt Peter forever. Three times, he allowed Peter to affirm his love, deeper and more solid because Jesus forgave him after he failed. Then Jesus told him that he would yet have the chance to live out his pledge in John 13:37 (“I’ll give up my life for you”). With the cost of following clearly in view, Jesus repeated the same simple, sweeping call: “Follow me.”
• Scholar N. T. Wright said, “The three questions correspond to Peter’s three denials. Three for completeness, yes, but three also for reminder. The smell of the charcoal fire lingers. Peter’s night of agony—and Jesus’ own night of agony—returns. But because of the latter, the former can be dealt with.” * What failures might haunt your relationship with Jesus? Imagine yourself on that beach with him, by that fire. Hear Jesus ask you, “______, do you love me?” Answer, three times, and hear Jesus deal with any barriers that separate you. Ø There have been (and are today) brave martyrs, but most Christ-followers through the ages have not had to die for their faith. Jesus calls us all to “die” to ways of understanding life and faith that do not fit with his life and example. How eager or reluctant are you to follow Jesus into changed thoughts and habits that show God’s glory to those around you? How can you and God make the most of each day of the rest of your life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, “Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee.” I recite John Wesley’s words at church. Please help me to mean them. Amen.
* N. T. Wright, John for Everyone, part 2. (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004, p. 164.)
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"Peter the denier, restored, preached boldly (and effectively)"
Saturday, 23 September 2017
Acts 2:1
The festival of Shavu‘ot arrived, and the believers all gathered together in one place. 2 Suddenly there came a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which separated and came to rest on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
5 Now there were staying in Yerushalayim religious Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered; they were confused, because each one heard the believers speaking in his own language. 7 Totally amazed, they asked, “How is this possible? Aren’t all these people who are speaking from the Galil? 8 How is it that we hear them speaking in our native languages? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Y’hudah, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome; 11 Jews by birth and proselytes; Jews from Crete and from Arabia. . . ! How is it that we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things God has done?” 12 Amazed and confused, they all went on asking each other, “What can this mean?” 13 But others made fun of them and said, “They’ve just had too much wine!”
14 Then Kefa stood up with the Eleven and raised his voice to address them: “You Judeans, and all of you staying here in Yerushalayim! Let me tell you what this means! Listen carefully to me!
15 “These people ar en’t drunk, as you suppose — it’s only nine in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken about through the prophet Yo’el:
17 ‘Adonai says:
“In the Last Days,
I will pour out from my Spirit upon everyone.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my slaves, both men and women,
will I pour out from my Spirit in those days;
and they will prophesy.
19 I will perform miracles in the sky above
and signs on the earth below —
blood, fire and thick smoke.
20 The sun will become dark
and the moon blood
before the great and fearful Day of Adonai comes.
21 And then, whoever calls on the name of Adonai will be saved.”’[
Acts 2:21 Joel 3:1–5(2:28–32)
]
22 “Men of Isra’el! Listen to this! Yeshua from Natzeret was a man demonstrated to you to have been from God by the powerful works, miracles and signs that God performed through him in your presence. You yourselves know this. 23 This man was arrested in accordance with God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and, through the agency of persons not bound by the Torah, you nailed him up on a stake and killed him!
24 “But God has raised him up and freed him from the suffering of death; it was impossible that death could keep its hold on him., 37 On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Kefa and the other emissaries, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Kefa answered them, “Turn from sin, return to God, and each of you be immersed on the authority of Yeshua the Messiah into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh! 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away — as many as Adonai our God may call!”
40 He pressed his case with many other arguments and kept pleading with them, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”
41 So those who accepted what he said were immersed, and there were added to the group that day about three thousand people.
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Did Jesus’ restoration of Peter make a difference? Oh, yes! Pentecost was the Hebrew harvest festival, and came 50 days after Passover. On this day of Pentecost, just 50 days after the Passover when Jesus died on the cross, God sent the Holy Spirit in a powerful way. Some skeptics claimed the Spirit-filled Christians must have started drinking early. Peter, who just 50 days earlier had feared to call Jesus his Lord even to a servant girl, now forcefully told them this wasn’t inebriation. It was God pouring out the Spirit, as promised in Joel 2:28. The Spirit used Peter’s bold preaching of Jesus as Savior to touch so many hearts that it changed the disciples from a tiny, almost irrelevant group to a movement of thousands.
• Peter quoted some scary-sounding images from Joel: “wonders in the heavens,” “blood and fire and smoke.” He ended the quotation at the key point: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How can that message make earth’s problems less scary to you? Peter said, “This Jesus, God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact” (verse 32). The Jerusalem authorities and Roman rulers hated that message. They might have easily proved Peter and the early Christians wrong by just producing Jesus' dead body. But Peter knew they couldn’t do that, because it wasn’t there. How does “this Jesus, God raised up” provide hope to your outlook on life and death?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, through the Spirit’s power, the same Peter who denied even knowing you at Passover boldly preached your victory 50 days later at Pentecost. Send your power into my life, stirring me to live boldly for you. Amen.
Family Activity: Jesus asked Peter to share God’s love with others. How does your family work together to share God’s love with others? Select a way to serve others together. Ask an older child or youth to research some volunteer opportunities in your area. He or she could explore the church website (cor.org) for mission ministries in which your family can participate. Consider brainstorming about some less-structured ways you can serve others with God’s love such as helping others in your neighbor or at school. At a family gathering, ask the child or youth to present these opportunities to the rest of the family. Pray and ask God’s guidance as you discuss the possibilities. Choose one or two ways your family can share God’s love with others.
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Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
• Mary Maughn and family on the death of her sister, Rita Knipstein, 9/12
• Suzanne Capps and family on the death of her husband Norman Capps, 9/10
• Steve and Tom Langhofer and families on the death of their mother Phyllis Langhofer, 9/9
• Wendell Lady and family on the death of his sister Phyllis Langhofer, 9/9
• Dan and Emma Entwistle and family on the death of their son Hunter Entwistle, 9/8
• Denise Mersmann and family on the death of her aunt Darlene Powell, 9/6
• Family and friends of Carol Morel on her death, 9/6
• Angela Green and Family on the death of her uncle Melvin F. Sayers, 9/5
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©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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