Peeps | Week 2

Week Two: Peeps Discussion Guide  

Series Overview:  

In this series, we see different people encounter Jesus at their lowest point. All of them had chosen to follow Jesus and saw him killed. All that would change. Their greatest defeat would become their and our greatest victory. Their story is our story. Many people, one sweet Story. 

Sermon Overview:  

The first time Mary Magdalene showed up in the scripture, she needed an exorcism because she was full of demons. The last time she shows up speaking with an Angel at an empty tomb. Now she is the first to proclaim that Jesus is Alive! From the demons to the angels-- that's Mary's story. 

Getting Started: 

When it comes to the resurrection, the debate is just as polarizing.  

• Why is the resurrection so important to believers?  

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 

For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either.  And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 

Digging Deeper: 

Read Luke 8:1-3 

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. 

Explain: 

Mary Magdalene’s faithfulness was a product of her life-changing encounter with Jesus.  

• A wealthy socialite woman from the providence of Magdala had been delivered from seven demons by Jesus.  

• She had followed Jesus just like the other disciples supporting his ministry behind the scenes. 

1. When you think of a demon-possessed person, what image comes to mind?  

2. As a wealthy, successful woman, what demons do you believe controlled Mary prior to her encounter with Jesus?  

• Mary’s gratitude to Jesus showed in her willingness to sacrifice everything and follow Jesus. 

3. What have you had to give up or been delivered from to follow Jesus?  

4. How does that reflect in your attitude towards Jesus? 

Mary remained faithful even when all seemed lost. She had the courage to be at the cross even though she may have been arrested herself.  

5. What drives you to serve and follow Jesus?  

6. Has a difficult time ever challenged you to stay faithful?  

7. What made you stay or come back? 

Read John 20:11-16 

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” 

• Mary’s gratitude and passion drove her to serve Jesus, which went even beyond his death. This led to her being the first one to see Jesus resurrected and the first to tell others.  

• Mary proclaimed Jesus as “My Lord”.  

Who is Jesus to you?  

It is the most important question you will ever answer.