Peeps | Week 4
Week Four: 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:
For those who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry, the toughest time of their lives was when they saw Jesus crucified and buried. With no idea of what would come next, they struggled. Little did they know that this was not the end but the middle of their story. Soon Jesus would rise from the grave, and hope would be restored not only for them but for all humanity. Our lives are of highs and lows. It’s in the in-between, those times we find ourselves stuck in the middle, stuck with worry, doubt, stress, and anger. Like those who followed Jesus early on, we must learn to hold on to Jesus in the middle, knowing hope is coming. Jesus has not left us but is working even when we can’t see him.
Getting Started:
1.We have all been stuck in the middle of life. How do people react when they are stuck in the middle of a crisis?
How does our reaction to situations reveal what we worry about?
Read Matthew 6:27-33
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2. What specifically sticks out to you in these verses?
3. What can affect our decisions when we are stuck in the middle?
4. How can we know that God’s promise is still at work in the pain?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:19a
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
5. How do our mistakes affect our worth?
Read Luke 23:32, 39-43
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
6. Each thief had a choice to mock Jesus or believe in him. He still is in the middle for us.
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
7. How does this verse encourage us no matter where we are in life?
NEXTSTEP:
Where are you in life? Are you stuck or content? No matter where we are at any time of our lives, the promises of Jesus to be fighting for us are true, even when we don’t see it happening.
Let go and lean into the confidence Jesus gives.