Follow Me | John 21:18-25
Sermon Discussion | John 21:18-25
Brian begins his message with the reminder that it is Palm Sunday, the day in which Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, the beginning of Holy Week which culminates in Easter Sunday and the tomb being empty and our savior Jesus Christ conquering death. But picture the scene of Jesus entering the city, people laying down palm branches and crying out "Hosanna, Hosanna" which means Praise God, save us and even save us more- save us from the parts of ourselves that are not good. Jerusalem was desperate for a savior and we learn they actually had more than one palm Sunday welcoming into the city a campaign that might provide salvation. How is this scene similar to our own experience in crying out for a savior? Now even as Christians, do we ever look for something else- another campaign to save us more? Discuss.
In John 13:37 Peter tells Jesus that he is ready to lay down his life for him. Yet three times when Peter is in the garden with Jesus, he falls asleep after Jesus asks him to stay awake and pray. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Where in your life do you constantly struggle to do what you say you will do for Jesus like Peter did? In those moments of struggle, if it's solely up to us, we are in trouble. What does dependence on God look like in those situations?
We are challenged to be followers of Christ and not just believers. Belief is not enough, scripture tells us in James 2:19 that even the demons believe. There is more to life with Jesus than just confessing belief, there is following Jesus. What is the difference? The early church were disciples of Christ, what would it look like to be more than just believers in Jesus?
The example in baseball, of stepping into the batter's box even though you are overmatched by the pitcher was given. Again, we were challenged to put God on display no matter the outcome- good or bad. Do not be afraid, Everything is God's and he is calling us to go out there and put Him on display. How can you put God on display tomorrow, no matter if you are at home, in the classroom or in an office? How does the knowledge that He is sending you out change your attitude?
Is God magnified in us? How does God glory in you and your relationship with Him?