Pastor Matt reminded us that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were sent by the Heavenly Father. In turn, Jesus sends us to spread the message of God's abundant mercy so that those whose hearts are broken will run into his compassionate arms – instead of hiding from him.
MY STORY
Describe an important task with which you were entrusted? How did it go?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:19-23)
Having no knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, what did the disciples fear the most?
Why did they "do a 180" once Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst (and physically proved, to them, it was actually him)?
What gift did Jesus describe twice to the disciples?
Why does the peace of God give us what we need to accomplish our Kingdom assignments – the very things for which he is sending us?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit as we are sent out into our communities?
What does God want us to hear? What are some of the more factual "takeaways" from this passage for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "You're here so that when people get close to your life, they catch a glimpse of something bigger - the glory of God through his mercy."
How does your life, namely your words and actions, convey the mercy of God in your life?
Who do you know who has yet to experience God's mercy?
How could you naturally move a conversation with this person toward the topic of God's compassion for him or her?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "Listen, you exist to make people amazed at the mercy of God - to realize that your Heavenly Father has treated you better than you deserve, and he still treats you better than you deserve. And that kindness shapes us into a kind of people who are merciful."
To where, or to whom, has God specifically sent you?
Ask the Holy Spirit for the courage and wisdom to accomplish these tasks to which God has sent you.
Take a small step in that direction sometime in the next few days.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward? What is the role of the Holy Spirit as we are sent out into our communities?
Message Notes
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