Matthew 16:13-19
Lead in: When Jesus asked the disciples, “What are the people saying about who I am?”, they weren’t quite sure. “Some say you’re the Baptizer back from the dead.” Then he put the question to Peter, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers, “You are the messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus then affirms him, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” Peter did not get this out of a book. It came to him on his own. He figured it out through what his experience had told him. That’s how God works. As we’re open to the Spirit, we come to insight through our own lived experience.
Prompt: What is it about life that you learned not out of a book, but through your own lived experience?
Lead in: Out of all the disciples, Jesus chose Peter to lead his church. Consider the transformation that took place in Peter’s life. From an impetuous know it all, Peter matures into a confident leader and eloquent preacher of the Gospel.
Prompt: How are you different today than you were as a teenager? To what do you attribute the transformation that has occurred in you?
Lead in: In making him the rock upon whom the church will be built, Jesus gives Peter the “keys to the kingdom”.
Prompt: Keys open doors. As you look back on your life, what doors has God opened for you?
Lead in: In Acts 12, we hear the story of the angel who led the heavily guarded Peter out of prison. Secured by double chains, Peter was sleeping between two guards when the angel appeared to him and said, “Take your cloak and follow me.” The angel then led Peter to safety.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when it felt like you were led by the hand out of a tough situation.
Lead in: In II Timothy 4, knowing that his days were numbered the apostle Paul finds deep peace as he reflects on his life. He has “finished the race” and has “kept the faith” and looks forward to “ the “crown of righteousness” that awaits him.
Prompt: If you learned your days were numbered, how at peace would you be with the life you’ve lived? What would you want to change or do differently?
