Message Series // Do Over Pt. 1 – Resisting Fear (Life of Peter)
Message Date // April 11, 2021 (Blake LaMunyon)
Big Idea
Throughout the course of life, we will make mistakes. It’s not IF we will mess up, but WHEN we will mess up. And when those unglamorous moments occur in our life, we could sure use a “do-over”. If this is you, the encouraging news is that you are not alone. All of us will do something dumb, and all of us will graciously need a “do-over”. We find this situation a lot in Bible through the life of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. He can have a tendency to not think things through and react too quickly…sometimes over-reacting. In this series, we will take a look at different times Peter messed things up and Jesus gave him a do-over…and may we find comfort in knowing that Jesus will give us a fresh start after mistakes we make.
“Then Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch people.’ So they pulled their boats up on the shore, left everything and followed Jesus.” – Luke 5:10-11
Discussion
Share a time in your life, maybe years ago or days ago, where you messed something up and needed a do-over. How did you feel in the moment? What happened as a result? Did you ever experience and opportunity for a do-over?
Read Luke 5:1-11. In these verses, we read about one of Peter’s (Simon) first encounters with Jesus, and one of his first mess ups. It’s subtle, but take note of Peter’s response to Jesus after he witnesses a miracle. In verse 8, Peter wants Jesus to “go away”. Why? It’s because Peter was afraid. It’s fear that makes Peter resist Jesus in that moment. Peter feels exposed, and when we are exposed, our natural tendency is to resist. (John 3:19-21 and Hebrews 4:12-13) How can you relate to Peter in the story? In different areas of your life, where has fear made you resist Jesus’ involvement?
The great news is that Jesus gives Peter a do-over. We see Jesus’ response to Peter in verse 10. Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus had the patience and grace to allow Peter to grow through his mistake and failure. How did Jesus’ response change Peter’s resistance (v. 11)? Do you sense this would be Jesus’ response to you in the areas you are currently resisting him? Why or why not?
Next Steps
This story reminds us that Jesus chooses people who don’t think they are worthy and invites them to be a part of His work in the world. The only thing that can keep us from experiencing what Jesus has for us is fear. But Jesus specializes in forgiveness and extending do-overs. What is one next step you need to take to stop resisting Jesus because of fear? How can your small group help you take this next step?