Introduction A. When the Lord confronted Peter beside the Galilee after His resurrection (John 21:15-19), the scene was reminiscent of an earlier encounter they had there. B. Each time Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?,” He is challenging a different level of Peter’s professed devotion for Him. C. Jesus demands that we love Him more than anyone or anything else. Discussion I. Is there anyone or anything that you love more than Jesus?...
When Jesus Prayed
Introduction A. We may often feel that we don’t have time to pray as we should when the truth is that we don’t have time not to pray. B. When we come to realize what a great privilege prayer is, perhaps we will dedicate more time and energy to the practice of it. Discussion I. Jesus made time to pray when most others wouldn’t. A. Jesus often prayed while others were slept (Mark 1:32-39; Luke 6:12). B. Jesus prayed when His soul was...
A Man on a Mission
Introduction A. Jesus came to the Earth to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), to bring light into the world (John 12:46), to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and to give His life a ransom (Matthew 20:28). B. The multitudes marveled at the power God had given to Jesus (Matthew 8:27; 9:8,33)—power He needed to carry out His mission. C. Many forces worked to defeat Him, but He overcame every one. Discussion I...
The Marks of Jesus
Introduction A. Scars are difficult to get rid of and often are worn forever. B. When Paul told the Galatians, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (6:17), they knew what he meant (cf. Acts 14:19). C. Do we bear the marks of the Lord in our body today? I. Jesus’ resurrected body bore many marks for our sakes. A. He bore the marks of a whip (Matthew 27:26). B. He bore the marks of thorns and a reed (Matthew 27...
Don’t Give Up Now!
Introduction A. When Jesus offered the bread of life to a crowd with an appetite that only literal bread would appease, many refused to walk with Him another step. B. When the Christian life becomes difficult, there are many who will give up when God’s greatest gifts are yet to come. I. Jesus reminds us that any hardships we endure are only temporary. A. In the garden He asked for just one hour (Matthew 26:40)...
Failing to Live Up to It
Introduction A. Everyone knows the feeling of making a commitment and then failing to live up to it. Can you imagine how Peter felt after he forsook the Lord in the garden and then denied Him? B. When we fail to live up to the commitment that we have made to the Lord, what should we do? I. The disciples’ faith failed more than once. A. Their faith failed them on the Galilee Sea (Luke 8:22-25). B. Peter’s faith failed him on...
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” (Part 2)
Introduction A. In spite of the troubling circumstances that the disciples faced, Jesus told them, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). B. We live in troubled times, but we needn’t have troubled hearts. I. It is encouraging to know that there is room for everyone in our Father’s house. A. Jesus told His disciples that there are many dwellings in His Father’s house (John 14:2). B. Jesus went to prepare a place for us...
Jesus’ Commitment
Introduction A. Both in His life and in His death, Jesus showed a firm resolution and commitment to the mission He came to fulfill. B. Jesus’ commitment should stand as an inspiration for us to remain committed to our very last breath (1 Peter 2:20-25). I. Jesus’ commitment is evident in His planning. A. Jesus said that His suffering was His very purpose for coming into the world (John 12:27; Matthew 20:28). B. Jesus...
Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Introduction A. The signing of the Declaration of Independence and the crossing of the Rubicon were both points of no return, moments when the parties involved committed their very lives to their cause. B. What did Jesus have to say about commitment to His cause? I. Instead of hiding the cost, Jesus urged everyone to count it. A. Jesus was always honest about the hardships that His disciples would have to endure (Luke...
The Day I Met Jesus
Introduction A. When Jesus came into the country of Gadara, He received varying receptions from the people who met Him (Matthew 8:28-34). B. One thing is certain: when someone meets Jesus, his life is changed forever in some way or another. I. Many lives were changed on the first meeting with Jesus. A. Meeting Jesus certainly changed the lives of the disciples (John 1:36-49). B. Meeting Jesus changed...