The Man Called Peter - Clover...

This course outline and study guide was created for the all-church groups meeting to study The Man Called Peter, coordinating with the weekly Lenten sermon series at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church. These materials were created through the church and are available for $2 each at the church office.

All Rights reserved for these materials. Users have permission to download and print copyrighted material for their personal use only. For maximum benefit, it is suggested to do the study BEFORE the sermon each week, which means your study should begin the week of February 10. Remember, sermons are posted to the LGPC website each week @ www.lakegrovepres.org. Look for the “Sermons and Resources” tab.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®. COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®.

Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Sermon Calendar .......................................................................................................... 3 Week One ..................................................................................................................... 4 Week Two ................................................................................................................... 10 Week Three ................................................................................................................. 14 Week Four ................................................................................................................... 18 Week Five ................................................................................................................... 24 Week Six ..................................................................................................................... 28 Week Seven ................................................................................................................ 33 Week Eight .................................................................................................................. 36 Timeline ....................................................................................................................... 40 Map ............................................................................................................................. 41 Coming This Spring – Studies in First Peter ................................................................ 42 OIA STUDY SHEETS

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Introduction Welcome to Lake Grove’s all-church Bible study for the winter of 2013! These studies on The Man Called Peter follow our sermon series starting Feb. 16-17 and take us through Lent and into the Easter season. They are designed for both personal use and group discussion. The pastoral staff asked Fred Wagner, who worked for many years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and now attends our church, to spearhead this study. We think Fred has created very user-friendly materials that will help you in your investigation of God’s Word in the Gospels. Here’s what Fred suggests: The questions are meant to invite exploration of the passage so that the individual or group can discover what the author has intended to communicate. The sequence of questions moves from "what does it say?" to "what do these facts mean?" to "what does this mean to me?" The person who guides the group discussion is a facilitator, NOT the teacher or answer-giver. The Bible itself is our Teacher – the answers are all in the passage. This process of observing what is said and then interpreting what is said is rather like fitting together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. In our small groups, we are assembling the puzzle together. A few ground rules will make the discussions more enjoyable for all:

1. Stay inside the passage. Let it speak for itself. Avoid importing verses (or conclusions) from elsewhere.

2. Avoid tangents and personal homilies. Stick to your intent: What is the author trying to tell us?

3. Encourage everyone to participate and share their observations. The more eyes focused on the “pieces of the puzzle”, the easier it is to assemble the puzzle.

4. Leave time for application. Recall James 1:23-25: "Anyone who listens to the word of God but doesn't apply it is like a person who has an 'Aha' moment in front of a mirror and then walks away and forgets what they've seen."

All of the passages are taken from the four Gospels, whose purpose is to give us a firsthand account of the words and deeds of Jesus "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John's Gospel 20:31); or, "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who

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from the first were eyewitnesses...therefore I myself have carefully investigated everything...it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." (Luke's Gospel 1:1-4). Some of the investigations have more questions provided than most groups will be able to cover. For these we have suggested the priority questions/verses by placing a red star next to each one. We look forward to exploring God’s Word with all of you as we look at the life of this amazing disciple named Peter. May God continue to develop each of us as a better disciple through this process.

~ Pastors Bob, Graig, and Libby

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THE MAN CALLED PETER A Lenten Study 2013

Lake Grove Presbyterian Church

We know more about Peter than any of the other original disciples. He is Peter the fisherman. Peter the impulsive. First to confess, “You are the Christ.” First to insist, “I do not know the man.” No New Testament character is more colorful or believable than Peter. Our Lenten study of Peter not only gives us a very human model to identify with, it also gives us depth insights into the One who first called him “Peter,” and that is our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon Calendar

February 16-17 First Sunday in Lent The Man Called Peter, John 1:19-42 February 23-24 Second Sunday in Lent The Call of Peter, Luke 5:1-22 March 2-3 Third Sunday in Lent Facing the Storms, Matthew 14:22-23 March 9-10 Fourth Sunday in Lent The Great Confession, Matthew 16:13-26 March 16-17 Fifth Sunday in Lent A Glimpse of Glory, Luke 9:28-36 March 23-24 Palm/Passion Sunday The Servant Lord, John 13:1-17 March 30-31 Easter Tell Peter!, Mark 16:1-8 April 6-7 Eastertide Peter’s Restoration, John 21:1-17

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Week One Scripture Passage: John 1:19-42 (NIV) Sermon Title: The Man Called Peter Sermon Date: February 16-17 Getting Oriented We know more about Peter than any of the other original disciples. We first meet him as a fisherman. We are given a snapshot of a life-altering experience with Jesus that changed his career. We see his impulsiveness and admire his eager responses and sometimes cringe at his lack of reflective thought. He is the first to confess "You are the Christ." He also draws Jesus' harshest rebuke. No New Testament character is more colorful or believable than Peter. In this series of eight Lenten snapshots from his life we will find a very human model with whom we can identify. The studies will also give us insights into the Person who first chose him for his band of followers and in so doing gave him his new name, “Rocky”, that eventually described the transformation that took place in his character. Think about your own name. How did you get it and what influence has that had upon you? Read John 1:19-42 (NIV)

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

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22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27

He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

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Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). Key Words v. 19, Levites A tribe within Israel set aside for temple service. All priests were chosen from this tribe.

v. 20, the Christ Literally 'anointed one.' In the NT it is the Greek word for Messiah, the promised Servant of the Lord.

v. 21, Elijah From Malachi 4:5-6, a prophecy that God would send Elijah, regarded as one of the greatest OT prophets, before the coming 'day of the Lord'.

v. 21, the Prophet From Deuteronomy 18:15, a prophecy that God will raise up a prophet like Moses at some future time.

v. 23, Isaiah More than any other OT prophet Isaiah wrote of the coming Messiah.

v. 24, Pharisees A sect within Judaism that sought to preserve Judaism by a literal interpretation of the OT law.

v. 28, the other side of the Jordan A wilderness area east of Jerusalem, not the Bethany of Mary and Martha.

v. 29, the Lamb of God A symbol of the Messiah in Isaiah 53:7.

v. 34, The Son of God A title that identified Jesus as one who an eternal relationship with God the Father, for which he was accused of blasphemy and ultimately crucified.

v. 42, Cephas Aramaic for 'rock'. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting.

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1. In verses 19 - 28, describe the situation. Why were these people here? What feelings might John the Baptist have?

2. What do you notice about John's interaction with these people?

3. How does John understand his role? What keeps his ego in check?

4. In verses 29 -34, summarize John's understanding of his relationship with Jesus.

5. How would you describe John's character, sense of self, sense of calling, and his message?

6. What title does he give Jesus and what would this mean to the people hearing him?

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7. In verses 35 – 42, who are these people and what are we told about them?

8. Where do Andrew and his friend normally live and how would you explain their presence here?

9. Why did they suddenly leave John and how might he have felt about this?

10. How does Jesus respond to their interest? Note the pronoun Jesus uses in his question to Andrew and his friend. What other pronoun could we have expected and what difference does it make?

11. How do you imagine they spent the day? What was the outcome of this time together?

12. How does Simon get into this story and why do you think he came? What does Jesus see in Simon that leads him to change his name and how might Andrew have felt about this?

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13. Recall someone you've met whose personality has changed as a result of engaging with Jesus. How does it make you feel to follow someone who knows people better than they know themselves?

Making it Personal 1. What do you appreciate about the glimpse you get into the character of John?

2. How have you experienced Jesus as the teacher who says, "Come and see?" How does that affect the way you introduce Jesus to your friends?

3. Imagine yourself in this event. What name would you like Jesus to give you, as unlikely as that might seem?

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Week Two Scripture Passage: Luke 5:1-22 (NIV) Sermon Title: The Call of Peter Sermon Date: February 23-24 Getting Oriented You have been commissioned to make a movie of this section of Luke's Gospel. Read through the passage and make a list of the people, props, setting, etc. that you will need to pull it off. How many scenes will you need? Briefly summarize your plan. In this text Simon Peter has an encounter with Jesus that alters his life. Reflect upon your own association with Jesus, however long that may be. In what ways has this brought changes into your life or how is your life different from what it might have been because of Jesus? Read Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)

5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

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6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19

When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?

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Key Words v. 1, Lake of Gennesaret Another name for the Sea of Galilee. Gennesaret was a fertile, crescent shaped plain on the western shore about 2.5 miles long and one mile wide.

v. 5, Master Literally, 'rabbi' or 'teacher', a common term of respect.

v. 8, Lord The Greek is 'kyrie', an uncommon term of high reverence, something like ‘Lord’. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. What brings Jesus and Simon into contact with each other? How might Simon

have felt when Jesus singled him out? What might be some reasons that this was not exactly a great idea?

2. Compare the next request of Jesus to the first one. What makes this one even more difficult? What sort of conflict does it create? Why is it impractical? Why does Simon comply? Try role-playing Simon as he persuades his partners to go back out on the lake.

3. How does Luke describe the catch and why is that significant? How do you understand Simon's reaction? What might that imply about his unspoken attitude toward the second request?

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4. What clues does Luke give us that Simon now has a different understanding of Jesus? What has Simon learned about himself?

5. How does this prepare Simon for the next words from Jesus? How do you account for their response? Why is there no hesitation?

6. Reviewing the sequence of requests, what progression do you see in Jesus' interchange with Simon? What impresses you about Jesus in this passage?

Making it Personal 1. Share a time in your life when Jesus went from being a 'teacher with good ideas'

to becoming your 'authoritative Lord'.

2. What is one area in your life that, when push comes to shove, you struggle to relinquish being the expert?

3. How can we have confidence in Jesus when it goes against our experience or common sense?

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Week Three Scripture Passage – Matthew 14:22-23 (NIV) Sermon Title: Facing the Storms Sermon Date: March 2-3 Getting Oriented Think of a time when you were in the grip of fear. What can you recall of that experience and what did you learn from it? How have the threats that push you into fear changed as you've grown older? What would a graph of your tendency to take risks as a function of your age look like? Recall a recent experience in which you felt Jesus was calling you to 'get out of the boat'. What happened? Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, has recently been brutally killed for his courage to speak truth to Herod the tetrarch of Galilee. This seems to have affected Jesus more than his disciples and Jesus seeks a place to be alone; but he can't get away from the crowds who follow him and the event in this passage comes just after the feeding of the 5,000 men plus women and children. Read Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

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Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Key Words v. 22, the other side Mark's account identifies it as Bethsaida which was at the north end of the lake.

v. 25, the fourth watch From 3 am to 6 am.

v. 29, walked 'Periepatesen' in Greek, best rendered 'began to walk'.

v. 31, you of little faith 'Oligopistos' in Greek and a recurring word in Matthew. It denotes unbelief, not inadequate belief.

v. 31, doubt To be double minded.

v. 33, Son of God A title that identified Jesus as one who had an eternal relationship with God the Father and for which he was accused of blasphemy and crucified. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. Read the passage as if you were an artist commissioned to paint the scene.

Identify the detail you would put into your picture.

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2. If you could ask a question of one of the men in the boat, what would it be?

3. Looking at Jesus, what detail does Matthew provide? What do his verbs suggest?

4. How might the events just preceding this influence what takes place here?

5. Describe the scene on the water. What does the time notation add? Take into account the occupation of at least four of these men and imagine some of the conversation among them.

6. How do you account for their reaction to the sight of someone walking toward them?

7. What assumptions are tucked into Jesus' response to their reaction? How do you account for Peter's reaction? If this was all you knew about him, how might you describe him as a person?

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8. Put yourself in the boat. What do you hear in Jesus' final remarks? What is faith and doubt in this context?

9. Had you been one of these 12, trace your emotions from start to finish. What do you imagine their worship to be like? What has changed for them?

Making it Personal 1. In your journey with Jesus share a time when you sensed His calling and stepped

out of the boat in the face of risk. What did you learn and how did that impact you?

2. How does this event challenge you? How does it encourage you? What waves and winds are you facing that threaten your focus?

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Week Four Scripture Passage – Matthew 16:13-26 (NIV) Sermon Title: The Great Confession Sermon Date: March 9-10 Getting Oriented For some people, usually those raised in a Christian home, there has never been a day that they didn't trust Jesus to be who he claims to be; for others, the journey to that point may be a long and convoluted process. What would a graph/diagram of your journey with Jesus look like? What have been key events or experiences? This passage takes place in the far north, the region of Caesarea Philippi, the head waters of the Jordan River. It is a place where Jesus would not have to deal with the Galilean crowds and given the subject matter in this event, a place suited for retreat, reflection and focus. Read Matthew 16:13-26 (NIV) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Key Words v. 13, Son of Man Jesus' preferred way of referring to himself (used 80 times in the NT), but not a title with a fixed content. In the OT God refers to the prophet Ezekiel this way to emphasize his humanity. The OT prophet Daniel (7:13) gives it a Messianic flavor.

v. 14, John the Baptist Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great and tetrarch of Galilee, put John the Baptist to death and then interpreted the reports about Jesus' miraculous power as a sign that Jesus was John come back to life (14:2).

v. 14, Elijah The last book of the OT prophesies that God would send Elijah, regarded as one of the greatest OT prophets and who was taken up to heaven and did not experience death, before the coming of the 'day of the Lord' (Malachi 4:5-6). Jesus taught that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this promise (Matthew 11:14).

v. 14, Jeremiah Another of the esteemed OT prophets.

v. 16, the Christ Literally, 'anointed one'. In the NT it is the Greek word for Messiah, the promised Servant of the Lord.

v. 18, And I tell you Emphatic use of Greek pronouns.

v. 18, Petros Literally, 'stone'. There is no other use of Petros as a personal name (Aramaic word is 'kepa') prior to this with one exception in the 5th century BC in Egypt.

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v. 18, petra. Literally, 'rock' Matthew employs a play on words in his use of both the masculine and feminine form of the Greek word. Scholars believe the word refers not to Peter's character but to his function within this new community of Jesus-followers (see Ephesians 2:20 and Revelations 21:14).

v.18, gates of Hades Literally, gates of death (Sheol in the OT). Gates normally enfold rather than attack. To 'not prevail' speaks of the longevity of this new community.

v. 18, church Literally, 'called out ones'. The Greek is used to translate the Hebrew term for the community of God's people.

v. 19, bind and loose Literally to forbid and to permit, technical terms for the pronouncements of the rabbis. The verb tense is future perfect, literally, 'shall have been bound/loosed', not that heaven ratifies Peter's decisions but that Peter will pass on decisions already made in heaven. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. Where does this event take place and how might that set the stage for the

conversation that develops?

2. Why might it be time to clarify the issue of Jesus' identity? What would his title mean to Jewish ears?

3. What do the various answers have in common? Why do you think these were popular opinion?

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4. Put yourself in the story as one of the disciples. What changes with the asking of the second question? What's going on nonverbally?

5. Who steps to the plate and how do you imagine him speaking out? Paraphrase his reply.

6. What distinguishes his answer from the general public? How might his answer even differ from our Luke 5 study, the acclamation given in the boat?

7. How does Jesus' response undercut any possibility for pride on Peter's part? What does it mean in your efforts to share your faith?

8. What is surprising about Jesus' words that follow Peter's declaration? Why are the pronouns emphatic? How do you see cause and effect between v. 16 and v. 18?

9. How do these words fill in the promise we saw in our first study when Andrew first brought his brother to meet Jesus? What imagery is created? What is being built and what are its features? What difference does it make that ‘gates’ are not considered a weapon?

10. In retrospect how does history fill in the blueprint given here?

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11. Why the warning? Despite Peter's ringing confession what was incomplete?

12. Recreate in your mind Peter's rebuke. Role-play his comments. Where do you see irony here?

13. What surprises you about Jesus' response? Why is he so harsh? How are you feeling about now if you are Peter?

14. People sometimes refer to living with unforeseen, unpleasant consequences as 'the cross they must bear'. What does Jesus mean by 'take up your cross?' What are some of the ways a cross is an instrument of death for the person who wants to follow Jesus?

Making it Personal 1. Recall a time when you had to distinguish your understanding of Jesus from the

crowd or to come out of the closet with your faith. What was that like?

2. Where do you understand the line to be between human effort and divine sovereignty in people's journey to faith? How does that shape your prayer life?

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3. How have you sometimes been prone to advise Jesus about what should or shouldn't happen?

4. How have you “found life by losing it”? Where are you struggling to live with a God-perspective and not a man-perspective?

5. How will you remember Peter from this passage?

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Week Five Scripture Passage – Luke 9:28-36 (NIV) Sermon Title: A Glimpse of Glory Sermon Date: March 16-17 Getting Oriented As we get better acquainted with Peter we're beginning to see him as a person who is quick to speak. In this passage we look at an incident that is not very flattering. Recall a time when your mouth was running faster than your brain and later you wished that you could retract what you said because it was inappropriate. This event occurs shortly after last week's study when Peter answered Jesus' question about what people were saying about Jesus' identity. It takes place ”up on the mountain” (traditionally thought to be Mt. Tabor, southwest of the Sea of Galilee, but more like to have been Mt. Hermon, northeast of the headwaters of the Jordan). Peter, John and James have the privilege of accompanying the Lord for the miraculous event known as “the transfiguration”. Read Luke 9:28-36 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

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Key Words v. 28, after Jesus said this The very first teaching he gave them about his coming death and resurrection.

v. 30, Moses The esteemed giver of God's Law.

v. 30, Elijah The esteemed representative of the Prophets, messengers sent to the people by God to speak for Him.

v. 31, departure Luke uses the Greek, 'exodus', a term evoking memories of the Hebrews deliverance from bondage in Egypt.

v. 34, cloud Another OT association alluding to the time God gave the Law to Moses and was present in a cloud, Exodus 40:34. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. What has happened just prior to this event and how might that have radically

altered the content of their conversations with Jesus?

2. How do Peter, James and John get into this event? Who is missing and what might that add to the thoughts and feelings of these three?

3. Contrast what Jesus is doing with what is going on for the three when the 'light show' begins. What do the three see and hear?

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4. Why the appearance of Moses and Elijah? What do they represent? What are they discussing and why would that be an issue at this time?

5. What might Luke want to convey by using the word 'exodus' (departure)? How might Jesus' mission be perceived as a second Exodus?

6. Put yourself in the shoes of these sleepy disciples. What was their experience? Where are they in relation to the cloud?

7. Account for Peter's words. What is he saying?

8. What might the appearance of the cloud trigger for the three? Why fear?

9. Recall what happened at the end of our last study (Matt. 16:27-28). What would the words of the voice mean to the three? - to Jesus?

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Making it Personal 1. Reflect on why Jesus came to this place. What insights does this passage give

you about the road to the cross for Jesus and how does that make you feel?

2. What can be an 'occupational hazard' of powerful spiritual experiences? What do 'shelters' symbolize? Have you had to deal with such things, and if so, how?

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Week Six Scripture Passage – John 13:1-17 (NIV) Sermon Title: The Servant Lord Sermon Date: March 23-24 Getting Oriented Recall an experience when you faced the challenge of loving someone who did not reciprocate your love. How did you deal with that? As a rule of thumb does getting to know someone deeply make it easier or more difficult to act lovingly toward her or him? In your experience what is the relationship between the growing personal knowledge of another human and your feelings of love and care? Passover was the first of the three major Jewish festivals. It commemorated the 'passing over' of the angel of death when the Hebrew people were spared while God's judgment was carried out against their Egyptian adversaries (Exodus 12). In the NT era the Passover lamb was taken to the temple to be slain by the priests and then taken home to be eaten in a carefully scripted ceremony. The events in this passage detail the last Passover Jesus celebrates before his crucifixion. John's Gospel uses this occasion to make a major change of focus from Jesus' public ministry to his ministry to his chosen disciples. Foot-washing was a sign of hospitality in a culture that walked dusty roads. It would be performed upon arrival in a home. It was considered so menial that a Hebrew slave was not required to perform it, though a Gentile slave might be. Wives were expected to wash their husband's feet and children those of their father. Matthew 20:20-28 and Luke 22:24-27 describe the very real internal issues facing this 'band of brothers' as Jesus' departure nears.

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Read John 13:1-17 (NIV)

13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Key Words v. 6, both you and my are emphatic in Greek.

v. 13, teacher didaskalos in Greek, a common term of respect. v. 13, Lord kyrios in Greek, an uncommon term of high reverence.

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Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. How might the impending holiday color this event and what realities might it evoke

for the participants?

2. Read through the passage and circle everything Jesus 'knows'. Summarize it in your own words. Given what he knows, what might we expect to be Jesus' major concern or focus?

3. What is counterintuitive about the response Jesus does make? How does his intent tie into what lies ahead for him?

4. How does the act of foot-washing enable Jesus to convey his love?

5. Recreate the scene when Jesus gets around to Judas. What do you think that was like for Judas? -- for Jesus?

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6. If this was your team what would you be tempted to do or say when you got to Judas? Instead, what drives Jesus' response? How does knowledge fuel his action?

7. How do you explain Peter's reaction to having his feet washed? How does the interchange with Jesus integrate into the picture of 'the man called Peter' we've been uncovering over the past six studies? In what way are they on different pages?

8. How does Jesus work with Peter's blatant refusal? What spiritual reality was he trying to communicate? Once he gets it, what characterizes Peter's reply?

9. How does Jesus debrief this emotionally charged, sometimes awkward action?

10. What do you notice in the reference to the titles of address? Why the reverse order?

11. What are some clues that Jesus is talking about more than the ceremony of foot-washing?

12. Based on this text what is radical about the way Jesus links knowledge and action?

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Making it Personal 1. Recall a time when you reacted like Peter to the efforts of others to serve you?

Why is this so difficult for so many of us?

2. What equivalents to foot-washing do you encounter in a normal day?

3. What challenges to serve another are you facing right now and how can this passage be of help?

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Week Seven Scripture Passage – Mark 16:1-8 (NIV) Sermon Title: Tell Peter! Sermon Date: March 30-31 (Easter) Getting Oriented Recall a time in your journey with Jesus when you felt like a total failure. Your actions did not reflect the faith you professed. What happened and how did it affect you? How did you come to a place of restoration in your relationship with Jesus and what did you learn through this? Mark has already described the crucifixion of Jesus and noted that among a group of women spectators was this collection of three. They also observed the tomb into which Jesus was placed and the sealing of the tomb with a stone rolled across the entrance. The entrance usually measured about 2' x 2' and the burial chamber was about 6' to 7' square and about the same height. In the Jewish legal system a woman's testimony lacked any legal value. Read Mark 16:1-8 (NIV)

16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

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Key Words v. 1, Sabbath From sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. v.5, alarmed Mark is the only NT writer to use this Greek word meaning "greatly astonished,” a note of dread. v. 7, as he told you Mark 14:28. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. As you read this text what are some characteristics of Mark's style of writing?

2. Who are these women and what has he already told us about them? What is their intent and what does the time reference add to that?

3. What might be their state of mind as they walk toward this tomb? What are they NOT expecting? What suggests that this might not be a well-planned trip?

4. What characterizes the young man's words to the women? What does each of his statements contribute to their understanding of what has occurred?

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5. Why might Peter be singled out and what do you make of this? Imagine yourself in Peter's shoes: what would such a report mean to you?

6. Verse 8 ends Mark's Gospel. Why has the church struggled with this ending, wondering if something got lost? In our previous studies, when have we encountered this kind of reaction to a divine manifestation?

Making it Personal 1. How might the memory of this event help you when the Evil One reminds you of your

sub-par performance?

2. What is so amazing about these women being the first witnesses to the resurrection? How might that encourage you in your witness this Easter season?

3. What experiences with Jesus has God entrusted to you and what might he want you to do with them?

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Week Eight Scripture Passage – John 21:1-17 (NIV) Sermon Title: Peter’s Restoration Sermon Date: April 6-7 Getting Oriented Think of a time in your life when you lost a job (bankruptcy, downsizing, etc.) because of circumstances beyond your control and you had to radically alter your activity. What was that like? What did you fall back on? In this passage we see Peter the former fisherman turned follower of Jesus returning to his previous trade that he dramatically left in our Luke 5 second study. Also, recall a time when you experienced a major betrayal of trust in a significant relationship (either as the betrayer or the betrayed). How did that experience affect you? What had to happen for trust to be rebuilt? This passage is the final mention of Peter among the Gospel writers and only John chooses to record this important event. Read John 21:1-17 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

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Key Words v. 1 Tiberias A town on the shores of the Sea of Galilee founded about AD 20 in honor of the Roman Emperor. Locals would have referred to the sea by its historic name.

v. 1 Sons of Zebedee James and John, but John consistently refers to himself very indirectly.

v. 14 third time John has already cited one appearance to Mary Magdalene, one to the disciples minus Thomas, and one to them with Thomas. So it must mean this is the third appearance to the disciples.

v. 15 Simon, son of John Though Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, only one time do the Gospels record Jesus using it (Lk. 22:34).

v. 15-17 love Many sermons have been written on the fact that John uses the Greek word, agape and Peter answers with phileo. The actual conversation would have been in Aramaic which has just one word for love. John has a habit of making slight variations when using repetition. Exploring the Passage As you explore the text, we suggest you remember three important dimensions of Bible study: Observation first, then Interpretation, and finally Application. The questions are designed to help you do all three, with a little space to respond. For the “eager beavers” among us, there are worksheets provided at the end of the study, for more in-depth exploration. Please note: due to time constraints, the questions with the red star are suggested to be discussed in your group setting. 1. Read the text and describe the mental picture John creates for you. Who is

involved? Where are they? Why might they be here?

2. Who suggests the fishing trip and what do you notice about the way John reports it? Why do you suppose they comply?

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3. How is the person on shore perceived? What do you notice about their verbal exchange? Why might John recognize Jesus?

4. Account for Peter's actions. When have we seen this before in our studies?

5. What is going on at breakfast? What is 'the elephant in the room'? What memories might have been stirred?

6. Why does Jesus single out Peter and what makes this exchange so 'dicey'? What does the salutation contribute?

7. Who or what is the "more than these"? Of all the questions Jesus could have asked, why this question? In framing the question this way how does Jesus free Peter from his past?

8. What happens to Peter on the third exchange? Why is Jesus so persistent?

9. How does Peter's commission flow out of the question?

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10. What does it mean to say "I love Jesus" according to John?

Making it Personal 1. Recall a time in your life when the issue of 'Who is Jesus?' clashed with your

preferences, ultimate loyalty, or ambitions. How did you resolve this?

2. Think over these eight studies on the life of Peter. Summarize what you've learned. In what ways can Peter be a model for you?

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The Man Called Peter – A Timeline c. 5 BC - Jesus born in Bethlehem, brought up in Galilee c. 1 BC - Peter born in Bethsaida, north end of the Sea of Galilee (Jn 1:44) father Jona, brother Andrew

learned and practiced the trade of fishing until around 25 BC, got married

AD 4 Death of Herod the Great; kingdom divided among sons: Archelaus, Antipas, Philip AD 15-37 - Tiberius rules as Roman Emperor After 25 - Peter becomes a follower of Jesus at Capernaum, traveling around

Israel with Him two or three years c. 29/30 - death and resurrection of Jesus,

Pentecost, Peter’s Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:14ff.) Peter heals a man at the temple (Acts 3:1ff.) Peter and John jailed and flogged (Acts 4:3, 5:40-41)

c.31 - death of Stephen c. 32 - conversion of Saul/Paul later 30s - Peter in Joppa; raises Dorcas/Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36-

43), vision of unclean animals, conversion of Gentile Cornelius and household in Caesarea Maritima (Acts 10:45-48)

c. 40s - Peter rescued from prison by an angel (Acts 12:3-10) 46-48 - Paul’s first missionary journey c. 49-50 - Council of Jerusalem (Peter and Paul both present) c. 62 - death of Jerusalem leader James, brother of the Lord c. 67 - Peter executed in Rome, around the same time as Paul

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Coming This Spring 2013

When the Going Gets Tough: Studies in First Peter

Having studied the life of Peter during Lent, we now turn to the first of two letters in the New Testament that bear his name. It was probably written in Rome between A.D. 60 and 64, at a time when serious persecution of Christians was imminent or intensifying. Major themes include the believer’s new identity, how to handle suffering, and what it means to live a Christian life that is distinctly different from the surrounding culture. A study guide for the series will be available and we are encouraged to go through First Peter with a small group.

Groups will begin this 10-week study series the week of April 14th.

The first sermon will be on April 20-21 and final sermon on June 29-30.

If you would like to participate in this spring study by being a group host and/or facilitator, please let us know. If your existing group decides to continue meeting during this study series, we would like to know for planning purposes. Please contact Sheri Brown, Small Group Coordinator [email protected] 503-636-5656

O I A STUDY (Page 1)

Passage: ______________________________________

OBSERVATION THE BASIC STRUCTURE: Investigate the Author’s Arguments/Sequence of Events HISTORICAL/CULTURAL BACKGROUND: LITERARY CONTEXT: GRAMMATICAL DEFINITIONS:


Passage: _________________________________________

INTERPRETATION List Interpretative Questions & Comments TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS: AUTHOR’S MAIN POINT: SECONDARY POINT:

APPLICATION (Note Personal Reflections on Passage) IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY: PERSONAL THOUGHTS: PERSONAL PLANS: