Read Luke 22:39-46.
Pastor Mick began this message saying that two groups were heading to the Mount of Olives that night. Who were these two groups? Who led each group? What was each group’s purpose for going there?
Luke tells us that Jesus was in anguish when he prayed (v. 44). Matthew and Mark tell us that Jesus said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Why did Jesus feel this way? Have you ever felt this way?
Luke says that Jesus’ sweat was like drops of blood. Idleman says this phenomenon is known as “hematridosis,” where capillaries actually burst from stress and blood comes out the pores. Idleman described this as Jesus taking on the soul-crushing weight of all the world’s sin. What do you think about that? Have you ever thought of it that way before? How heavy does the weight of just your own sin feel sometimes?
Both Judas and Peter are filled with regret after their respective betrayal and denial. They wish they could get a “do-over,” or as Pastor Mick called it, a “mulligan.” Do you have any regrets? Have you ever wished you could get a mulligan? How did Judas try to get a mulligan?
Both Judas and Peter also have remorse. Judas never gets past this remorse, but Peter moves ahead to repentance. What is the difference between remorse and repentance? How did the difference between remorse and repentance lead to very different outcomes for Judas and Peter?
2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” How does this describe the difference between Peter and Judas? What does this mean for you? What does this mean for any regret you may be holding on to?
John 20:30-21:19 tells the story of the disciples seeing Jesus on the shoreline after his resurrection. How does Peter respond when he sees Jesus? How does he “Race to Grace” as Idleman describes? How might you best “Race to Grace” yourself?
Idleman tells a story of a flunked-out frat boy who calls his parents to confess his sinful living and his failures. His parents respond, “Just come home,” which Idleman describes as “the message of Easter.” Why do you think he calls this the message of Easter? Do you agree? What does that mean regarding when we experience Easter?
Prayer for the Week: Lord Jesus, we confess that we have made a lot of mistakes in our lives. These mistakes often leave us with feelings of regret and remorse. Please, Lord, don’t leave us in this state. Help us move from regret and remorse to repentance and redemption. Help us “race to grace” so we hear you say, “Just come home!” We know there are no mulligans, no do-overs, no going back to fix our mistakes. But thanks to your amazing grace, we can go forward in repentance and experience salvation that leaves no regrets. For this, Lord, we give you thanks and praise as we pray all of this in your precious, holy and strong, strong name. Amen.