Starter: (In pairs)
Share an experience of feeling really let down.
Worship:
Praise God for the abundance of His gifts to us.
Reading: 1 Kings 19: 9, 11-13 &
Matthew 14: 22-33
(Read aloud, then allow time for everyone to re-read for themselves along with the commentary and personal focus questions and reflect alone, making notes in the spaces provided to assist future reflection.
)
Commentary:
Part of the purpose for this Gospel passage was to encourage the community. This account was written fifty years after the resurrection event. Matthew's audience is suffering opposition, rejection, even persecution. They are beginning to worry that the risen Lord has abandoned them as well. Here Jesus reassures his followers, telling them not to be afraid. Matthew gives special attention to Peter's attempt to walk on water. Peter often acted impulsively. He came to recognise his weakness and his need to rely on the lord for help. Matthew hopes his listeners will come to the same recognition. (Baronowski)
I Kings reading reinforces this experience as Elijah, out of a sense of personal failure goes on to discover God, not in the unleashing of frightening power but in the gentle stillness of under-girding strength of peace.
Personal Focus Questions :
1. What thoughts come into your mind as you read these passages?
How might God be speaking to you?
2. When has fear overcome trust in your life?
3. Relate an experience when you trusted at first and then began to doubt.
Share together in threes the results of your personal reflection then come together as a group and after sharing any insights with this wider group, discuss these questions together.
Life Focus :
1. What for you has been a tried and tested source of courage which you feel could help others
facing harsh demands?
2. What help can you offer other people out of your own experiences of failure?
3. Are there any actions we should take to support individuals
or groups who are in danger of "going under"?
Review Time:
How far have our group meetings facilitated the "earthing" of God's word in daily living.
Prayer Time :
"Looking at Jesus in whom faith starts and finishes" praying for initiatives in faith which are seemingly impossible.
Next Meeting :
Arrange date and venue.
|
