14th Sunday after Pentecost

This week, Pastor Amanda preached on how Peter struggles to accept that God’s power is revealed through suffering and sacrifice rather than force, reminding us that the surprising contradiction of the Gospel is that we are loved and saved by grace, not by our own strength.

CLICK HERE to read her manuscript.

Reflection Questions:

1. What expectations did Peter have about the Messiah that Jesus challenged? Do you find Jesus' rebuke of Peter challenging?

2. What assumptions about God have you held that Jesus has challenged over time?

3. What part of God's love or forgiveness is hardest for you to accept for yourself?

4. Where are you being invited to practice forgiveness instead of seeking revenge or being right?

5. What might change in your life if you truly believed that God's love for you is not something you have to earn, but something you have already received?

Prayer:

Let us pray: Gracious God, when we look for strength in power and certainty, draw us again to the cross, where your love is made known in weakness and mercy. Remind us that we are saved by your grace alone, claimed as your beloved children, and sent into the world to share that same love with others. Amen.