Easter: Eyes on Jesus

Part 4: The Power of Forgiveness

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Summary

Peter was an ordinary man that God used in an extraordinary way. God sees the potential in each of us. God created us for a reason and He has a plan and purpose for our life. Peter followed Jesus, but then denied Him three times. Yet, after Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter found grace in the heart of Jesus. God used Peter in a powerful way to impact many for Christ, and God wants to use each of us for His glory. Are you willing to be used by God? Let’s commit to follow Him this week and for the rest of our lives. Through Jesus, our best days are still ahead!

Content

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”...Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13 and 16

1. Jesus sees the potential in you.

And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). John 1:42

  • Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter which means rock.
  • Through the Resurrection, Jesus changes our name to redeemed.
  • Jesus has a great plan for your life.

2. Jesus teaches His disciples faith over fear.

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. Matthew 14:22

  • Jesus allows us to go through storms.
  • When he put his eyes on Jesus, Peter walked on water.
  • Jesus calls you to step out of the boat.
  • What is the “Next Step” of faith that Jesus is calling you to take?

3. Jesus calls us to be faithful, not perfect.

Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61b-62

  • Peter sinned against Jesus.
  • We, too, deny Jesus.
  • Because of Easter, Peter was forgiven and so are we.

4. Jesus comes to you.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” John 21:15a

  • Jesus met Peter, and Jesus meets you.
  • Jesus meets us in our darkest time.
  • Jesus makes all things right.

5. Jesus compels us to go forward in faith.

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15c

  • Jesus had a calling for Peter, and Jesus has a calling for you.
  • We are called to feed His lambs - your family, your community, and the next generation.
  • Jesus wants you to reach your full potential.
  • Jesus will use you to impact others with His grace and love.

“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. 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.” Mark 16:6-7

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