Bgroup Lesson Apr 21
Big Idea: A miracle is an interruption or intervention in the natural flow of life. The Latin word for miracle is “miraculum” which means to stand in awe. When is the last time you saw something or witnessed an event and were totally amazed by the power of God? In reality, miracles are happening all around us all the time. We only need to be reminded of how incredible these events in our lives really are. In the previous lessons we have discussed how to believe for a miracle, ask for a miracle, and wait for a miracle. In today’s lesson we will look at the miracle of “re”. We all love a good “re”. Doesn’t it feel good that you can “return” a product if you are disappointed with it? When we are not satisfied with our performance a “redo” is really appreciated. And who doesn’t like a “reward” for acknowledgement of an outstanding effort or achievement? Easter season is especially a time to celebrate the miracle of “re” as we focus on the “REsurrection”, “REvival”, “REvelation”, and “REdemption”.
Key Scriptures:
John 20:19-20 (NLT) “That Sunday evening, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. ‘Peace be with you’, he said. As he spoke he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord.”
John 5:28-29 (NLT) “Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s son, and they will rise again.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NLT) “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.”
Luke 24:47 (NLT) “It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem. There is forgiveness of sins for all who will repent.”
Isaiah 44:22 (NLT) “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh return to me for I have paid the price to set you free.”
Romans 5:17 (NLT) “But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”
Mary had been delivered from seven demons. She owed everything to Jesus and now here she stands grieving, broken, and confused. She had seen him die, watched him buried, and now before her is an empty tomb. She sees Jesus but does not recognize him, mistaking him for a gardener. It wasn't until she heard his voice call her name, “Mary”, that she realized he was alive, resurrected from the grave! What seemed like the end was now a reset, a fresh beginning. Not only had Jesus come back to life but Mary did also. Her purpose, her hope, and her very life were now resurrected with him. The miracle of resurrection says that even though we have been knocked down, we can stand again!
Discussion Question: It is so easy to get knocked down in life and believe the lie that it is all over. Share with the group a time when the enemy knocked you down. What was your response? Where did you find hope for your resurrection? Explain.
After Jesus’ crucifixion and burial many of his followers, now discouraged, left Jerusalem for home. There were rumors of his resurrection but it was too amazing for many to believe. Two of his followers were on their way back to Emmaus. As they walked along Jesus began to walk with them but they did not recognize him. As they talked they began to tell Jesus, “We had hoped that he was the Messiah…” Hearing their disappointment, Jesus began to remind them about all that was prophesied about him. He reminded them about their beliefs, the scriptures, and blew on the embers of faith in their hearts. As he sat down to break bread with them their eyes were opened and they realized it was him! The presence of Jesus breathes life back into our disappointment and our hope; our faith is revived! The miracle of revival is that you can live again. Jesus will revive with his presence and his word. He will walk with you in your discouragement and breathe life back into you!
Discussion Question: Was there a time in your life when you were walking through a difficult situation or storm and you just couldn’t see Jesus? In what ways has Jesus revealed himself to you in your times of discouragement? Explain.
The word revelation comes from the root word “reveal” or to take away the veil. Thomas had a veil of unbelief over his spiritual eyes. When told about the resurrected Christ, Thomas said he would not believe unless he could see the nail marks in his hands and put his hand into the wound in his side. When Jesus stood before him risen and alive, Thomas exclaimed “My Lord and my God!” God revealed himself through the person of Jesus. Through Jesus, blind Bartimaeus was able to see. Through Jesus, the scales fell from the eyes of Saul who would later be known as Paul the Apostle. Through the miracle of revelation we can also see again!
Discussion Question: Were there scales of unbelief over your eyes before you came to Christ? Share with the group what it was like when you were able to see clearly through eyes of faith.
After Jesus is arrested, when questioned, Peter denies three times that he even knows who Jesus is. After his resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” He offered Peter a way back into right relationship. Redemption means “purchase back.” The true miracle of redemption is that Jesus paid the price for each one of us to return to him. 1 Peter 1:18-19 tells us that it was not with silver or gold which loses its value but with the precious, sinless, spotless blood of Jesus Christ!
Discussion Question: If you were able to see anything in your life redeemed, what would it be? The fact that you were redeemed with something more valuable than gold or silver shows your value to God. What feelings does this statement speak to you about the love Christ has for you?
We all love a good “Re.” Isn’t it wonderful that we can REturn to Jesus, have our past forgiven and have the opportunity to REdo the way we live our life and ultimately receive the REward of eternal life with Jesus in heaven!