EPISODE GUIDE
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2
Confessions
Episode: 1:17 mins | Discussion: 40 mins | Total: 1:57–2:00
Introduction
5 minutes
Grab food if you haven’t already!
ICE BREAKER
Share with someone around you: If you could ask Jesus any question, what would it be?
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2
Watch Episode
1:17 mins
Review
5 minutes
1.
Let’s retell the episode’s story together in groups of 4 or 5. Set a 5-minute timer and see if the group can do it in 5 minutes or less.
2.
What stood out to you?
Reflect
pt. 1
15 minutes
3.
Jesus explained to Matthew that we apologize to repent (or turn) from our sins, not to get forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift from the other person. He also said, “There is no peace when two of my followers hold resentment in their hearts toward one another.”
a.
Why do you think forgiveness is necessary?
b.
Why do you think Jesus cares so much about it for his followers?
c.
How would adherence to a culture of forgiveness make believers different?
d.
What would it look like to go to people to repent rather than just rush to forgiveness?
e.
Why is that so hard to do?
Reflect
pt. 2
4.
Jesus explained to Peter that he was to forgive not 7 offenses but 77 offenses, which meant forgiveness without limits.
a.
What is the difference between forgiving someone (reconciliation) and restoration of the relationship?
b.
What do you think Simon Peter’s hug did for Matthew?
c.
How do you think forgiveness helped both of them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
Read
MATTHEW 6:14–15 & JOHN 13:34–35
15 minutes
MATTHEW 6:14-15 (NIV)
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
JOHN 13:34-35 (NIV)
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Read
MATTHEW 6:14–15 AND JOHN 13:34–35
5.
Matthew 6:14-15. Why do you think we need to forgive others?
6.
John 13:34-35. Why is it important that we love one another? How does that make Christians different from the world?
Invitation
Repent, Forgive, & Love.
Who do you need to apologize to, repent to, and then ask for forgiveness? Who do you need to forgive that is hard to forgive? What can help you have the courage to forgive? Ask God to help you love the person with whom you need to forgive.