No one wants to live feeling depleted and empty. We all want to live out of a place of abundance, satisfaction and peace. We hunger to feel like our lives are on the right track and that everything is ‘right’. The biblical word for this is peace, which Scripture tells us is ultimately found in God through Jesus Christ.
Key passages: John 14:25-31; 16:33; 20:19-20; Luke 1:68-79; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15; 12:18; Matthew 5:9; James 3:18
Sermon OutlinE
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The Hunger for Peace
Jesus and the Gift of Peace (John 14:27; 20:19-20)
- The brewing conflict amidst apparent peace as Jesus enters Jerusalem (John 12)
- The promise of peace (John 14:25-31; 16:33)
- The engagement with conflict from the Garden to the Cross (John 17-19)
- The realization of peace (John 20:19-20)
Living with Peace
- Entering into the peace of Christ ourselves (John 16:33; 20:19-20)
- Speaking the message of peace in Christ to others (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15)
- Cultivating peace with others relationally (Romans 12:18)
- Making peace in a conflicted world (Matthew 5:9; James 3:18)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What was one of the most peaceful experiences or moments in your life?
- As we continue our journey through Lent this weekend with the “Hungry for God” series, this week we are looking at the hunger to know. Once again, begin today’s study by reading Psalm 63:1 aloud, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Take a minute or two to be still, and then read that verse one more time to let those words really sink in. Next, ask God to speak to you as you begin this study.
- Read John 14:25-31. What stands out to you about Jesus’ teaching here about peace? What sort of peace is Jesus giving to His disciples? What do you think is the role of the Holy Spirit in this peace?
- Jesus says that He is telling His disciples about this ahead of time. What does He mean? Why is this significant?
- Now read John 16:33. What does Jesus say about peace and trouble here? Why would this have been important to His disciples now and in the days to come?
- How have you experienced the peace of Jesus in your life, even in the midst of trouble?
- The next few chapters (John 17-19), after Jesus’ extended teaching in the upper room, lead Jesus into a lot of trouble, conflict, and suffering. How does this relate to the peace that Jesus has been teaching about?
- In what ways do you think that faith in Jesus brings peace into our lives?
- Finally, read John 20:19-23. What is most striking about what Jesus says here? How do Jesus’ words here after His death and resurrection relate to the words we have already looked at from before those events?
- What is God speaking to you personally through these verses about the hunger to know? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Psalm 63:1-4 this week.
- Take Off: Fast from food (in some form), perhaps for one meal a day or for an entire day. If you are physically prevented from completely fasting due to some health concerns, consid- er if there is a particular food, drink or “treat” you can deny yourself this week. Use the space below to take note of your experience this week.
- Put On: In the place of eating the food you are fasting from, take time with God in solitude and silence to experience the peace that God brings. Consider how He provides for you all you need. Use the space below to take note of your experience this week.