Recap: We want to recapture and rediscover Jesus. Not the Jesus that political parties try to claim, or that pop culture wants to claim, but the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus of the New Testament is someone who gets us. He was rejected, he was outraged, he faced struggle, faced times where he was all alone, and wrongfully suffered. He gets us. But in those moments, even the most painful and crucial moments of his life He responded with grace and forgiveness. He saw forgiveness as a choice and a key to freedom. Maybe we could as well.

Questions:
(1)Share a time when you were confronted with the need to forgive someone? What was hard about that? What did you do?
(2)What holds you back from forgiving someone who has hurt you?
(3)Read Luke 23:34, 39-43. These are Jesus’ most painful moments on earth. Beaten, bruised, mistreated and mocked and yet he responded with forgiveness. What sticks out to you most in these verses? What do you think your natural response would have been?
(4)In the message we said “forgiveness is a choice”. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
(5)Unforgiveness can destroy us. Why do you think that is, or how have you seen that in your own life or the life of others?
(6)Read Matthew 18:21-34. Peter is asking about how many times we should forgive someone and Jesus tells a story. His point is that for the person who has been forgiven much, they should forgive much. How should understanding God’s forgiveness for you affect how you relate to others who have hurt you?
(7)Jesus says we are like the 1st servant. We have a mountain of sin piled up between us and God. We have been forgiven much. It was a debt we wouldn’t have been able to pay. Take some time and thank God for that forgiveness He offers to us.
(8)With God’s help, we are called to forgive others. When we don’t, we carry a weight around with us that keeps us from living the life that He has for us. Ask God to help you to forgive. Who do you need to forgive? What step can you take to do that?

MORE:
One great way to see more of this Jesus who gets us, is through the 3 season limited series: The Chosen. The best way to watch it is by getting the “Angel Studios” app on your phone, tablet or smart tv. You can watch all the episodes there & be prepared to see Jesus in a new, refreshing way.

This week - Take a step to forgive someone who has hurt you. At the very least, pray and ask God to show you who you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from.