Embracing Our Contradictions: Grace in Our Journey
Summary
Today’s reflection began with a story from childhood—a moment of deep anxiety and self-condemnation after making a mistake. This experience of being overwhelmed by our own contradictions and negative thoughts is something many of us share, even if the details differ. These “cognitive distortions” can shape how we see ourselves, others, and even God, creating a feedback loop that keeps us from living fully into our calling and community. Yet, the story of Peter in the Gospels offers hope for all of us who struggle with inconsistency and self-doubt.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is a study in contradictions. He is bold and passionate, often the first to speak or act, but just as often he misunderstands Jesus or stumbles in his faith. In Matthew 16, Peter proclaims Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus responds by giving him a new identity—“the rock” on which the church will be built. Yet, moments later, Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting his suffering and death, and Jesus calls him a stumbling block. This dramatic swing from revelation to misunderstanding is not unique to Peter; it is a pattern familiar to all of us.
The key insight is that Jesus does not choose Peter because of his perfection or performance, but because of his willingness to respond, to keep pressing in, and to let God be God. Peter’s identity and mission are gifts rooted in Jesus’ own identity and mission, which are inseparable. The Messiah wins by losing, brings life by dying, and calls us to follow by taking up our own cross. Our contradictions and failures do not disqualify us from this calling; rather, they become places where grace can do its deepest work.
Integrating God’s story with the stories we tell ourselves is part of our healing. When negative thoughts arise, we can anchor ourselves in the truth that “Jesus is the Messiah.” This simple confession interrupts the cycle of self-condemnation and opens us to transformation. We are invited to bring all our contradictions to Jesus, trusting that he can hold them together and use us in his ongoing work of redemption. As we come to the table, we remember that our place in God’s story is secure—not because we are flawless, but because Jesus is faithful.
Key Takeaways
- Our Contradictions Do Not Disqualify Us
Like Peter, we are often a mix of faith and failure, insight and misunderstanding. Yet, God’s call and love are not revoked by our inconsistencies. Instead, our willingness to keep returning to Jesus, even after mistakes, is what shapes us into people who can participate in God’s mission. [07:57]
- Identity and Mission Are Gifts, Not Achievements
Jesus gives Peter a new name and a mission, not because Peter has earned it, but because he is open to revelation. Our identity as beloved children of God and our calling to serve flow from who Jesus is, not from our own performance. This frees us from striving and allows us to serve out of grace. [10:17]
- The Cross Is Central to Following Jesus
Jesus’ rebuke of Peter reveals that the way of the Messiah is not one of power or avoidance of suffering, but of self-giving love. To follow Jesus means to embrace the cross—to let go of comfort and control, and to trust that life comes through surrender. This is the paradox at the heart of the gospel. [15:08]
- Grace Transforms Our Thought Patterns
Integrating the truth of Jesus’ identity into our daily thinking can disrupt cycles of negative self-talk and cognitive distortion. When we confess “Jesus is the Messiah” in the face of self-doubt or anxiety, we create space for God’s grace to reshape our minds and hearts, leading us into greater freedom. [18:34]
- Participation in God’s Story Is Ongoing
Our journey is not about achieving perfection, but about continually bringing our whole selves—contradictions and all—to Jesus. As we do, we are formed by grace and invited to participate in the ongoing work of redemption and restoration, both in our lives and in the world. [20:05]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Childhood Story: Wrestling with Mistakes
[02:04] - The Struggle with Contradictions
[03:21] - Cognitive Distortions and Faith
[04:34] - Integrating God’s Story and Mental Health
[05:46] - Meeting Peter in Matthew 16
[07:57] - Peter’s Pattern: Getting It Right and Wrong
[08:36] - The Question of Identity
[10:17] - Jesus Gives Peter a New Identity
[11:20] - The Messiah’s Mission: Suffering and Death
[12:42] - Peter’s Misunderstanding and Jesus’ Rebuke
[13:29] - The Big Story: Creation, Fall, Redemption
[15:08] - The Cross at the Center
[16:18] - Letting Go of Perfectionism
[17:47] - Peter’s Example: Remembering Identity
[18:34] - Practicing “Jesus is the Messiah”
[19:19] - Grace and Transformation
[20:05] - Participating in Redemption
[21:08] - Communion: Bringing Our Contradictions to the Table
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 16:13-23 (NIV)
_When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”_
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### Observation Questions
1. What are the two different things Peter says or does in this passage that show both his faith and his misunderstanding? (Matthew 16:16, 22)
2. How does Jesus respond to Peter’s confession that he is the Messiah? What does Jesus give Peter? (Matthew 16:17-19)
3. What does Jesus say about his own mission right after Peter’s confession? (Matthew 16:21)
4. According to the sermon, what is the pattern we see in Peter’s life and actions? [[07:57]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus gives Peter a new identity and mission right after Peter’s confession, even though Jesus knows Peter will soon misunderstand him? [[10:17]]
2. The sermon says that Peter’s identity and mission are gifts, not achievements. What does this mean for how we see our own calling or purpose? [[10:17]]
3. When Jesus rebukes Peter and calls him a “stumbling block,” what is Jesus really correcting in Peter’s thinking? [[12:42]]
4. The sermon talks about “cognitive distortions” and negative self-talk. How might Peter’s story help us when we struggle with our own negative thoughts or contradictions? [[18:34]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon began with a story about feeling overwhelmed by mistakes and negative thoughts. Can you think of a recent time when you felt stuck in a cycle of self-condemnation or anxiety? What triggered it? [[00:49]]
2. Peter is described as someone who gets it right and wrong, sometimes in the same moment. How do you usually respond when you realize you’ve made a mistake or misunderstood something important? Do you tend to withdraw, try harder, or something else? [[07:57]]
3. Jesus gives Peter a new identity and mission as a gift, not because Peter earned it. Is there an area of your life where you feel like you have to “earn” God’s love or approval? How does it change things to see your identity as a gift? [[10:17]]
4. The sermon says that following Jesus means embracing the cross—letting go of comfort and control. What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to let go or surrender? What would it look like to trust Jesus in that area? [[15:08]]
5. The speaker shared a practice of saying “Jesus is the Messiah” when negative thoughts arise. Is there a phrase, prayer, or truth you could use to interrupt negative self-talk this week? How might this help you? [[18:34]]
6. The sermon says our contradictions and failures don’t disqualify us, but are places where grace can work. Can you share a time when God used a weakness or failure in your life for something good? [[20:05]]
7. Communion is described as a place where we bring all our contradictions to Jesus. As you think about coming to the table (or remembering Jesus’ sacrifice), what is one contradiction or struggle you want to bring honestly to God this week? [[21:08]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Gives Us a New Identity and Mission
When Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus responds by giving Peter a new name and a new purpose, showing that our true identity is found in relationship with Christ and in joining His mission. Jesus does not base this on Peter’s perfection or performance, but on God’s revelation and grace. In the same way, you are invited to let Jesus define who you are, not your mistakes or your past, but by His love and calling. When you know who Jesus is, you can begin to discover who you truly are and what you are called to do in His kingdom. [10:17]
Matthew 16:13-19 (ESV)
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Reflection: Where in your life are you letting past mistakes or others’ opinions define you, instead of letting Jesus speak your true identity and purpose over you?
Day 2: Embracing Contradictions and Grace
Peter’s story is full of contradictions—he gets things right and then immediately gets things wrong, yet Jesus still calls and uses him. Our own inconsistencies and failures do not disqualify us from God’s love or His mission; instead, God’s grace meets us in our contradictions and invites us to keep following. You do not have to strive for perfection to be loved or to serve; your response to Jesus matters more than your performance. Let grace facilitate your transformation, trusting that Jesus can hold together all your contradictions and use you in His story. [17:47]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Reflection: What is one contradiction or weakness you tend to hide or feel ashamed of? How might you invite God’s grace into that area today?
Day 3: The Cross Is Central to the Kingdom
Jesus makes it clear that following Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and embracing a life shaped by sacrificial love rather than comfort or control. The way of Jesus is not about avoiding suffering or seeking power, but about participating in His redemptive mission through surrender and trust. Sometimes we want the benefits of new life without the cost of dying to ourselves, but Jesus calls us to let go of comfort and control so we can experience true resurrection life. [15:45]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Reflection: What is one area of comfort or control you sense God inviting you to lay down so you can more fully follow Jesus today?
Day 4: Naming Jesus as Messiah Transforms Our Thinking
When negative or distorted thoughts arise, naming Jesus as the Messiah can become a prayer that interrupts the cycle and reorients us to truth. This practice creates space to question the lies we believe about ourselves and to remember that our identity and hope are anchored in who Jesus is and what He has done. As you retrain your thoughts, let the truth of Jesus’ identity shape your reality and free you to live in God’s story. [19:19]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: The next time a negative or anxious thought arises, can you pause and pray, “Jesus is the Messiah”? What changes when you do?
Day 5: Bring Your Contradictions to the Table
The Lord’s Table is a reminder that Jesus welcomes all of our contradictions, distortions, and failures, and offers us forgiveness and new life. In communion, we remember that Jesus’ body was broken and His blood poured out for us, and that He is making all things new—including us. You are invited to bring your whole self to Jesus, trusting that He can hold your gaps and use you in His kingdom. Let this meal be a moment to lay down what you need to, and to receive the grace and mission Jesus offers. [21:08]
Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV)
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Reflection: As you approach the Lord’s Table (or in prayer), what distortion, contradiction, or burden do you need to lay down before Jesus today?
Quotes
But in addition to it being too scary for me, I also had this very sensitive conscience and this black and white view of the world and of myself. And it was like this choice had undone the fact that I was also conscientious and thoughtful and a good student, and I was convinced that the world was going to end. I couldn't contain my contradiction, and my thoughts inside were shaping my reality and physically making me sick. [00:01:38] (37 seconds)
The problem is that our thoughts tell our bodies how to feel, and how we feel in our bodies shape our thoughts. So we can get stuck in this negative feedback loop, and the distortions can shape how we show up in reality and how we see the world. And for me, this can interrupt my ability to connect with other people and even with God. [00:03:36] (25 seconds)
And then this creates a massive theological issue, because I say that I believe in the love and the grace and the redemption of Jesus Christ. And up here, I'll talk about Jesus's victory over sin and death and how God invites us to participate in restoring reality. And then there's this contradiction where my mistakes, whether they're perceived or real, they throw me off track. [00:04:02] (32 seconds)
And I wonder what contradictions you're carrying this morning, what distortions hold you back from full engagement in community, and what's keeping you from doing what God has called you to do. Because I believe that the story of Scripture can give us the theological resources to help with this. [00:04:40] (27 seconds)
And to be very clear, I want to overstate this, I am not saying that mental health challenges are just spiritual issues that require more faith or better theology. Okay, things like counseling, therapy, medication, those are great things that some of us need sometimes, myself included. They're good gifts. And integrating God's story with the one that we tell ourselves on a daily basis is also an important part of our healing. [00:05:07] (31 seconds)
and I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church. It's like he's saying, tell me who I am to you, and I'll tell you who you really are and what you can do. He gives him a new identity. The name Peter literally means rock. And this identity is tied to a mission to be the foundation for the church. And this is not because Peter had the right answers, right? Jesus said it was God who helped him have that insight. [00:10:17] (37 seconds)
And it's not because Peter is this perfect high performer, because Jesus knows that he's speaking to someone full of contradictions. He's already demonstrated this before, and nothing captures it like Peter going from being the rock that the church is gonna be built on to a stumbling block. And to say nothing about being called Satan. What's going on there? [00:10:47] (26 seconds)
But Jesus was living the bigger story. He clung to the truth of his identity as the Messiah and the Son of God and his mission to redeem reality. This is important. Jesus's identity and his mission are inseparable. And here with Peter, Jesus is rebuking these lies. He's rebuking anything that derails God's story, because he knows that the cross is central to the kingdom of heaven to move us into redemption. [00:14:24] (34 seconds)
I am saying that in light of who Jesus is, our shortcomings do not define us. They don't change our relationship to Jesus, and they do not stop the kingdom of heaven. Let grace facilitate your transformation. Because when you name Jesus as the Messiah, you're trusting that he's going to fill in all of the gaps, that he can hold together all of our contradictions, and that he can use us in telling God's big story. [00:19:31] (34 seconds)
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