Renewing Our Awe: Reflecting on Jesus' Power

As we prepare for Easter, it's a time to reflect on the life of Jesus and the profound impact He had on those around Him. Imagine being one of the disciples, witnessing the miracles, the healings, and the power that emanated from Jesus. Today, I want to focus on a story from Mark 11, where Jesus curses a fig tree. The next day, the disciples notice that the tree has withered, and Peter exclaims in amazement. This reaction is significant because Peter, who had seen countless miracles, still found himself in awe of Jesus' power.

Peter's life was transformed by Jesus. He left everything to follow Him, drawn by the authenticity and authority of Christ. Despite witnessing the feeding of the 5,000, the raising of the dead, and the transfiguration, Peter's amazement never waned. This story challenges us to reflect on our own sense of wonder. Have we become so familiar with the story of Easter that it no longer moves us? Have we lost the ability to be amazed by God?

As we enter Holy Week, I encourage you to ask God to renew your sense of awe. The story of Jesus' resurrection is not just a tale to be retold; it's a powerful reminder of God's love and power. Let us not become complacent or bored with the story of Easter. Instead, let us approach it with fresh eyes and open hearts, ready to be amazed once again by the incredible sacrifice and victory of Jesus. May this week be a time of renewed wonder and deepened faith as we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Ending Amazement:** Despite witnessing numerous miracles, Peter's amazement at Jesus' power never diminished. This challenges us to maintain a sense of wonder and awe in our relationship with God, continually seeking to be amazed by His works. [03:30]
  3. Familiarity Breeds Complacency: The story of Easter can become routine if we're not careful. We must guard against becoming so familiar with the story that it loses its impact, asking God to renew our sense of awe and wonder.
  
  4. The Call to Reflect: As we enter Holy Week, it's a time to deeply reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This reflection should lead us to a deeper understanding of His love and sacrifice, inspiring us to live out our faith with renewed vigor.
  
  5. A Prayer for Awe: Let us pray for God to help us be in awe of Jesus once again. This prayer is a humble acknowledgment of our need for His Spirit to reignite our passion and wonder, drawing us closer to Him during this sacred time.
  
  ** [03:30]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:30] - Introduction to Holy Week
• [01:15] - The Story of the Fig Tree
• [02:00] - Peter's Amazement
• [03:00] - Witnessing Miracles
• [03:30] - The Challenge of Familiarity
• [04:24] - Renewing Our Sense of Awe
• [05:00] - Reflecting on Jesus' Life
• [06:00] - A Prayer for Awe
• [06:30] - Closing Remarks

1. What was the initial reaction of the disciples, particularly Peter, when they saw the withered fig tree? How does the text describe Peter's response? [02:00]
2. What specific actions did Jesus take regarding the fig tree, and what was the outcome the next day? [02:00]
3. How does the sermon describe the power and presence of Jesus that drew Peter to follow Him? [02:00]

1. Why do you think Peter was still amazed by Jesus' actions, even after witnessing many miracles? What does this suggest about his relationship with Jesus? [03:30]
2. How does the story of the fig tree challenge believers to maintain a sense of wonder and awe in their faith journey? [04:24]
3. In what ways might familiarity with the Easter story lead to complacency in one's faith? How can believers guard against this? [04:24]

1. Reflect on a time when you were last amazed by God. What was the situation, and how did it impact your faith? [04:24]
2. As we approach Easter, how can you intentionally renew your sense of awe and wonder in your relationship with God? What specific steps can you take this week? [05:00]
3. Consider the power of Jesus' presence in your life. What old habits or routines might you need to leave behind to follow Him with renewed passion? [02:00]
4. How can you ensure that the story of Easter remains impactful and meaningful in your life, rather than becoming routine? [04:24]
5. Identify one aspect of Jesus' life, death, or resurrection that you find most inspiring. How can you incorporate this inspiration into your daily life and interactions with others? [05:00]
6. What specific prayer can you offer to ask God to reignite your passion and wonder for Him during this Holy Week? [06:00]
7. How can you share the story of Easter with someone who may have become complacent or bored with it? What approach would you take to make it fresh and engaging for them? [04:24]