The Word

Read Acts 10:10-16. Why was Peter’s vision so startling to him?

Read Acts 10:17-23. What do you imagine Peter was feeling when he first heard the request of Cornelius’ servants? What do you think would have happened if Peter had not made the time in his busy schedule to pray?

Read Acts 10:28, 34-35. What was the reason Peter had a drastic change in heart toward the people he had considered in the past to be common and unclean?

Peter’s response to Cornelius is found in Acts 10:47-48. What was the testimony of Peter? The followers of Christ no longer would consider themselves to be God’s only Chosen People who would receive His gift. Rather, they would begin to disciple the Gentiles.

Early in this story, Peter doubted God’s judgment. Through this encounter, he quickly learned that he was mistaken in his view of other people. Not long before Peter’s vision, Jesus had given the disciples instructions. Later, He added some special advice for Peter. Read Matthew 28:19, 20 and John 21:15-17. What did Jesus call the disciples to do? What did He specifically ask of Peter?

Read John 13:34,35. How do Jesus’ words relate to Peter’s experience with Cornelius?

Try It Out!

Just as Jesus had sent the disciples out of their comfort zones to practice what they had learned from Him, the Holy Spirit sent Peter from the comfort of Joppa to a Gentile’s home in Caesarea to explain God’s original, intended plan of acceptance.

I invite you to get on your knees right now. Ask God to bring to your mind the names of a person or two that need to see Jesus’ love through you right now. Is it someone you have wronged? Is it someone you have ignored? Is it someone who has hurt you? Pray for strength to follow through with the names God placed on your heart.

What if…

Identify three different ways you have been loved by others. Why is this important to remember? How has it impacted you?

Talk about what the world would be like if everyone loved each other in Christ. What would be the difference in our families, neighborhoods, schools, and churches?

What are some specific ways God is calling you to leave your comfort zone to love the people in your life? What will you do with these convictions?

Date: 2015-02-16; view: 588