The Keys of the Kingdom
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to model how a relational study is done and provide questions relating text to the FAW theme for individual or group use. |
I was traveling down the interstate highway one morning, singing and I
realized that I felt I was in the kingdom of God. Although the feeling didn't
last, I have not forgotten the experience. As I have "lived the questions" with
you this year I have been challenged and changed by each one.
How does transformation happen? Could it happen when we "live the questions"?
Reading the gospel according to Matthew we keep running into Peter and his
responses to Jesus. We observe that his transformation from a fisherman to one
of the leaders in the early church was not a smooth one but an up and down one
as he deals with the questions Jesus asks.
The Peter story we will be using for this study is Matthew 16:13-20. You may
want to read Matthew's other stories about Peter. [Matthew 4:18-20; 14:22-32;
16:21-26; 17:1-8; 26:31-41; 69-75. Also look at Acts 4:1-13. What an incredible
story of transformation! Now focus on the story for this study. (Matt. 16:13-20).
Enter the Story
The Serendipity Bible for Small Groups provides these questions to stimulate our reflection.
Why did people think that Jesus was John the Baptist? What was significant about Peter's confession? How do you interpret the insight (v. 17), power (v. 18) and authority (v. 19) given to Peter? What are the keys of the kingdom? What do they bind and what do they loose?
And what are your questions?
Connecting Questions
In connecting with the story, I wondered what my own answer to the question,
"Who do you say that I am?" would be. This is an important question to consider.
Does the answer need to be the same for every one? Has your answer changed
through the years? How has your response to this question transformed your life?
I also wondered what my reaction would be to Jesus' response. What was your
response to the words "bound" and "loose"?
Richard Rohr says, "Transformation is radically unsettling. We prefer a
static, predictable state." Jesus' questions call us to transition into a new
level of faith out of our comfort zone. Perhaps that is why the words, "Be not
afraid" appear so often. Live with the questions. Be ready for a new discovery.
Good News for You
The focus for me was, "What are the keys of the kingdom?" I remembered my experience of elation on the highway and realized that my answer was forgiveness. This was a key to continue the process of transformation (Romans 12:2). The day before that drive, I had finally forgiven someone that I had been mad with for years. I had prayed about it over and over but the resentment held me captive. (Bound) I did want to forgive but I could not---until we met on another turf and fell in each other's arms. It happened, and my life was transformed and free of a terrible burden. (Loosed)
Application
Recently I have been struggling with health problems and I have found that my prayer life and attitude is changed when I give thanks for all things. My journey to healing begins with recognizing where I am bound and how gratitude can loose those bonds.
Thanksgiving and forgiveness are surely important keys to transformation. How does transformation happen? I believe it happens as we live the questions we have featured this year:
It happens as we reflect on the events of our lives and share them with others. God is always more. Live the questions!
Suggested Reading:
Nancy Boyle is a workshop leader, teacher and Christian Education Consultant living in Columbia SC.