- While God empathizes with how we arrived at a painful point, he doesn’t endorse any sinful paths that pain has created, is creating, or could create for us.
- How Jesus Responds to Relational Struggles
Issue of Miscommunication
- Luke 2:48-50 - 'When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. '
- Jesus Models Honoring People and Honoring God
- Luke 2:51 - 'Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. '
Issue of a Breach in Trust
- John 21:17 - 'The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. '
- Jesus Models Restoration in Relationships
- Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Issue of Power and Role Imbalances
- Luke 23:34 - “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
- Jesus Models Forgiveness in the Hardest Moments
Overcoming each of these issues can sometimes feel superhuman!
- Mark 14:38 - 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- The difference between Jesus and the disciples is prayer!
- What would have happened if the disciples had prayed with Jesus?
