Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

Read each word and estimate the percentage of time that the word implies in that context.  

Word                                   Example                                                                                                    What do you mean? (%)        

1. Always                           "She always arrives on time for meetings."                                   ____ %

2. Frequently                  “I frequently go to the gym after work."                                          ____ %

3. Often                              "We often have pizza for dinner on Fridays."                               ____ % 
 
4. Continually                 "She is continually improving her skills."                                       ____ %

5. Periodically                 "I periodically check my email throughout the day."             ____ % 

6. Seldom                         "He seldom eats junk food."                                                                   ____ % 

7. Rarely                             "I rarely watch TV."                                                                                        ____ % 

8. Occasionally             "I occasionally go to the beach during the summer."            ____ %

9. Sporadically              "The rain falls sporadically during the dry season."                ____ %

Compare the percentages and observe the range of responses (e.g., "rarely" could mean anywhere from 10% to 55%) from participants.

Ask: What do you mean by "never"?

Jesus doesn't just make an awkward statement, but gives a disturbing and unexpected announcement. There's a saying: "Never say never." Yet, Peter is so shocked by Jesus' words that he responds in disbelief. Read through the series of stories.
 

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Read Matthew 16:21-23:

Jesus Predicts His Death

21 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.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23 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.”

Download Matthew 16:21-23

In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus predicts his death, and Peter reacts with, "Never, Lord!" His emotional response, fueled by love, reveals an overreaction and lack of understanding of God’s greater plan. Jesus rebukes him, urging a shift from human to divine perspective.

Peter's reaction raises questions about how we balance emotions with trusting God’s bigger plan. How do we respond when situations challenge our understanding or conflict with our desires?

In Matthew 17:22-23, the disciples' subdued grief shows growing understanding, though still clouded by sorrow. How can we better discern God's perspective when overwhelmed by fear or sadness?

In Matthew 20:17-19, James and John's mother seeks glory for her sons, missing the essence of Jesus' mission. What does it mean to embrace God’s mission, even when it’s uncomfortable?

Peter's response reflects our common tendency when we react emotionally, without a full understanding. To see the bigger picture, we must balance immediate feelings with a broader, divine perspective, trusting God’s plan in the midst of challenges.