One’s judgment goes with Paul, but one’s heart goes with Barnabas.
A.T. ROBERTSON
Connect
1. Share a fairly benign regret you have from your history that didn't have any long-lasting effects - something like: I should have asked him/her to the dance in high school or I should have said yes/no to that internship or I should have tried out for the team/position/part in the play, etc.
2. Do you have a regret from your past, or possibly currently depending on your age, that is due to you convincing yourself you were/are simply to young to make a difference?
Discuss
1. Can you think of a time you messed up or backed out of something important—like John Mark did? What did you learn from it?
2. Why do you think we often believe one failure means we’ve missed our only shot?
3. John Mark was young, probably a little impulsive, but drawn to the action. Do you ever feel like you’re being pulled toward something meaningful but aren’t sure what it is? What keeps you from taking a next step?
4. Barnabas saw “possibilities of grace” in John Mark. Who in your life needs you to believe in them right now?
5. If regret is something you carry, what would it look like to bring that to Jesus this week instead of carrying it alone?
Action Steps
1.Bring a regret that is still chasing you around to Jesus. Let him begin to write your next chapter leaving that regret in the previous one.
2. Have questions about baptism? Please reach out to pastors@thecrossing.church or fill out the baptism application. We love having these conversations.
3. Please consider helping those in need:
https://thecrossing.church/disasterrelief or text OUTREACH to 48099
Pray
Jesus -
Remind each one of us how precious we are in your sight. Give us the courage to come to you with our regrets and past mistakes and allow you to renew our thoughts and minds. We are so thankful that you continue to choose us and give us second chances when we don't deserve it. Go with us this week and have us on alert for how we might show up like Barnabas for someone else. We love you. AMEN