NOTES: Dancing with Porcupines, Part 1

Dancing with Porcupines: Week 1- Our Dance Teacher

Date: Sunday April 16, 2023

Text: John 20:19-23

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Let’s Connect

•    This moment after the death and resurrection of Jesus reveals: relationships matter!

•    He made possible a restored relationship between God and people.

•    …As well as between us and others.

•    …By showing us the way that all other relationships can flourish.

Why are relationships so difficult?

•    Relationships are central to God’s nature and human flourishing.

•    The fall of humanity in sin broke relationship with God and within the first family.

•    Human relationships have been complicated ever since.

(Our porcupine metaphor):

Explain:

This post resurrection event teaches us:

1.       We all are porcupines in need of a Savior.

2.       We learn how to dance with other porcupines by following Jesus (Our Perfect Teacher)

3.       Jesus offers peace as an invitation into a harmonious relationship with God.

4.       Our divine dance: called and sent to bring others into relationship with God and each other.

John 13:34–35 (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

5.       Forgiveness is at the heart of relationships; first with God, then with others.

Colossians 2:13–14 (ESV) “13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV)

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

6.       The Holy Spirit is essential to this dance.

Let’s Relate:

Living out our calling by the fullness of the Spirit:

Ephesians 4:1–4 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call”

Challenge:

Let Jesus breath on you today, so together we can learn a better dance.