All Things New, Part 2: The Risk of Reconciliation

Brian Behrends, Creative Pastor

2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… 

Reconciled to

2 Corinthians 5:19-20
…that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

Reconciled to

Reconciled to

Matthew 8:1–4
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 2:10–11

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Small Group Questions

1. One week into December, how are you feeling about Christmas music?
   a. Bring it on, turn it up! b. It’s fine… I can tune it out. c. Enough already… make it stop!
2. What are some legitimate reasons people avoid reconciliation?
3. What risks did Jesus take on to reconcile humanity?
4. Have you ever had to take a personal risk to restore a relationship? How did it turn out?
5. What’s one step you can take toward reconciliation this week?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?