Date: March 19, 2023
Session Title: Jesus Gave Me Grace and Forgiveness
The Point: Jesus took my guilt and set me free.
Get Into the Study
After discussing the opening question, share this story:
One of the longest terms in prison for an innocent inmate in a United States prison is 60 years. Imagine spending six decades in prison only to be proven innocent? Imagine the freedom you would feel for being found not guilty after the world saying you were guilty for 60 years.
The week of February 20, 2023, an Illinois man was allowed parole after serving 60 years in prison for murder. After years and years of seeking a hearing, Chester Weger, 83, accused of murder in 1960 in Chicago, was issued a hearing to re-examine his case given DNA evidence from the crime scene.
Explain: This man’s life was spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. Today, although anything may happen to us, from not being forgiven of something, to others holding grudges for decades against us, we must recognize that we are not innocent. We have sinned. Every one of us is guilty of sin against God. We are not without sin, but God offers forgiveness of our sin. Chester Weger did not deserve punishment for crimes he did not commit, we do deserve punishment. Yet God gives us freedom from our sin, through Christ, by taking our guilt and replacing it with freedom.
Get Into the Study [Option from the Adult Leader Guide, p. 37]
At the beginning of the session, play a video clip demonstrating the power of forgiveness.
Study the Bible
As you study and discuss John 8:10-11, point attention to Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Refer back to the opening story about Chester Wege. Explain that while most of us will not serve our entire lives in prison—wrongly accused of a crime we didn’t commit—we do deserve punishment and death for our sins. We have all broken God’s law and we deserve nothing.
God provides forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Jesus takes our guilt and sets us free from the bondage of our sin. As free as a man released from prison after a lifetime of bondage behind locks and gates, Jesus is the key, He takes the guilt and shame of our sin and removes it, offering love, joy, peace, and freedom from sin.
EXTRA was written by Ryan Sanders. He holds the ThM and MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ryan serves as Lay Pastor at McLean Bible Church, is married with three children, and lives in Washington, DC. Find more about Ryan at RyanJSanders.com.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When have you seen someone try to cover up a “crime” only to fail miserably?
- What does forgiveness look like to you?
- When have you seen forgiveness change someone’s life?
- What are some of your favorite stories of forgiveness?
John 8:2-6a
- Why is our first reaction often to judge others?
- How does our culture tend to characterize sin?
- What does this encounter demonstrate about the religious leadership of Jesus’ day?
- How do we balance forgiveness with a longing for justice?
John 8:6b-9
- How can unconfessed sin affect our relationship with God?
- Why do people try to excuse their sin?
- When is it most tempting for you to “throw stones”?
- How has Jesus helped you recognize your own sinfulness?
John 8:10-11
- How do we understand the tension between accountability for our sins and God’s forgiveness?
- Why do you think our culture tends to leave off Jesus’ last statement when recounting this passage?
- How can we communicate to others that they are sinners without condemning them?
- In what ways has your life been changed by God’s forgiveness?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
WWJW – What Would Jesus Write?
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- Mature Living – The Big Kind of Forgiveness
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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