Peter is Restored John 21:15-23
Contents
LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS
Summary: In this passage, Jesus reinstates Peter after his denial and instructs him to feed His sheep, emphasizing the restoration and redemption Jesus brings to sinners. Jesus is in the business of restoring and redeeming sinners. He doesn't give up on us, but instead, He calls us back to Himself and gives us a purpose in His kingdom. Through Jesus, we can experience restoration and redemption, no matter how we have failed in the past. He calls us to repentance, forgiveness, and a renewed purpose in His kingdom. The passage highlights the themes of repentance, forgiveness, obedience, and following God's will, while cautioning against distractions and misunderstandings in interpreting God's promises and plans for believers.
Application: This passage reminds us that no matter how we have failed or denied Christ in the past, Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration. It encourages us to repent, accept His grace, and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Background: Have someone read Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 before telling the story to give the background on the passage.
1. Reaffirmation Amidst Regret
John 21:15-17
Jesus' threefold question to Peter about his love is not only a moment of restoration but also a profound illustration of Jesus' redemptive love for sinners. This moment serves as a template for understanding how Jesus redeems our failures by inviting us to affirm our love and commitment to Him, signaling that our past does not disqualify us from serving in His kingdom.
QUESTION: When have you struggled with feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness because of your past mistakes? What did it take to bring you back to trusting that Jesus can still use you? Or what do you need reminded of today to believe that Jesus can still use you?
2. Redemption's Costly Call
John 21:18-19
Jesus foreshadows Peter's future, including his martyrdom, as a way of showing that redemption and restoration involve a call to follow Jesus at any cost. This serves as a poignant reminder that Jesus' redemption calls us to a life of discipleship, where we carry our cross, symbolizing a life of surrender and obedience.
QUESTION: Where do you struggle to surrender and completely commit yourself to Christ? In other words, what areas of your life are holdout areas where you could be more committed to Christ?
3. Resist Comparing, Choose Following
John 21:20-23
Jesus' conversation with Peter about John emphasizes that our journey of restoration and redemption is not to be compared with others. This teaching underscores that Jesus has a unique path for each of us, and we should focus on following Him rather than being distracted by others' paths. It encourages personal accountability to Jesus in our restoration journey.
QUESTION: Where are you comparing yourself to others right now? What do you need to remind yourself that Jesus has asked you to serve Him and not be distracted by others?
