Bible Reading
John 21:1-19 (ESV) —
> After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
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> Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
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> When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
>
> When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
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## Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the charcoal fire in both Peter’s denial and his restoration? ([02:32:11])
2. How many times does Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” and how does this relate to Peter’s earlier actions? ([02:34:43])
3. What specific actions does Jesus command Peter to do after each affirmation of love? ([02:34:43])
4. According to the sermon, what was Peter doing when Jesus found him after the resurrection, and what does this reveal about Peter’s state of mind? ([42:44])
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## Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to restore Peter in the same setting (by a charcoal fire) where Peter had previously denied him? What might this say about how Jesus deals with our failures? ([02:32:11])
2. The sermon says, “You are not defined by your failures, but by Jesus’ forgiveness.” How does Peter’s story illustrate this truth? ([42:44])
3. The command “Feed my sheep” is repeated three times. What does this repetition communicate about the importance of action in following Jesus? ([02:39:25])
4. The sermon points out that Jesus calls Peter “Simon” instead of “Peter” during this conversation. What is the significance of Jesus using Peter’s old name, and what does it teach us about how God uses us? ([02:44:30])
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## Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “If Jesus isn’t dead, then God’s not done with you.” Is there an area of your life where you feel disqualified or “done” because of past failure? How might Jesus want to restore and recommission you in that area? ([42:44])
2. Peter’s desperation to be with Jesus led him to jump out of the boat and swim to shore. What would it look like for you to show that kind of desperation for Jesus’ presence in your daily life? ([54:14])
3. Jesus’ command to “feed my sheep” is a call to action, not just belief. What is one concrete way you can serve or influence others for Jesus this week—at home, at work, in your community, or at church? ([02:39:25])
4. The sermon reminds us that “the ministry and people we serve belong to Jesus, not to us.” How does this perspective change the way you view your responsibilities or frustrations in serving others? ([02:42:54])
5. Jesus uses Peter’s weakness and brokenness, not his strength, as the starting point for ministry. Is there a weakness or area of brokenness in your life that you’ve been hiding or ashamed of? How could God use that very area for his purposes if you made yourself available? ([02:44:30])
6. The sermon challenges us to raise our children in the Lord, serve in our communities, and give generously—not because we’re perfect, but because Jesus is. Which of these areas is most challenging for you right now, and what is one step you can take to move forward? ([02:39:25])
7. Think about your sphere of influence (family, friends, work, church, online). What is one relationship or situation where you sense God calling you to “feed his sheep”? What’s a first step you can take this week? ([270s])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion: — Ask God to help you see yourself through the lens of his forgiveness, not your failures, and to give you courage to step into the influence and calling he has for you—right where you are, with what you have.
