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 Peter saying, “I am going fishing,” after Jesus’ resurrection? What does this reveal about his state of mind? ([04:40])
2. How does Jesus interact with the disciples when they have caught nothing all night? What does he tell them to do, and what happens as a result? ([13:35])
3. What is the importance of the “charcoal fire” in this story? Where else does this appear in Peter’s story? ([18:55])
4. How many times does Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” and how does this connect to Peter’s earlier actions? ([21:37])
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## Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus brings Peter back to the place of his greatest failure (the charcoal fire) instead of avoiding it? What does this say about how Jesus deals with our shame? ([18:55])
2. The sermon says, “If Jesus isn’t dead, then God’s not done with you.” How does Peter’s restoration show that failure is not the end of our story? ([04:40])
3. Jesus commands Peter to “feed my sheep” three times. What does this repeated command tell us about the kind of influence Jesus wants his followers to have? ([21:37])
4. The sermon points out that Jesus calls Peter “Simon” instead of “Peter” during this conversation. What might be the reason for this, and what does it teach us about how God uses our weakness? ([31:46])
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## Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Failure is not your final identity.” Is there a failure or regret in your life that you feel still defines you? What would it look like to let Jesus meet you in that place and offer restoration? ([04:40])
2. Peter’s desperation to be with Jesus led him to jump out of the boat and swim to shore. When was the last time you felt desperate for Jesus’ presence? What would it look like to pursue him with that kind of urgency this week? ([16:09])
3. Jesus restores Peter by bringing him back to the place of his denial, not to shame him, but to forgive and recommission him. Are there places of shame or regret in your life where you need to let Jesus in? How can you invite him into those places? ([18:55])
4. The call to “feed my sheep” is a call to action, not just belief. What is one tangible way you can serve, love, or give this week that puts your faith into action? ([28:19])
5. The sermon says, “God uses us not because of our strength, but in our weakness.” Is there an area where you feel unqualified or too broken to be used by God? How might God want to use you right there? ([31:46])
6. Think about the influence you have—at home, at work, with friends, or in your community. How are you currently using that influence? Is there a way you sense God calling you to use it differently? ([02:58])
7. The sermon reminds us that “the sheep belong to Jesus.” How does remembering that the people you serve or lead are ultimately God’s help you when you feel frustrated or discouraged? ([31:02])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion: — Thank God for his forgiveness and restoration. Ask him to help you see your influence as a gift to be used for his glory, and to give you courage to step out in faith, even in your weakness. Invite him into any places of shame or regret, and ask for a fresh sense of his calling and love.
