The Life of Peter: John 18:12-18, 21:15-17
12 So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. 15 Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the slave-girl who kept the door said to Peter, 'You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?' He said, 'I am not.' 18 Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself." (John 18:12-18, NASB)
"15 So 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, 'Tend My lambs.' 16 He said to him again 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, 'Shepherd My sheep.' 17 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 all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Tend My sheep.'" (John 21:15-17, NASB)
On Sunday, Pastor Lance continued our Life of Peter series with "Failure & Restoration," using the powerful illustration of Steve Bartman's infamous moment at the Cubs game. Pastor Lance showed how Peter went from being Jesus' biggest fan who boldly declared he'd lay down his life for Jesus to denying him three times around a charcoal fire. But the story doesn't end with failure—Jesus later restores Peter around another charcoal fire, asking him three times "Do you love me?" and commissioning him to "tend my sheep." Pastor Lance emphasized that sometimes we let our failures sideline us, but Jesus teaches us that where shame weighs us down, He lifts us with His grace; where we feel disqualified, He offers restoration; where we feel defined by failure, He uses it to shape us; and where we see missed chances, He offers greater opportunities.
"15 So 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, 'Tend My lambs.' 16 He said to him again 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, 'Shepherd My sheep.' 17 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 all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Tend My sheep.'" (John 21:15-17, NASB)
On Sunday, Pastor Lance continued our Life of Peter series with "Failure & Restoration," using the powerful illustration of Steve Bartman's infamous moment at the Cubs game. Pastor Lance showed how Peter went from being Jesus' biggest fan who boldly declared he'd lay down his life for Jesus to denying him three times around a charcoal fire. But the story doesn't end with failure—Jesus later restores Peter around another charcoal fire, asking him three times "Do you love me?" and commissioning him to "tend my sheep." Pastor Lance emphasized that sometimes we let our failures sideline us, but Jesus teaches us that where shame weighs us down, He lifts us with His grace; where we feel disqualified, He offers restoration; where we feel defined by failure, He uses it to shape us; and where we see missed chances, He offers greater opportunities.
Discussion Questions
- Pastor Lance started with Steve Bartman's story about getting "caught up in the moment" and how one moment changed everything. Share a time when you got "caught up in the moment" and acted differently than you planned. How did that experience impact you?
- Peter boldly declared "I will lay down my life for you" but then denied Jesus three times when faced with a simple question from a slave girl. What causes the gap between our good intentions and our actual actions when we're under pressure?
- Pastor Lance mentioned different ways we deny Jesus today: through fear of man (what will people think?), through apathy (lack of urgency), and through desire for other things (wanting something more than Jesus). Which of these resonates most with your experience? Share an example if you're comfortable.
- John specifically mentions the "charcoal fire" in both Peter's denial and his restoration. What significance do you see in Jesus choosing to restore Peter around the same type of fire where he failed? How might God use similar circumstances to bring healing to our failures?
- Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these?" Pastor Lance suggested that this was calling Peter back to his bold leadership role, not putting down the other disciples. When have you felt God calling you back to something you stepped away from due to failure or disappointment?
- Peter felt "grieved" when Jesus asked him the third time if he loved him. Why do you think the repetition was so painful for Peter? How does Jesus' persistence in asking reveal His heart toward us after we've failed?
- After each declaration of love, Jesus gave Peter a mission: "Tend my lambs," "Shepherd my sheep." Pastor Lance said, "Your failure doesn't disqualify you — it prepares you to shepherd others with the same grace you've received." How has a past failure actually prepared you to help others? What mission might God be calling you back to?
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