Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 21:15-25), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Peter has utterly denied Jesus (John 18). We too, in our sin, would cut ourselves off from God. In what ways have you denied Jesus? Where do you feel that leaves you with God? What does Jesus say to you about your sin?

• [15-17] Jesus engages with Peter here in a way that gives Peter a deeper knowledge both of Jesus and of himself. If we don’t know God, we cannot know ourselves—and, if we don’t know ourselves, we cannot know God. Why? What are some implications?

• With Jesus, restoration doesn’t mean another chance to redeem/prove/fix yourself. It means life-changing assurance of reconciliation to God by his grace. Knowing this, Peter may help others to know it. Do you know Christ’s restoration? How does the assurance of your reconciliation to God change your life? Are you able to articulate this to friends who don’t understand the Gospel?

• [18-19] Do you know people who view life as full of opportunities to prove themselves, to make up for their sins? Do you view life as full of opportunities to glorify the God of love, to grow in Christ-likeness as you follow Jesus’ lead? Do you fear the pain of suffering for Christ’s sake, or do you count it a privilege to be able to identify with Jesus in his sufferings?