Most of us find it easier to forgive than to forget. We may be ready to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply, but we have a hard time trusting that person again. Peter failed Jesus miserably. He promised to give up his life if necessary to protect Jesus, but denied him a few hours later. Peter knew Jesus had forgiven him. But would Jesus still trust him? Could Jesus still use him to bring glory to God? Will Christ still use us after we've failed?
Warming Up to God
How do you feel when someone you have hurt refuses to forgive you?Read John 21
Discovering the Word
- What was Jesus trying to show the disciples by allowing them to catch such a large number of fish (vv. 4-6; see Lk 5:4-11)?
- When Peter hears that "it is the Lord" (vv. 7-8), he jumps into the water and begins swimming ahead of the boat. What does this reveal about Peter and his relationship with Jesus?
- What subtle differences do you notice in Jesus' three questions and Peter's responses (vv. 15-17)?
- Why do you think Jesus chose this particular time to predict the kind of death Peter would die (vv. 18-19)?
- What does Jesus' rebuke to Peter (v. 22) reveal about the danger of comparing ourselves with other Christians?
Applying the Word
- What can we learn from this passage about the steps involved in restoring a Christian who has sinned?
- How does it help to know that you can still serve and glorify God no matter what your past failures have been?
