Forgiven, Restored & Commissioned

Icebreaker

Q1 - Can you share a story of forgiveness or restoration that has moved you? It could be personal or a story you’ve read or heard.

Study

Before we look into today’s passage, it’s worth looking into what had happened before.

Please read John 18:15-18; 25-27

Peter is under pressure, Jesus is arrested and he knows what the possible outcome might be. He knows that standing up for his friend could mean that he would have the same destiny.

Q2 - Looking at the first denial, do you think there would have been a significant consequence to him saying he was a disciple?

Probably not, the servant woman already knew that his friend was a disciple. Yet Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus.

Q3 - Why do you think Peter is so quick to deny him? What do you think you would have done in that situation? Overall, do we think what Peter did was understandable or high treason?

Q4 – How about the second and third denial? Do they seem more understandable? What do you think most Christians would have done in this situation?

Please read John 21:15-19

This is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, it reflects God’s grace and the lovely way in which Jesus treats his disciples and everyone.

Q5 - As you read this passage, what is your first reaction? How do you react to it? Does it move you to want to be more forgiving? Does it move you to just want to worship Jesus? Does it help you have a strong sense of purpose? Do you feel unworthy of this forgiveness?

The first two questions Jesus asks he uses the word ‘agape’ for love, which is the Greek word for unconditional love, the way God loves. Peter’s replies use the word ‘phileo’ which is the word for family love, fraternal love. Jesus is asking, do you love me unconditionally? And a humbled Peter can only reply, you know that I love you as a brother. He is implying that he can’t actually say that he loves him unconditionally, something that he probably would have said a week earlier.

Q6 – Why do you think Peter doesn’t feel able to say that he loves Jesus unconditionally? Do you think this is a good reply or a bad one?

There is so much honesty in Peter’s reply, its just beautiful. He knows he wants to love Jesus unconditionally, but his life has proven that he actually can’t or hasn’t been able to. It’s a humble reply, with a deep regret for his mistakes but yet a yearning to change, to love more and better.

Q7 – If Jesus asked you today, do you love (‘agape’) me unconditionally? What would your reply be? Why?

Q8 – Why do you think Jesus asked this question three times? Why did Peter need this?

Jesus has forgiven Peter and is restoring him. Restoring his confidence, restoring his sense of purpose, letting him know that despite his mistakes there is still a great calling on his life. This act of grace will be a driver to encourage others to receive God’s grace.

Q9 – What aspect of Peter’s character do you think Jesus is working on?

Q10 – If you had an encounter like that with Jesus today, what aspects of your character do you think he would be trying to mould and work with you on?

After every question, Jesus asks Peter to feed and take care of his people. He is reminding him that he has a calling regardless of his mistakes and flaws. We are all called by God to build his kingdom together.

Q11 – What are the kind of things that you feel might stop you from fulfilling God’s call and mission for your life? What are the things you might want to bring to God in prayer for him to restore you and remind you that he still wants to work with and through you?

Prayer

After this lovely interaction where Jesus is restoring Peter, not avoiding the ‘elephant in room’ but actually healing him and empowering him again. Jesus then reminds him in verse 18 that things aren’t going to be easy, that maturing will have a cost for him. Then we find that Jesus says the same words he had heard when they first met “Follow me”. Those lovely and simple words, Peter you have failed massively, but I still chose you as a disciple. I still would love you to come where I’m going, follow me and feed my people.

If you are able, I would love you to spend some time in silence and reflect on these words. Imagine Jesus is speaking to you today, asking the same questions. He is ready to forgive, restore and send you out to do his mission. He asks do you love me? Then receive my grace and forgiveness. Do you love me? Then let me restore and heal you. Do you love me? Then love everyone and build my kingdom. Let’s just hear once again those amazing words from Jesus as he looks at us to our eyes and calls us by name, “Follow me”.