This series is about starting again with Jesus.
I really can’t think of a better start again story than Simon Peter’s… And it is pretty clear who takes the restorative initiative:
John 21:4–7 (NLT)
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.Where do you see Jesus taking the first step toward Peter in this story?
What can you learn from this first move by Jesus? Is that the way we typically expect him to act?
What does this show about Jesus’ heart?
John 21:15–17 (NLT)
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
Jesus really could have humiliated or shamed Peter here… Instead, Jesus just restores. What words or actions in the passage feel gentle instead of harsh? (Read John 21:15–17.)
What’s the difference between conviction (helping) and shame (crushing)?
Each time Peter answers, Jesus gives him a mission: “Feed my lambs… take care of my sheep… feed my sheep.”
What does it mean that Jesus gives Peter purpose after failure?
Peter acknowledges that Jesus already knows everything about him. Is thagood news, or bad news?
Psalm 139:1–4 (NLT)
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
How does God’s full knowledge connect to grace?
Peter failed, but Jesus didn’t quit on him. Can you think of another Biblical story in which God restores someone who messed up?
What do these stories have in common?
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
What does “grace” mean in simple words?
How do these verses show that God acts first?
Why would Jesus invite Peter to follow again instead of keeping him at a distance?
Personal step: Where do you most need restoration right now—guilt, fear, a broken habit, a relationship, discouragement?
1 John 1:9 (NLT)
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
What would it look like this week to respond to Jesus’ initiative (confess, receive forgiveness, take one obedient step)?
One of my favorite spots in Israel is where this story takes place. You’ll get to experience it for yourself if you join our 2027 Israel trip! I hope you’ll join me!