Wk 5 // February 8 & 9
Wk 5 // HOW TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE
February 8 & 9, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
No matter what happened in your past, the final chapter of your life is yet to be written. Jesus Christ can still use us where we are. God can use us despite our shortcomings so that we can be confident in serving Him. This week we are examining how the shortcomings of Jesus’ disciple Peter can help us know that restoration leads to expectation.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ John 21:1-14
Peter’s lie at Jesus’ trial couldn’t have been further from the truth. He wouldn’t have been in the courtyard outside Jesus’ trial if he didn’t love Jesus, but fear and self-preservation kicked in, and he allowed those emotions to control him. This story is a great illustration of how everyone, regardless of current circumstances, has a past.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ John 21:15-17
Though Peter denied Jesus, Jesus was not finished with him. He again issued His call to Peter to follow Him and to serve Him out of love for Him. It is a powerful reminder that every person needs forgiveness. In this encounter with Peter, there’s no probation, no stipulation, no trial period. We don’t work for redemption; we work and serve from redemption.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ John 21:18-23
Every person has a future. Peter learned something about his and was curious about John’s. Jesus declined to give Peter the kind of answer he was seeking. The purpose of Jesus’ reply was to cause Peter to focus on his main task of following Jesus. Following Christ and helping His people require focus and a refusal to compare our circumstances with others’ circumstances. Jesus’ expectation is that Peter walk in the liberation of his redemption.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Thank God for the redemption He gives to His children. Invite Him to show you what it means to follow Him fearlessly and more closely in the liberation that comes with redemption.
---------------------------
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
[for further reading on this passage]
John 21:1-25
21:1-3. Seven of the disciples participated in this event: Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two unnamed disciples. If we consider geography and occupation, on the basis of chapter 1 we might plug Andrew and Philip into those vacant slots. This was no important event. They were just “hanging out,” and for them, that meant fishing. But it was not a good night for the nets: in fact, they caught nothing.
Only John used the name “Sea of Tiberias” for the Sea of Galilee, and he even corrected himself on the title in 6:1. This body of water was also called the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1). We should not hurry over the word “appeared” in verse 1. John used it and similar words to identify the self-revelation of Christ (John 1:31; 2:11; 9:3). He also used these words in his first epistle to describe the incarnate Christ (1 John 1:2; 3:5, 8; 4:9) and the Lord’s return (1 John 2:28; 3:2). Already in the first three verses of this chapter, Peter has emerged as the dominant personality among the post-resurrection disciples. John’s central emphasis in this futile fishing foray was to set up the miracle he described in verse 6. Nevertheless, the metaphor had been established by both Matthew and Mark: “Follow me … and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17). In the symbolic spiritual reality, we recognize the reappearance of John 15:5—futility without the presence and power of Christ.
21:4-6. Here we find a scene similar to what we saw in chapter 20 with Mary. These disciples, having seen the risen Lord twice, did not recognize Him on shore. Let us not read anything mystical into the text. It could have been dark, or at least dusk. Perhaps there was some mist on the water. The text says they saw someone on the shore but could not tell who it was.
John would never forget the suggestion by this stranger to throw your net on the right side of the boat. How many times that night they had dropped the net on the right side of the boat, then the left, then the right, then the left again—all to no avail. With nothing to lose, they dropped the net and hauled in what some interpreters have suggested would have been over three hundred pounds of fish. Presumably that figure represents what first-century fishing nets might hold.
21:7-9. Notice the disciples put the net down without knowing who had suggested the right side. As soon as they saw the results, they responded in character—John with a word to Peter and Peter jumping into the water. The Greek word for “outer garment” is used only here in the New Testament. We should not presume that Peter was naked before this moment, though some have surmised that.
21:10-14. The eight friends enjoyed breakfast together that day. The menu required some of the freshly caught fish in addition to what Jesus had already prepared. John, a professional fisherman, seemed amazed that they could pull in 153 large fish without the net breaking (another distinction from Luke 5). What a wonderful morning that must have been. These disciples (Thomas among them) experienced a new level of rest and comfort with the Lord’s resurrection and presence.
21:15. Embarrassing as it must have been at the time, this tender exchange restored Peter to leadership—a role he exercised early in Acts. Throughout the history of the church, thousands have been scattered on the roadside of good intentions for ministry; they traded God’s call for something else—like fishing. Even though this night of fishing may have been just a casual outing with the guys, as a professional fisherman Peter could have entertained thoughts of going back to his former work.
For the next nine verses, John brought his Gospel to a close with the clear enunciation of Peter’s call to ministry. Jesus asked Peter almost the same question three times. This could reflect the three denials, but whether it did or not, the command was similar each time: “Feed my lambs … Take care of my sheep … Feed my sheep.” A quick glance at 1 Peter lets us know the disciple never forgot this moment.
21:16. The shepherding call continued a second time as Jesus used Peter’s old name (Simon), reverting to “pebble” rather than “rock.” The flow of the text emphasizes humility and service rather than primacy over the other apostles.
21:17. At this point in the text there is a change of verb in Jesus’ question while the verb in Peter’s answer stays the same. We also learn Peter was hurt by the third question. In Jesus’ first two questions He used the word “aqapao”; hence the NIV translation “truly love.” In the third we find the word “phileo” and the NIV drops “truly.” Most interpreters find no significant difference in the words, particularly since the conversation took place in Aramaic. Nevertheless, John’s record in Greek did, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adopt a different word. It seems difficult from the grammar of the text to argue that Peter’s hurt was brought about only by the connection of a third question with his three denials. We might conclude Peter was hurt because the question had been asked three times. But one should not dismiss the possibility that his discomfort lay in Jesus’ use of a lesser word.
21:18-19. Having established the motivation for service, Jesus went on to describe the turns Peter’s life would take. This brash, independent, vocal fisherman would one day be dependent, presumably a prisoner, and, many believe, a martyr. Only the Son of God could tell someone that following Him would lead to death and then immediately say, “Follow Me!”
21:20-21. We must not forget that Jesus spoke to a pre-Pentecost Peter. When he learned about his own death, Peter apparently glanced at John and asked a question about which he may have felt embarrassment for the rest of his life: “Lord, what about him?” He might have meant, “I’m more concerned about my brother John.” More likely, however, the Peter we know and love would have responded to the prophecy by saying, “If I have to die, so does John.”
21:22-23. Jesus’ response took the form of a mild rebuke and the command to follow. He allowed no comparison with how God leads others or what He gives them while we feel we may have endured great sacrifice. John would live longer than Peter, though there is no reason Peter would infer this from the text. The key is not how long John would live nor that he would live until the Lord’s return (the if looms large here). The main thing is that each Christian should follow Christ in whatever manner he or she is called.
Nevertheless, rumors spread among the brothers—a malady that has worsened in the church over two thousand years. John felt the need to correct it, so he stated the exact words of Jesus. John lived into his nineties, history tells us, but he certainly did not have an exemption from death. The argument had nothing to do with longevity or death; it focused exclusively on Peter’s attitude regarding God’s will for his life.
21:24. Without naming himself, John indicated he was the one referred to in that conversation. Now he wrote down what he saw and heard—an eyewitness record, hand-written and accurate. The words “we know that his testimony is true” may represent a possible affirmation by the early church. The “we” could actually refer to the Ephesian elders, or it might be the editorial pronoun we still use today to avoid choosing the first person.
21:25. The last verse of the Gospel of John represents what we call “hyperbole,” a deliberate exaggeration for dramatic effect. John wanted his readers to know he had just begun to tell the story. The words and works of Jesus were much greater than the record contained in his Gospel, the other Gospels, or the entire Bible. Nevertheless, on the basis of what he had written, John reminded us Jesus expects His people to believe and to make Him Lord of their lives, their service, and their futures.
February 8 & 9, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- What three words describe you?
- What expectations do you have as far as God using you for His purposes? Any? Why or why not?
- Is there anything a person can do that can disqualify him or her from service to God? Why or why not?
No matter what happened in your past, the final chapter of your life is yet to be written. Jesus Christ can still use us where we are. God can use us despite our shortcomings so that we can be confident in serving Him. This week we are examining how the shortcomings of Jesus’ disciple Peter can help us know that restoration leads to expectation.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ John 21:1-14
- How were things left between Jesus and Peter prior to Jesus’ crucifixion?
- When people questioned Peter about Jesus during Jesus’ trial, Peter denied any connection to Him. What does Peter’s rush to join Jesus say about him and his relationship with Jesus, in spite of what happened at the crucifixion?
- Has shame over a past failure ever prevented you from running to Jesus? Why?
Peter’s lie at Jesus’ trial couldn’t have been further from the truth. He wouldn’t have been in the courtyard outside Jesus’ trial if he didn’t love Jesus, but fear and self-preservation kicked in, and he allowed those emotions to control him. This story is a great illustration of how everyone, regardless of current circumstances, has a past.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ John 21:15-17
- How was Peter supposed to demonstrate his love and loyalty to Jesus?
- If Jesus knows everything, and He does, then for whose benefit was His question to Peter?
- What significance is there in the fact Jesus asks Peter the same question three times?
Though Peter denied Jesus, Jesus was not finished with him. He again issued His call to Peter to follow Him and to serve Him out of love for Him. It is a powerful reminder that every person needs forgiveness. In this encounter with Peter, there’s no probation, no stipulation, no trial period. We don’t work for redemption; we work and serve from redemption.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ John 21:18-23
- What kind of a future does Jesus describe for Peter here? Does this have to do with punishment or something else? How do you know?
- What do you know about Peter’s life after this point?
- In your own words, what was Jesus’ point in verse 22?
Every person has a future. Peter learned something about his and was curious about John’s. Jesus declined to give Peter the kind of answer he was seeking. The purpose of Jesus’ reply was to cause Peter to focus on his main task of following Jesus. Following Christ and helping His people require focus and a refusal to compare our circumstances with others’ circumstances. Jesus’ expectation is that Peter walk in the liberation of his redemption.
APPLICATION
- What fears do you have about your future in ministry for Christ? What can you do about those fears?
- What expectations does God have of those who are saved, despite their pasts? How does this challenge you?
PRAYER
Thank God for the redemption He gives to His children. Invite Him to show you what it means to follow Him fearlessly and more closely in the liberation that comes with redemption.
---------------------------
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
[for further reading on this passage]
John 21:1-25
21:1-3. Seven of the disciples participated in this event: Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two unnamed disciples. If we consider geography and occupation, on the basis of chapter 1 we might plug Andrew and Philip into those vacant slots. This was no important event. They were just “hanging out,” and for them, that meant fishing. But it was not a good night for the nets: in fact, they caught nothing.
Only John used the name “Sea of Tiberias” for the Sea of Galilee, and he even corrected himself on the title in 6:1. This body of water was also called the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1). We should not hurry over the word “appeared” in verse 1. John used it and similar words to identify the self-revelation of Christ (John 1:31; 2:11; 9:3). He also used these words in his first epistle to describe the incarnate Christ (1 John 1:2; 3:5, 8; 4:9) and the Lord’s return (1 John 2:28; 3:2). Already in the first three verses of this chapter, Peter has emerged as the dominant personality among the post-resurrection disciples. John’s central emphasis in this futile fishing foray was to set up the miracle he described in verse 6. Nevertheless, the metaphor had been established by both Matthew and Mark: “Follow me … and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17). In the symbolic spiritual reality, we recognize the reappearance of John 15:5—futility without the presence and power of Christ.
21:4-6. Here we find a scene similar to what we saw in chapter 20 with Mary. These disciples, having seen the risen Lord twice, did not recognize Him on shore. Let us not read anything mystical into the text. It could have been dark, or at least dusk. Perhaps there was some mist on the water. The text says they saw someone on the shore but could not tell who it was.
John would never forget the suggestion by this stranger to throw your net on the right side of the boat. How many times that night they had dropped the net on the right side of the boat, then the left, then the right, then the left again—all to no avail. With nothing to lose, they dropped the net and hauled in what some interpreters have suggested would have been over three hundred pounds of fish. Presumably that figure represents what first-century fishing nets might hold.
21:7-9. Notice the disciples put the net down without knowing who had suggested the right side. As soon as they saw the results, they responded in character—John with a word to Peter and Peter jumping into the water. The Greek word for “outer garment” is used only here in the New Testament. We should not presume that Peter was naked before this moment, though some have surmised that.
21:10-14. The eight friends enjoyed breakfast together that day. The menu required some of the freshly caught fish in addition to what Jesus had already prepared. John, a professional fisherman, seemed amazed that they could pull in 153 large fish without the net breaking (another distinction from Luke 5). What a wonderful morning that must have been. These disciples (Thomas among them) experienced a new level of rest and comfort with the Lord’s resurrection and presence.
21:15. Embarrassing as it must have been at the time, this tender exchange restored Peter to leadership—a role he exercised early in Acts. Throughout the history of the church, thousands have been scattered on the roadside of good intentions for ministry; they traded God’s call for something else—like fishing. Even though this night of fishing may have been just a casual outing with the guys, as a professional fisherman Peter could have entertained thoughts of going back to his former work.
For the next nine verses, John brought his Gospel to a close with the clear enunciation of Peter’s call to ministry. Jesus asked Peter almost the same question three times. This could reflect the three denials, but whether it did or not, the command was similar each time: “Feed my lambs … Take care of my sheep … Feed my sheep.” A quick glance at 1 Peter lets us know the disciple never forgot this moment.
21:16. The shepherding call continued a second time as Jesus used Peter’s old name (Simon), reverting to “pebble” rather than “rock.” The flow of the text emphasizes humility and service rather than primacy over the other apostles.
21:17. At this point in the text there is a change of verb in Jesus’ question while the verb in Peter’s answer stays the same. We also learn Peter was hurt by the third question. In Jesus’ first two questions He used the word “aqapao”; hence the NIV translation “truly love.” In the third we find the word “phileo” and the NIV drops “truly.” Most interpreters find no significant difference in the words, particularly since the conversation took place in Aramaic. Nevertheless, John’s record in Greek did, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adopt a different word. It seems difficult from the grammar of the text to argue that Peter’s hurt was brought about only by the connection of a third question with his three denials. We might conclude Peter was hurt because the question had been asked three times. But one should not dismiss the possibility that his discomfort lay in Jesus’ use of a lesser word.
21:18-19. Having established the motivation for service, Jesus went on to describe the turns Peter’s life would take. This brash, independent, vocal fisherman would one day be dependent, presumably a prisoner, and, many believe, a martyr. Only the Son of God could tell someone that following Him would lead to death and then immediately say, “Follow Me!”
21:20-21. We must not forget that Jesus spoke to a pre-Pentecost Peter. When he learned about his own death, Peter apparently glanced at John and asked a question about which he may have felt embarrassment for the rest of his life: “Lord, what about him?” He might have meant, “I’m more concerned about my brother John.” More likely, however, the Peter we know and love would have responded to the prophecy by saying, “If I have to die, so does John.”
21:22-23. Jesus’ response took the form of a mild rebuke and the command to follow. He allowed no comparison with how God leads others or what He gives them while we feel we may have endured great sacrifice. John would live longer than Peter, though there is no reason Peter would infer this from the text. The key is not how long John would live nor that he would live until the Lord’s return (the if looms large here). The main thing is that each Christian should follow Christ in whatever manner he or she is called.
Nevertheless, rumors spread among the brothers—a malady that has worsened in the church over two thousand years. John felt the need to correct it, so he stated the exact words of Jesus. John lived into his nineties, history tells us, but he certainly did not have an exemption from death. The argument had nothing to do with longevity or death; it focused exclusively on Peter’s attitude regarding God’s will for his life.
21:24. Without naming himself, John indicated he was the one referred to in that conversation. Now he wrote down what he saw and heard—an eyewitness record, hand-written and accurate. The words “we know that his testimony is true” may represent a possible affirmation by the early church. The “we” could actually refer to the Ephesian elders, or it might be the editorial pronoun we still use today to avoid choosing the first person.
21:25. The last verse of the Gospel of John represents what we call “hyperbole,” a deliberate exaggeration for dramatic effect. John wanted his readers to know he had just begun to tell the story. The words and works of Jesus were much greater than the record contained in his Gospel, the other Gospels, or the entire Bible. Nevertheless, on the basis of what he had written, John reminded us Jesus expects His people to believe and to make Him Lord of their lives, their service, and their futures.