Loving others | John 21:15-25

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Loving others | John 21:15-25

John 18-21 primarily focus on the arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. In John 21 we read that the disciples went back to fishing. This a common thing for people to return to what is achievable when a perceived failure has occurred. After a horrible night of fishing Jesus appears to the disciples and makes them a meal. John is stressing the point that Jesus resurrected and is giving examples of his encounters with the resurrected Jesus. A primary focus of the second half of John 21 is the restoration of Peter back to the ministry. Jesus has a personal conversation with him that reconfirms his love for Jesus. This conversation is what brings Peter back to ministry. 

1) Think of a time where you wanted to throw in the towel on something (could be work, family, a sport, or ministry). What kept you engaged in that activity? Share details with your group about what kept you from quitting. It could be a Bible verse, a friend, or your spouse. If you did quit, what ultimately led to that decision? 

2) Read John 21:10-14. The disciples had just encountered the most stressful and traumatic week of their life. Their response is to return to fishing. How do you think this meal with Jesus refreshed them on the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee? 

3) While Jesus and Peter are walking down the shoreline Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves Him (read John 21:15-17). Even though Peter was hurt by this, how do you think this conversation impacted Peter’s future in ministry? 

4) Jesus told Peter to feed or take care of His sheep. If people are like sheep, how can we show the love of Jesus to those in our circle of influence? Come up with three practical ways your group can love others this week. (see Matthew 22:37-40) 

5) Immediately after Peter is restored to his role as a disciple, Jesus tells him about the kind of death Peter will experience (read John 21:18-23). How can a person glorify God in their life and in their death? What does that practically look like? 

6) Throughout our passage there is line that Jesus repeats: “Follow Me”. This is the same line Jesus said to the disciples in John 1:43. Where are some places you do great at following Jesus and what are some areas you’d like to improve in this area?

7) John concludes the gospel by saying that “Jesus did many other things…” Think about the last year of our time in the Gospel of John. What are some of the things that stand out the most to you? What has shaped your faith the most? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.