The apostle Peter bears witness that Jesus is alive and that he overcomes even the deepest feelings of guilt and failure.
Talking Points:
- Peter was the guy who tried to walk on water (Mt 14:28-30), who rebuked Jesus for prophesying his death (Mt 16:22-23), and who even cut off a guy’s ear (Jn 18:10). Peter had a bold exterior, but his faith backstory is filled with shame and failure. Luke 22:54-62
- After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples in a familiar way (Lk 5:1-11) and then reinstated Peter three times. The resurrected Christ met Peter in his shame and gave him a fresh start. John 21:4-17
- Peter ended up becoming a leader in the early church and even gave up his life for the message of Jesus. The rest of Peter’s story is proof that Jesus really did rise from the dead and that he can turn around our most shameful failures. John 21:18-19, Acts 2:14,32
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How do you relate to the life of Peter-boldness for God in some ways and failure in other ways?
- Read Luke 22:54-57, 60-62. Why do you think Peter lacked boldness here? What does it mean to weep bitterly?
- Read John 21:4-17. Do you think Peter recognized that Jesus asked him three questions for his three denials? Explain. How has Jesus given you second and third chances in your life?
- Read John 21:18-19 and Acts 2:14,32. What do these verses reveal about Peter’s life? Why do you think he was willing to be bold in Acts 2 but not in Luke 22?
- What holds you back from being bold for Jesus in your life? What will you do to change that?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
