John 21:1-25
Key Verse: 21:15

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’”

1. Read verses 1-3. To what does “Afterward” refer? Where were the disciples? What did they do? With what result? What was their spiritual/human condition?

2. Read verses 4-7. Why didn’t the disciples recognize Jesus? How did he greet them and restore their fishing failure? Who recognized him first? What did Peter reveal about himself by his actions? What does this incident reveal about Jesus?

3. Read verses 8-14. How did Jesus serve his disciples? Why did he do this instead of rebuking them for their failure? What does this show about Jesus’ love? (Heb 13:8; Rev 3:20b)

4. Read verses 15-17. What did Jesus persistently ask Peter? Why? How did Peter answer? What does it mean to love God? (Pr 1:7) On what basis can Jesus’ love relationship with Peter be restored? (1-14; Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:19; 1Pe 2:24)

5. What did Jesus tell Peter to do? What had Jesus taught them about shepherds? (10:11) Why did Jesus want to raise shepherds? (Mk 6:34) Why did he focus on one man, Peter?

6. Read verses 18,19. What do these verses tell us about Peter’s life as a sheep? About his future life and death as a shepherd? Why cannot one live a life of mission if he clings to his selfish freedom? What does Jesus’ invitation mean?

7. Why did Peter ask about John? What did Jesus teach him? (20-23) Why must a decision to follow Jesus in a life of mission be a personal matter? Why is this the way to a truly happy life? (Ge 1:28)