Questions Jesus Asked | Week Five: Do You Love Me?
Do You Love Me?
Main Text: John 21:1-17
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus reassures us of His love even when we fail Him.
Jesus seeks to restore our relationship with Him after we've fallen short.
Jesus reinstates us into His purpose and calling for our lives, despite our past failures
Discussion Questions:
Can you relate to Peter's experience of failing Jesus? Share a time when you felt you let God down.
How does Jesus' approach to Peter's failure challenge your understanding of how God responds to our mistakes?
The sermon mentions that "God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance" (Romans 2:4). How have you experienced God's kindness leading you to repentance in your own life?
Discuss the significance of Jesus asking Peter "Do you love me?" three times. How might this repetition have impacted Peter?
How does the idea that Jesus wants to "reassure, restore, and reinstate" us after failure change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
The sermon uses the analogy of an injury and rehabilitation. How might this parallel the process of spiritual restoration after failure?
Practical Applications:
Return to Jesus: If you're feeling distant from God due to past failures, take a intentional step towards Him this week. This could be through prayer, reading Scripture, or seeking Christian community.
Receive His correction: Spend some time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you might need correction. Be open to His guidance and respond with humility.
Refocus on His call: Consider how you can "feed His sheep" in your current circumstances. What opportunities do you have to serve others and demonstrate God's love?
Closing Activity:
Have each group member share one specific way they plan to apply the sermon's message in the coming week. Pray for one another to have the strength and courage to follow through on these commitments.