Do You Love Me?

John 21:15-19
Subscribe

Life Group Questions

1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2. What stands out to you most about the discussion which took place between Jesus and Peter in our passage? What kind of literary techniques do you see John using in his presentation of the story (e.g. repetition, word plays, etc.)?

3. Why do you think Jesus waited until this meeting to approach Peter about his failures; why didn’t He do it the first time they met after the resurrection? Why do you think John chose to include this story in closing his Gospel account? What message did John wish to communicate here?

4. What does it mean to love God? Does it seem wrong that God commands us to love Him (cf. Deuteronomy 6:5, Joshua 22:5; Mark 12:30)? Describe some reasons as to why God is worthy of our total love. How do we grow in our love of God?

5. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” What was being referenced by Jesus as the “these”? Describe some ways in which the things of this world can interfere with our love for God. Describe how some relationships may be a hindrance to our love for God? Describe your success with making God the premier object of your love.

6. Describe Peter’s response to Jesus’ questions. What does Peter’s response tell us about his view of Christ’s omniscience? Why do you think Peter was grieved that Jesus had asked him “the third time” (cf. John 18:25-27; Luke 22:61)? Do you think it’s significant that this story took place during Jesus’ third manifestation? Why or why not?

7. Why do you think Jesus approached Peter about this matter of loving Him in such a public manner? How do you make a decision on whether to confront somebody about an issue privately or publicly? Why is public address of situations sometimes necessary and appropriate (cf. 1 Timothy 5:20; Matthew 18)?

8. What does it mean to tend God’s sheep? How do you measure a pastor’s effectiveness with caring for the sheep of God (cf. Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:17-21; 1 Peter 5:1-5)? Why do you think Jesus referred to His people as lambs and sheep? What is the significance of Jesus telling Peter that the sheep are His possession?


by Terry Beatty
/  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision

Macedonia Baptist Church
10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
(919) 567-3460

 

Macedonia Baptist Church
10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
(919) 567-3460

 

Macedonia Baptist Church   /   10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540   /   (919) 567-3460