About This Sermon
Emory Cothen teaches from John 21:15-19 about Jesus's restoration of Peter after his three denials. Jesus deliberately meets Peter at the Sea of Tiberias, the very place of his original calling, and uses a charcoal fire that mirrors the scene of Peter's failure. By asking three times if Peter loves him and commanding three times to feed his sheep, Jesus addresses each denial and reinstates Peter to his calling.
Emory shows that restoration brings three new things: a new motive of loving Jesus, a new mission of serving others sacrificially, and a new model of following Christ even to death. The message calls us to stop holding onto sin after receiving forgiveness and to serve out of gratitude for what Christ has done.
Scripture: John 21:15-19; John 1:42; Luke 5:9-11; Matthew 26:33-35; John 16:5-7; John 18:18-27; Isaiah 53:6
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- Jesus has the authority to forgive and the ability to restore because he has beaten death.
- If Jesus has forgiven us, who are we to not forgive ourselves?
- We are forgiven for a purpose and restored for a reason.
- The motive has to be right before the mission can be done correctly.
- Feeding sheep is not a backup plan when your own plans fail.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What stands out to you about how Jesus restores Peter in John 21?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to meet Peter at the same place where he was first called?
- What does it look like to hold onto your Savior instead of your sin?
- How can past failure become a platform for serving others?
- What would it look like for you to feed Jesus's sheep in your current season?
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