Lesson 45: He Restored Peter

Lesson: Lesson 45: He Restored Peter

Lesson Overview

Biblical Passage John 21:15–22

Matthew 26:31–35, 69–75; Mark 14:26–31, 66–72; Luke 22:31–34, 54–62; John Supporting Passages 13:37–38; 18:15–27

Memory Verse James 4:10

Biblical Truth When we make mistakes, we are to look to Christ for restoration.

Prior to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, He predicted that Peter would deny Him three times. Although Peter insisted he would die with Christ rather than deny Him, Peter denied Him just as Jesus had foretold. Jesus was then crucified, Context buried, and on the third day He rose again, just as He had said. He appeared to His disciples. Then in John 21, He again appeared to seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.

• Students will understand that Christ can still use them despite their failures. Learning Goals • Students will apply their understanding by seeking Christ’s restoration when they have failed Him.

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students. • Pray that your students will understand that God stands ready to restore them when they fall. Prayer Suggestions • Pray that your students will submit to God’s redemptive ways, confess their sin, and acknowledge their love for Him. • Pray that your students will follow Christ in obedience, knowing that He will use them in His eternal plan.

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Biblical Commentary

Investigation

On the same night Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Him. Earlier that evening, Jesus foretold that all the disciples would fall away, and “the sheep of the flock will be scattered” (Matt. 26:31). During the trial and crucifixion, the disciples must have felt confused. The man they had followed for three years was publicly humiliated, beaten, and murdered. The once bold-mouthed Peter denied Christ three times, even to a servant girl (John 18:17). His boldness for Christ melted away in the midst of conflict. Jesus died, was resurrected, and appeared to the disciples on several occasions. In John 21, Jesus appeared to seven disciples who were fishing on the Sea of Tiberias. These men had not caught any fish all night. Jesus, whom they did not recognize, told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. When they did, they brought up a great catch and then knew it was Jesus. Jesus had performed an almost identical miracle when He called Simon to follow Him (Luke 5:4–11). When the disciples arrived on shore, Jesus was cooking fish over a fire. He served them a breakfast of fish and bread. Only the Gospel of John records this poignant exchange where Jesus reinstates Peter.

Importance

This passage teaches that Jesus is God and Savior. This passage of Scripture is important for students because it reminds them that Jesus can still use them despite their failures and that humility—a quality not valued much today—is one of the keys to restoration with Christ.

Interpretation

John 21:15 When they finished eating, Jesus addressed Peter. First, Jesus fed the disciples, providing for their physical needs. Then He focused on Peter’s failure. God persistently loves His people. He did not let go of Peter. Peter had not ruined God’s plan for his life. Jesus still loved Peter, and He knew Peter would greatly glorify God. He now raised a question about Peter’s love for Him. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Jesus’ tender care enables people to bring their sin to Him. Without this grace, sin would be overwhelming and unable to face. Throughout Scripture, God’s grace is the focal point. Commentator William Barclay suggests two ideas Jesus may have referred to when He used the word “these” in verse 15 (Barclay 1975, 285–6). First, He may have been referring to the fish. Consider the setting. The disciples were fishing. They had returned to their boats. Fishing is what they knew before their encounter with Jesus. It

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was their livelihood. Because Jesus met them at that particular place, we must consider the question: Do you love me more than your career? Another option suggests Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than the other disciples. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Peter had confidently asserted, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away” (Matt. 26:33 NASB). It seems Peter thought of his devotion to Jesus as greater than the others’ devotion; he learned it was not. Jesus asked, “Do you truly love me more than these?” (v. 15). When Peter replied, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” he no longer compared himself with the others. He did not claim to love Jesus more than they. In response to Peter’s confirmation of his love, Jesus charged him: “Feed my lambs.” He did not tell Peter to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor. He did not tell him to study the Scriptures more or to increase his fellowship with the other disciples. He did not even tell him to remember His teachings. While all these things are important, they are not the focus of a life changed by the love of God. A life consumed with God’s love reaches out to others. By instructing Peter to “Feed my lambs,” Jesus charged him to do what only God could equip him to do. And the Holy Spirit would soon come and radically transform Peter’s heart. Pastors are called to serve as shepherds over other believers. They follow Jesus’ instruction to Peter as they feed the flock of God. Peter took Jesus’ words to heart. He became the chief apostle of the church in Jerusalem. John 21:16 Jesus asked Peter the same question again. Verse 15 uses the word “lambs” (or “little lambs, lambkins”), but verses 16 and 17 use the word “sheep.” Similarly, verse 15 “feed” and verse 16 uses “take care of.” By repeating the same idea with different wording, Jesus affirmed His point. John 21:17 Jesus’ three questions to Peter correspond to Peter’s three denials of Christ. For each time Peter denied Jesus, Jesus questioned Peter so he could reaffirm his love for Him. Also three times Jesus entrusted Peter with caring for His sheep. Peter went on to do that very thing. On the day of Pentecost, Peter boldly preached to the people in Jerusalem, and about 3,000 people believed (Acts 2:14–41). He served as the spokesman for the church in Jerusalem (Acts 1:1–15:41; Gal. 1:18; 2:7–9) and was given the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews (Gal. 2:7). Peter instructed pastors and elders to “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care . . . being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:1–3). Jesus commanded Peter to feed His sheep. How could Peter “feed sheep”? With the milk and meat of the Word of God. In his first epistle, Peter wrote, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2). Jesus’ three-fold questioning and commissioning is reminiscent of the Old Testament poetic style of emphasis. Psalms and Proverbs contain much of this device known as parallelism. John 21:18–19 The wording here does not indicate the kind of death Peter would experience but rather the “kind of death by which Peter would glorify God” (v. 19). The emphasis is not on death but on bringing God glory. Church tradition holds that Peter lived as a martyr and was crucified upside down for his faith. His martyrdom brought glory to God. God can use evil to work out His plans and bring glory to Himself. Peter had said earlier, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matt. 26:35). Here, Jesus told Peter he would in fact die for Jesus. After foretelling Peter’s death, Jesus returned the focus to Peter’s present responsibility: “Follow me!” Jesus had initially called Peter with these same words (Matt. 4:18) and at the same place (Sea of Galilee). Jesus did not ask for merely a day of surrender; He asked for Peter’s life. At the beginning and the end, the call to follow was the same.

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John 21:20–22 Peter declared his love for Christ. Jesus placed His flock of sheep in Peter’s care, foretold Peter’s death, and called him to follow. Then Peter turned his gaze from Christ to other things. When Peter had walked on water the wind and waves distracted him. Then he doubted, and began to sink. Again in this passage, Peter turned his focus away from Christ to inquire about John. Jesus quickly refocused Peter by telling him it was not his concern. Instead, Jesus reminded Peter his only concern should be to follow Him.

Implications

Jesus still asks us the same question He asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Each of us must answer that question. He has called us to trust Him. Then His love will transform our lives. Peter became the leader of the Church not by his own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit. How has God’s love transformed your life? How have you seen God empower you and your fellow Christians to serve Him? In what ways can you encourage your students as they love the Lord and experience His changing power? God redeems our failures. In spite of Peter’s denial, God still used him. Peter sinned, but because of God’s grace and Peter’s sincere expression of love for Jesus, Peter was restored in his relationship with Jesus. Believers need to understand that Jesus still forgives sin, as He did for Peter. We know that Jesus completely forgives a person’s sins at the time of conversion when he or she turns to Him in faith for salvation. In the same way, Jesus forgives the sins of us who already follow Him when we turn to Him in faith. He longs to restore His children, and for them to serve and follow Him. Just as Jesus commanded Peter to follow Him, the command is true for us as believers today. How has God restored you despite your failures? How can you encourage your students to continue in the faith when they fail? Believers can, like Peter, show concern about what others’ ministries or lives will be like (v. 21). Jesus reminded Peter that he should focus on Jesus’ command to him. As Christians, we should not compare ourselves with other people. If someone else seems to have an easy life, enjoys success or wealth, or receives credit for achievements, that should not distract us from focusing on God’s personal call to us. We should have only one concern in life: following Christ. What distractions have you faced as you discern God’s call? How can you encourage your students to maintain a focus on God’s call?

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Teaching Plan

Connect

Review Questions (5–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will answer five review questions from the previous lesson. Download the “Review Questions” activity sheet. Print one copy for your own use.

After greeting students, use the review questions to test what they can recall from the previous lesson as well as to provide context for today’s lesson.

Especially for Younger Students: Making It Right (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will read case studies about people who made mistakes and discuss how to make their situations right. Download the “Making It Right” activity sheet. Print a copy and cut apart the scenarios.

Ask: Have you ever disappointed someone and wondered how you could make it right? Divide students into four groups. Give each group a case study. Tell students to spend three to four minutes reading the case studies and discussing how the situations could be made right. After time is up, encourage each group to share their situation and the restoration solution they came up with. Say: Peter did something that he thought he would never do—deny Christ, but Christ was willing and able to restore Peter to a right relationship with Him and forgive his sin.

Especially for Older Students: Embarrassing Moments (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will discuss embarrassing moments and begin to discuss how no mistake is beyond God’s restoration.

Invite students to take turns telling their most embarrassing moment stories. After several minutes, ask: How would your embarrassing moment have made you feel if it were broadcast on TV or in a video that went viral on the Internet? Point out that the more people who see our mistakes usually cause us even more humiliation. Remind students that Peter made a pretty public mistake when he denied Christ before His crucifixion. Say: When we make mistakes that affect our relationship with God—no matter how embarrassing or how much we regret it—He is ready to forgive us and restore us to His service. Tell students that this truth is what we will discuss today as we look at

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Peter’s life.

Master Teacher Option: Embarrassing Moments (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will discuss embarrassing moments and begin to discuss how no mistake is beyond God’s restoration.

Explore

Interactive Core Study: He Restored Peter (15 minutes, easy set-up) Students will examine Matthew 26:31–35, 69–75, and John 21:15–22 to understand Peter’s failure and Christ’s act of restoration. Download the Student Worksheet. Provide a copy for each student.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Christ can still use them despite their failures. Explain that to understand today’s biblical passage, we need to know its context. Enlist a student to read Matthew 26:31–35. Remind students that in this passage, Jesus shares the Lord’s Supper with His disciples on the night of His arrest, before His crucifixion. Tell students to take a moment to complete the first section of “Peter’s Progress” on the Student Worksheet by describing the events recorded in Matthew 26:31–35. Invite a student to summarize what happened between Peter and Jesus in that passage. Point out that Jesus claimed that Peter would disown Him three times; Peter denied that he would ever do that. Call on another student to read Matthew 26:69–75. Ask students to complete the second section of “Peter’s Progress” on the Student Worksheet by listing the three denials Peter made. (Answers: 1—“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Translated: “I was not with Jesus in Galilee.” 2—“I don’t know the man!” Translated: “I don’t know Jesus!” 3—“I don’t know the man!”—Translated: “I don’t know Jesus!”) Ask: What sound finally made Peter realize he had done exactly as Jesus had predicted in Matthew 26:31–35? (The rooster crowed.)

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Ask another student to read John 21:15–22. Say: The events in this passage take place on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This was Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples after His Resurrection. Work together as a class to complete the third section of “Peter’s Progress” on the Student Worksheet by writing the three questions Jesus asked, Peter’s three responses, and Jesus’ three commands. (Answers: 1—Jesus Asked: “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Peter Responded: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus Commanded: “Feed my lambs.” 2—Jesus Asked: “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” Peter Responded: “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus Commanded: “Take care of my sheep.” 3—Jesus Asked: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter Responded: “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus Commanded: “Feed my sheep.”) Ask: Why was it significant that Jesus questioned Peter three times? (Because Peter had denied Jesus three times.) Ask: How did this intentional questioning point out Peter’s denials and also Jesus' desire for restoration? As students share, emphasize that Jesus was the one who sought out Peter and initiated the conversation that led to Peter’s forgiveness. Point out that Jesus is always ready to forgive and restore someone whose heart is repentant like Peter’s. Say: Jesus also entrusted Peter with caring for—feeding—His sheep three different times. What was Jesus telling Peter to do? (He wanted Peter to continue to follow Him and share the Word of God with others. Peter went on to do just that, preaching boldly to the people in Jerusalem, becoming the chief apostle of the church there, and writing some books included in the Bible.) Ask: What was Jesus’ focus when He was talking with Peter? Did He dwell on Peter’s mistakes? Note that Jesus spent a great amount of the conversation pointing Peter forward--to a lifetime of obedience to Christ. Lead students to understand how restoration doesn't just mean that we accept forgiveness but that we move forward in obedience through the grace of God. Inform students that Jesus’ warning to Peter that someone else would dress him and lead him as he stretched out his hands was an indication that Peter would be crucified for his obedience to Christ. Ask: Knowing that Peter's obedience would cost him his life, he obeyed anyway. How does this kind of a life reflect a heart that takes sin, forgiveness, and God's mission seriously? As students answer, emphasize that Peter's restoration wasn’t simply so he could continue living in sin but was the catalyst to a life of devotion to Christ. Share that because Jesus is God, He can offer forgiveness of sin—something only God can do. Say: Because Jesus forgives, He also restores us so that we can be ready to be used by Him however He desires.

Master Teacher Key Study: He Restored Peter (15–20 minutes, easy set-up) Students will learn that God can restore them after they have failed, just like He restored Peter. Use the Master Teacher outline and the Biblical Commentary to prepare to share the truths of this passage with students. Download the Master Teacher Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Encourage students to take notes on their worksheets as you teach. The underlined words in the Master Teacher Key Study correspond to the blanks on the worksheet.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Christ can still use them despite their failures. Pass out pens and copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet. Then use the Master Teacher Key Study to teach John 21:15–22.

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Especially for Younger Students: Christ’s Commands to Peter (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will examine the commands Christ gave to Peter when He called Peter to be a disciple and when He restored Peter to His service. Download the Student Worksheet. Provide a copy for each student.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Christ can still use them despite their failures. Divide students into three groups. Ask groups to read John 21:15–19 and complete “Responsibilities” on the Student Worksheet. (Answers: Verse 15: “Feed my lambs.” Verse 16: “Take care of my sheep.” Verses 17–19: “Feed my sheep.” “Follow me!”) Point out that each time Peter responded to one of Jesus’ questions, Christ called him to be faithful to continue his ministry for the Kingdom of God. Say: Jesus’ restoration of Peter involved forgiveness for his sin but also Peter's repentance, which would be evident by his obedience to Christ’s calling. Call on a student to read Luke 5:1–11. Explain that this passage occurred when Jesus first called Peter to be His disciple. Work as a class to complete “Differing Commissions?” on the Student Worksheet. Ask: What was Jesus’ initial call to Peter? (To follow Him and be a fisher of men) Ask: How did Jesus’ call to Peter to take care of His sheep grow out of His call to follow Christ and be a fisher of men? Emphasize that when Jesus restored Peter, He instructed Peter to feed and take care of His sheep—out of obedience to Jesus’ call to follow Him and to make disciples by sharing the Word and caring for God’s people.

Especially for Older Students: A Key Ingredient (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will explore different examples from Peter’s life to learn the role of humility in restoration. Set up a dry erase board and markers.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Christ can still use them despite their failures. Say: There’s a key ingredient for restoration present in the Bible, but it might be difficult to identify at first. Let’s look at some examples in Peter’s life to determine what that ingredient is. Call on a student to read Luke 5:1–11. Ask: What miracle did Jesus perform in Luke 5:1–11? (He caused the fishermen to catch an enormous amount of fish, even though they had fished all night without success.) Ask: What characteristic did Peter display in Luke 5:5 and 8? Point out that Peter had to display humility. Write humility on the board. Enlist another student to read 1 Peter 5:1–11. Say: Peter wrote this letter to Christians scattered throughout five Roman provinces. In this portion of the chapter, he admonishes the fellow elders. Ask: What is one of the main characteristics Peter mentions? (humility) Write humility on the board a second time. Ask a third student to read James 4:10. Ask: What is the common characteristic in all three of these passages? (humility) Write humility on the board a third time. Emphasize that our attitude toward our

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sin and our need for forgiveness and restoration is imperative because if we do not approach Christ as a person in need of Him, then we are still obeying ourselves and won't obey Him. Say: We can only serve God when we humbly acknowledge His power and submit to Him.

Transform

Deeper Discussion (10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will discuss the importance of following Christ.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding by seeking Christ’s restoration when they have failed Him. Discuss the following questions with students:

How do you demonstrate your love for Jesus? Are you following Christ, someone else, or yourself? Are you trusting Christ for the power to transform your life so that you may shepherd His sheep? How has Christ’s Resurrection made a difference in your life?

Especially for Younger Students: Where Do I Go When I’ve “Blown It”? (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will examine their own lives for ways they may have blown it and explore how they should handle it when they do. Provide an index card for each student.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding by seeking Christ’s restoration when they have failed Him. Call on a student to read Matthew 26:69–75. Ask: How did Peter react when he realized he had denied Jesus three times? (He cried with regret.) Explain that Peter felt very sorry for what he had done because he never thought he would deny Christ, but he ended up doing it three times. Ask: Why do you think Peter was so willing to receive Jesus’ restoration in today's passage? As students share, point out that Peter was sincerely remorseful for what he had done and recognized his need for forgiveness. Give each student a blank index card. Instruct students to write on your card one or two areas where they did not obey God’s desire for their life—where they “messed up”—this week. Suggest actions such as acting unkind to a friend, talking back to your parents, or lying to a teacher. Allow a moment for students to write responses, then ask: How did you know that you blew it? Did someone else point

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it out to you? Did you feel badly about what you had done? Tell students to think about what they do when they realize they’ve blown it. Say: When we sin, all we have to do is go to God with a humble heart and ask Him to forgive and restore us. He is always faithful to do so. Point out that we then must seek to turn from our life of sin and obey Him. Close in prayer, asking God to help each student know that they can go to Him with their mistakes and failures.

Especially for Older Students: It’s Never Too Late (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will learn from Peter, Paul, and Jonah’s stories how it is never too late for God to restore them to His service. Download the “It’s Never Too Late” activity sheet. Print and cut apart the three events.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding by seeking Christ’s restoration when they have failed Him. Say: There may be times when you think God couldn’t love you or use you after what you’ve done, but it is never too late for God to restore you to His service. Divide students into three groups. Give each group one of the events from the “It’s Never Too Late” sheet. Tell students to work with group members to develop a modern-day version of their event. Inform groups that they will have three minutes to develop a modern-day story and two minutes to present it. After each group presents their events recall the person or story after whom the presentation is based. After all groups have presented, say: Peter denied that he even knew Christ when Christ needed him most. Paul persecuted anyone who believed in Christ. Jonah tried to run away from God in rebellion against Him. What these men did was pretty severe. Ask: Did God restore each of them and still use them for His glory? (Yes, each of these men went on to be used in a mighty way by God.) Say: It’s never too late or too much for God to restore you. God persistently loves us, and only He can redeem our failures and mistakes. Ask: How has God restored you despite your failures or mistakes? How are you in need of His restoration? Allow students to silently contemplate these questions. Invite any willing students to share how God has worked to bring about restoration in their lives. Encourage students to seek God's forgiveness this week for ways that they have turned from Him.

Master Teacher Option: Where Do I Go When I’ve “Blown It”? (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will examine their own lives for ways they may have blown it and explore how they should handle it when they do. Provide an index card for each student.

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you think Peter was so willing to receive Jesus’ restoration in today's passage? As students share, point out that Peter was sincerely remorseful for what he had done and recognized his need for forgiveness. Give each student a blank index card. Instruct students to write on your card one or two areas where they did not obey God’s desire for their life—where they “messed up”—this week. Suggest actions such as acting unkind to a friend, talking back to your parents, or lying to a teacher. Allow a moment for students to write responses, then ask: How did you know that you blew it? Did someone else point it out to you? Did you feel badly about what you had done? Tell students to think about what they do when they realize they’ve blown it. Say: When we sin, all we have to do is go to God with a humble heart and ask Him to forgive and restore us. He is always faithful to do so. Point out that we then must seek to turn from our life of sin and obey Him. Close in prayer, asking God to help each student know that they can go to Him with their mistakes and failures.

Take Home Activity

Family Devotion (10-15 minutes at home, easy set-up) Distribute copies of the Family Devotion to students and encourage them to share the devotion with their family.

A copy of the Family Devotion will be included in your lesson PDF download.

Page 11 of 20 Christ: Students Lesson 44: Review Questions

REVIEW QUESTIONS (5-8 minutes, easy set-up) Use these questions to review the content from Lesson 44: His Resurrection The correct answer for each question is printed in bold, italic font.

1. Who went to the tomb early on the first day of the week and saw that the stone had been rolled away? a. The Roman soldiers b. The disciples c. Mary Magdalene d. Peter

2. When Peter got to the tomb what did he see inside? a. A resurrected Christ b. The linen strips and burial cloth that had wrapped Jesus c. An angel sitting d. Roman soldiers

3. Who did Mary Magdalene think Jesus was when He first spoke to her? a. A Roman guard b. An angel c. One of the disciples d. The gardener

4. When Jesus said, “Mary,” how did she respond? a. “Please take me to where you have placed Him.” b. She fainted. c. She wept. d. “Rabboni!”

5. What did Jesus instruct Mary to do after she realized it was Him? a. To give Him a hug b. To go back and tell the other disciples c. To walk and talk with Him d. To go to the chief priest and announce that He had risen

______All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright© LifeBibleStudy 2006: revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. LESSON 45 HE RESTORED PETER Biblical Passage: John 21:15–21

MAKING IT RIGHT Cut apart the following four case studies and give one to each group.

CASE STUDY ONE

You’re invited to a birthday party on Saturday but one of your good friends isn’t. To spare her feelings, you tell her it’s going to be a lame party and that you’re not going. On Saturday, your good friend calls and asks you to hang out. Your mom answers the phone and tells your friend that you’re at the party. What do you do?

CASE STUDY TWO

A new kid just transferred to your school and shows up for football tryouts. Last year you were the star quarterback, but now the new kid wants to try out for that position. You tell a friend that there’s no way the new guy’s going to get your position. At tryouts, the new kid smokes you and ends up getting the quarterback position. Out of anger and embarrassment, you quit the team, saying the coach must not know what he’s doing. A few days later, the new kid approaches you and says he’ll ask for another position if you’ll come back on the team. What do you do?

CASE STUDY THREE

Your youth choir is presenting a musical at church in two months. There’s a solo you really want. You audition for it, but someone else gets it. You start rumors about the soloist and tell everyone you hope she gets sick the night of the musical. The soloist finds out what you’ve been saying and drops out of choir because her feelings are so hurt. What do you do?

CASE STUDY FOUR

You have to pick a partner to work with on a class project. You ask the smartest girl in the class to be your partner. She’s excited because she thinks you’re her friend. She finds out later that you only asked her so she could do all the work and you’d still get a good grade. What do you do?

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright © LifeBibleStudy, 2006; revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. LESSON 45 HE RESTORED PETER Biblical Passage: John 21:15–21 Memory Verse: James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

PETER’S PROGRESS My paraphrase of Matthew 26:31–35: ______

Peter’s three denials in Matthew 26:69–75 were: 1. ______2. ______3. ______

In John 21:15–21, what three questions did Jesus ask, what were Peter’s responses, and what commands did Jesus reply with?

JESUS ASKED PETER RESPONDED JESUS COMMANDED

RESPONSIBILITIES

• What were the responsibilities Jesus gave to Peter in the following verses of John 21?______• Verse 15: ______• Verse 16: ______• Verses 17–19: ______

DIFFERING COMMISSIONS?

What did Jesus tell Peter he would do in Luke 5:10? ______

Is there a difference in the responsibilities Jesus gave Peter when He first called him to be His disciple and when He restored Peter? ______

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright © LifeBibleStudy, 2006; revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. Christ: Students Lesson 45: Master Teacher Key Study

Master Teacher Key Study: He Restored Peter (15–20 minutes, easy set-up) Students will learn that God can restore them after they have failed, just like He restored Peter.

Use this outline and the Biblical Commentary to prepare to share the truths of this passage with students. Download the Master Teacher Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Encourage students to take notes on their worksheets as you teach. The underlined words in the Master Teacher Key Study correspond to the blanks on the worksheet.

Introduction: Prior to Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus, causing Peter great shame and heartbreak. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to the disciples on several occasions. One day, seven disciples, including Peter, were fishing when Jesus appeared to them. When Peter, who had led the fishing party, jumped out of the boat to meet Jesus on the shore, Jesus talked with Peter in a conversation of forgiveness and restoration.

1. Peter must have felt like a public figure caught in a scandal when Jesus faced him with his failure.

• Peter had to face his own failure and sin. Jesus was ready to forgive him, but in order to experience that forgiveness Peter had to come face-to-face with it and with his Lord. • Jesus had broken through to Peter’s heart by the third time He asked Peter if he loved Him. For each time that Peter had denied Jesus, he reaffirmed his love for Jesus.

Illustration: It happens almost every day. Some public figure—a politician, businessperson, actor, or athlete—gets caught in some private misbehavior or fault. How embarrassed they must feel to fail and then have cameras stuck in their faces to broadcast their failure to everyone.

2. God knows our failure—and yet, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are forgiven.

• Jesus had warned Peter on the night of His arrest that Peter would deny Him three times. Because of Jesus' work on the cross and His identity as God, Jesus could offer complete forgiveness to Peter. • Jesus showed Peter that he was forgiven by calling him to obey fully in proclaiming the gospel and caring for the people of God.

3. As both “sheep” and “shepherds,” we must remember that God wants to feed His sheep.

• Jesus commissioned Peter to love His people and to faithfully feed them the Word of God. • Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and Peter—as well as other believers—are called upon to lead as assistant shepherds. • The goal is always the same: to make sure that the people of God are discipled and protected.

Illustration: It’s fun to go out to eat, especially if someone else pays the bill. We can look at the menu without giving thought to what we have in our own wallets and order what we like. God wants us to depend on Him to provide for us. Remember that Christ is the ultimate Shepherd and that He will provide for us. We’re His sheep—and that’s the way He wants it.

4. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.

Copyright© LifeBibleStudy, 2006: revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. Christ: Students Lesson 45: Master Teacher Key Study

• After Jesus placed His flock in Peter’s care, foretold Peter’s death, and called him to follow, Peter turned his gaze from Christ to other things; Peter turned his focus away from Christ to inquire about John’s future. • Jesus quickly refocused Peter by telling him that it was not his concern; he must have concern only for following Christ and following God's plan and calling on his life.

Illustration: Throughout the centuries, people have tried to find a way to tell the future. From ancient priests who “rolled the bones” to tell the future to modern palm readers and Tarot card readers, many have promised to give insight into what is to come. We all have a desire to know what's going to happen and want to know what's going to happen with others. Will they have the same plan? But Jesus clearly stated that these things are not for us to worry about. We are simply to obey.

Conclusion: God redeems our failures. In spite of Peter’s denial of Jesus three times, God still used him and made him a leader in the Church. He sinned, but because of God’s grace and Peter’s sincere repentance and expression of love for Jesus, Peter was restored in his relationship with Jesus. Jesus still asks us the same question He asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus reminded Peter that he should focus on Christ’s command to him. We should have only one concern in life, only one focus: to follow Christ.

Copyright© LifeBibleStudy, 2006: revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. LESSON 45 HE RESTORED PETER Biblical Passage: John 21:15–21 Memory Verse: James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

BETTER THAN NEW

1. Peter must have felt just like a public figure caught in a scandal when Jesus faced him with his ______.

2. God knows our failure—and yet, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are ______.

3. As both “sheep” and “shepherds,” we must remember that God wants to ______His sheep.

4. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the ______. SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS • How do you demonstrate your love for Jesus?

• Are you following Christ, someone else, or yourself?

• Are you trusting Christ for the power to transform your life so that you may shepherd His sheep?

• How has Christ’s Resurrection made a difference in your life?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT . . . “We have a choice in our response to failure. We can condemn or we can learn. All of us fail, but this doesn’t mean that we are failures. We need to understand that failing can be a step toward maturity, not a permanent blot on our self-esteem . . . We don’t have to allow failure to prevent us from being used by God.”—Robert S. McGee

PETER’S PROGRESS My paraphrase of Matthew 26:31–35: ______

Peter’s three denials in Matthew 26:69–75 were: 1. ______2. ______3. ______

In John 21:15–21, what three questions did Jesus ask, what were Peter’s responses, and what commands did Jesus reply with?

JESUS ASKED PETER RESPONDED JESUS COMMANDED

RESPONSIBILITIES

• What were the responsibilities Jesus gave to Peter in the following verses of John 21?______• Verse 15: ______• Verse 16: ______• Verses 17–19: ______

DIFFERING COMMISSIONS?

What did Jesus tell Peter he would do in Luke 5:10? ______

Is there a difference in the responsibilities Jesus gave Peter when He first called him to be His disciple and when He restored Peter? ______

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE Cut apart the following three event descriptions.

PETER

At the Lord’s Supper, Christ predicted that Peter would deny Him three times. Peter told Christ he would never deny Him. Then Peter did, in fact, deny Christ three times, just when Christ needed Him most. After Christ’s resurrection, He came back and restored Peter. Peter went on to be the chief apostle of the church in Jerusalem, boldly sharing the gospel.

PAUL

Paul, formerly known as Saul, once persecuted Christians. Christ appeared to him on the road to Emmaus and Paul became a Christian himself. He became an outspoken preacher of the gospel, making three significant missionary journeys.

JONAH

God gave Jonah a message to take to Nineveh, but Jonah didn’t want to go. In fact, Jonah headed in the opposite direction. As he was running away from what God wanted him to do, he got on a boat. A big storm arose, and Jonah ended up overboard and in the stomach of a big fish. From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to God. God restored Jonah and caused the fish to spit Jonah up onto dry land. Jonah then went to Nineveh and shared God’s warning with the people there. God used Jonah to save the entire city of Nineveh.

Terrance had blown it, and he knew it. He had forged his dad’s signature on a note from his teacher that said he had turned in his biology assignment late. “Son,” his dad said, “That’s my name, but that’s not my signature.” When his dad realized what Terrance had done, he sat next to his son, who had already begun to tear up. “I know what I did was wrong, Dad,” he said. “I know you do, son,” replied his dad calmly. “But there are consequences for your actions, and you have to tell your teacher what you’ve done. But that doesn’t change the fact that I love you and that I trust you have learned from this.” Terrance replied, “I have, Dad. Thanks for loving me anyway.” “You don’t have to worry, son. That will never change,” his dad responded.

Read John 21:15–22. Peter knew that by denying Jesus he had done a terrible thing. He needed Jesus to reaffirm that he was loved and included in God’s plan. Jesus made it very clear that he was and would be until his death, through which Peter would glorify God.

God will allow us to suffer the consequences of our actions. But when we belong to Him, we are His and nothing can separate us from His love. He will restore us. This is the nature of grace. When you remember how He has shown grace in your life, it is easier to remember that when your children fail they too will need love, grace, and restoration. What a wonderful example of God’s redemptive love.

CONNECTION QUESTIONS:

• When you blow it, do you run to God or from God? • How has God shown His grace in your life before? • How can you show that you trust Him to express grace and restoration in your life again?

Copyright (c) LifeBibleStudy, 2006; revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.