Interact
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others
The “Love” Continuum
We use the word love to describe so many different things that its meaning can become unclear. Some things we love are deeply important, while others are simply preferences or pleasures. Consider the following statements and place each one on the continuum from Most Important to Not Very Important.
Not Very Import Most Important
_________________________________________________________________________
- I love my child.
- I love my parent.
- I love God.
- I love my family.
- I love my best friend.
- I love helping people.
- I love my church.
- I love my work.
- I love learning new things.
- I love my favorite team.
- I love traveling.
- I love walking in the mountains.
- I love rainy days.
- I love music.
- I love watching movies.
- I love sleeping in.
- I love chocolate.
In our passage today, saying, “I love you” takes a monumental step for Peter.
Insight
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
- What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
- What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
- Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
- What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?
After breakfast, Jesus turns to Peter with a deeply personal question: “Do you love me?” Peter had denied Jesus three times beside a charcoal fire (John 18:17-18, 25-27). Now, beside another charcoal fire, Jesus gives him three opportunities to confess his love. Jesus is not trying to shame Peter but to restore him. Why does Jesus address Peter’s love before discussing his failure or future responsibilities? Perhaps because everything in the Christian life begins there. Jesus does not ask, “Are you strong enough?” or “Will you ever fail again?” He asks, “Do you love me?” Peter’s confidence is no longer in himself. He simply says, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Each time Peter expresses his love, Jesus directs that love toward others: “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” Love for Jesus must become compassionate care for people. Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), now entrusts Peter with shepherding His people. What people has Jesus placed within your care? How might you feed, encourage, protect, or guide them? Peter later passed this calling to other leaders: “Be shepherds of God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2). Grace does more than forgive our past; it restores our purpose and sends us back into service.
Insight Out
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.