Discussion Guide: Different Responses To Jesus
Desired Takeaway
Jesus offers grace to every kind of failure—betrayal, control, fear, indifference. He invites us to respond not with shame, but with surrender, love, and renewed devotion. This discussion will help us reflect on how we’re currently responding to Jesus, and what restoration looks like in our lives.
Icebreaker
What’s something you’ve committed to and then instantly regretted? (e.g., a 5k, a diet, a group project…)
1. Lean In (get everyone talking):
When you were younger, how did you picture Jesus reacting to people who messed up? Has that view changed over time?
2. Look Down (observe the text):
Read John 21:15–19 out loud.
What stands out to you about how Jesus speaks to Peter in this passage?
Why do you think Jesus asks Peter the same question three times?
3. Look Out (connect to the world):
In what ways do you see people today—inside or outside the church—trying to follow Jesus on their own terms? How do you think that affects their view of God?
4. Look In (internalize):
Which response from the message do you most resonate with right now?
Like Judas, are you tempted to use Jesus for what He can do for you?
Like the religious leaders, do you avoid Jesus when He challenges your comfort or control?
Like Peter, are you following at a distance, or afraid to be identified with Him in certain spaces?
What would it look like to let Jesus restore you, like He did with Peter?
5. Live It Out (bring change):
If you really believed that Jesus calls you “friend” even in failure, how would that change the way you live this week? What’s one step you can take to move closer to Him?
Optional Exercises for the Week:
Prayer Prompt
“Jesus, thank You that You call us ‘friend,’ even when we fail You. Teach us to respond not with fear or control, but with surrender and love. Help us hear Your voice of restoration like Peter did, and follow You more closely—not just in the garden, but in the courtyard, too. Amen.”
Jesus offers grace to every kind of failure—betrayal, control, fear, indifference. He invites us to respond not with shame, but with surrender, love, and renewed devotion. This discussion will help us reflect on how we’re currently responding to Jesus, and what restoration looks like in our lives.
Icebreaker
What’s something you’ve committed to and then instantly regretted? (e.g., a 5k, a diet, a group project…)
1. Lean In (get everyone talking):
When you were younger, how did you picture Jesus reacting to people who messed up? Has that view changed over time?
2. Look Down (observe the text):
Read John 21:15–19 out loud.
What stands out to you about how Jesus speaks to Peter in this passage?
Why do you think Jesus asks Peter the same question three times?
3. Look Out (connect to the world):
In what ways do you see people today—inside or outside the church—trying to follow Jesus on their own terms? How do you think that affects their view of God?
4. Look In (internalize):
Which response from the message do you most resonate with right now?
Like Judas, are you tempted to use Jesus for what He can do for you?
Like the religious leaders, do you avoid Jesus when He challenges your comfort or control?
Like Peter, are you following at a distance, or afraid to be identified with Him in certain spaces?
What would it look like to let Jesus restore you, like He did with Peter?
5. Live It Out (bring change):
If you really believed that Jesus calls you “friend” even in failure, how would that change the way you live this week? What’s one step you can take to move closer to Him?
Optional Exercises for the Week:
- Journaling with Jesus – Spend 15 minutes journaling each day this week with the prompt: “Jesus, how am I responding to You today?”
- Silent Surrender – Set a timer for 10 minutes, sit in silence before God, and simply pray: “Lord, I surrender my will to Yours.” Notice what thoughts or resistance surfaces.
- Scripture Meditation – Read John 21:15–19 every morning and ask: “What is Jesus inviting me into today?”
Prayer Prompt
“Jesus, thank You that You call us ‘friend,’ even when we fail You. Teach us to respond not with fear or control, but with surrender and love. Help us hear Your voice of restoration like Peter did, and follow You more closely—not just in the garden, but in the courtyard, too. Amen.”