"Do You Love Me More Than These?" - Part 6

Text: John 21

Pastor Chip finished our series "Jesus Unfiltered: Testify" this week by focusing on Jesus restoring Peter and removing his shame. We hope that as your small group talks through these questions you are able to unearth areas of your life where you have felt shame. Our prayer is that Jesus would bring you freedom and healing. Not only that, but that you would be able to be an instrument of freedom and healing for others.


Target time: 5-10 minutes

Who is the bravest person you know? Why? What one story encapsulates their bravery?


Target time: 45-50 minutes

Small Group Leaders, please always make an intentional effort to have each person engage in the discussion. Remember, all small group discussions are meant to “…[build] others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29b).

Also, as with every week, don't feel pressured to go in-depth on every question, or complete the entire outline. The purpose of this outline is to enhance your group time, and to encourage people to seek a deeper personal relationship with God. Do not let the pressure of thorough completion of the questions distract from what God might be doing in your group, at a deeper level.

Read Matthew 28:10, 1 Cor. 15:4-5, and John 21:1-6. Answer the question below.

Peter got antsy while waiting for Jesus. According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus had appeared personally and individually to Peter. Whatever happened in that conversation, Peter still felt shame over his denial of Christ. He got tired of waiting for Jesus and decided to go fishing. 

  • Pastor Chip in his sermon this weekend taught about how shame can be expressed in a lot of different ways. In what ways do people tend to hide when "shame" is not identified and dealt with?
    • Jesus often works to meet us in our place of hiding and shame to bring us into healing and restoration. 
    • For Peter, this outlet becomes a frustration all unto itself! Peter went fishing, and caught NOTHING! He's a professional fisherman, and no fish! How do you think Peter was feeling in this moment? 

Read John 21:7-23 and answer the questions below.

  • Why is it significant that Jesus asked Peter the same question three times?
  • What is Jesus' response to Peter's answer? 
    • Why is this important? 
  • What about Jesus' approach to restoring Peter was most encouraging to you?

  • Jesus meets us where we are at. Jesus met Peter while he was fishing . Share about a time when Jesus met you in a place full of difficulty or shame and brought you healing (Leader- give your group a few minutes to process this question if needed).
  • Leaders- encourage your group to think quietly for a few minutes for personal reflection. Encourage people to share if they feel safe and feel ready. Make sure not to force anyone into sharing.
    • Ask this question- What are the areas of shame in your life that haunt you, that you can't seem to escape?

Live It Out:

Choose one person you can confide in and share the shame you feel.  If it's not someone in this group,  have your group hold you accountable to share with that person this week.

Who could be encouraged by the process of healing and freedom that God has led you on? How can you share that with them this week?

Prayer Time:

Pray for the person on your right. Pray specifically that they would know and experience God's love and healing this week.

If you have time, pray that Jesus would reveal to you areas in your life that you don't realize are causing you to respond with shame and hiding.

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