What Now? - Part 1

1. What stood out to you in Pastor James’ message this week?

2. Can you share a time when you were in a situation where you had to make a big decision?

3. Read John 21:3. What is the significance of the setting where Jesus appears to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias?

4. Read John 21:15-17. Right there, Jesus did more for Peter—and more for us—than we can imagine. Jesus was telling Peter that he wasn’t finished. Peter was going to be the "Rock" on which the mission of God would be established and carried forward. Jesus was telling Peter that his identity wasn’t going to be a denier of Jesus. He was going to be a hero of the faith and a legend in the church. How does Peter's encounter with Jesus illustrate the theme of forgiveness and restoration in the Gospel of John?

5. Why does Jesus ask Peter three times if he loves Him, and what does this reveal about their relationship?

6. Read Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." According to these verses, how can we discern God's will for our lives and ensure that our own desires and ambitions do not lead us away from His path?

7. Read John 21:19b. “Then he said to him, “Follow me!” Jesus says, “Follow Me!” In other words: “Follow Me because I have a plan and a purpose for your life Peter. I want to guide you, direct you, but you have to listen to my voice.” Why is Jesus’ voice the most important voice in our lives? What are some of the other voices trying to get our attention?

8. Read 1 Samuel 3:9. “‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” This verse takes us to the heart of what to do when you don’t know what to do. Here’s the challenge at the beginning of this series. Try praying the same prayer that Samuel prayed: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Over the next several weeks, that will be our prayer as we learn how to answer the question, "what now?"