Suggested Friends: Simon Peter
Part 6 of the “Suggested Friends” message series
15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.” – John 20:15-17 (NASB)
The BIG Idea:
The “Yoda” friends in our lives remind us that we are all human and that we will all make mistakes at some point. These wise followers of Jesus help us to uncover and understand our God-given purpose while we choose to love others well. Learning to love well makes pleasing Jesus our greatest purpose. In the end, love is always seen in action!
ILLUSTRATION: Yoda and Luke Skywalker
We are human and will make mistakes.
We learn from Simon Peter what it means to love Jesus.
Our greatest quest in life is to find our purpose.
The more eternity we infuse in our daily lives, the more fulfilled we will be.
Love makes pleasing Jesus our greatest purpose.
Love is always seen in action.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. – John 3:16-17 (NASB)
Giving allows everyone to be in ministry.
We must learn apprenticeship before we can offer mentorship.
We will never cease apprentice work.
ILLUSTRATION: Charles Swindoll’s story about the Hunting Guide in South Africa
The “Simon Peter” in our lives needs . . .
“Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re trying to get ideas.” – Paula Poundstone
Love never compares. Love refuses to rationalize. Instead, love says “YES” to God.
21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” - John 21:21-22 (NASB)
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. – John 14:21 (NASB)
Questions for Reflection
What are some of your favorite “passing the baton” stories? Recall some stories like Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, John the Baptist to Jesus, Jesus to His Disciples, etc. Can you think of some others?
Who do you look to as a “shepherd?”
Who can help us navigate those rivers of life that seem, or we deem “uncrossable?”
The composer Schubert wanted to be buried next to Beethoven because his influence on him had been so great, and he admired him so much. Who do you admire so much you’d like to be buried next to him or her?
Do you think you can “know” something without first loving it? Does the art of loving come before or after the knowing?
Why do you think Peter was so concerned about what Jesus was going to call John to do with his life?
What are some things we may act on in this life when it comes to learning from our “Yoda?”
The BIG Idea:
The “Yoda” friends in our lives remind us that we are all human and that we will all make mistakes at some point. These wise followers of Jesus help us to uncover and understand our God-given purpose while we choose to love others well. Learning to love well makes pleasing Jesus our greatest purpose. In the end, love is always seen in action!
ILLUSTRATION: Yoda and Luke Skywalker
We are human and will make mistakes.
We learn from Simon Peter what it means to love Jesus.
Our greatest quest in life is to find our purpose.
The more eternity we infuse in our daily lives, the more fulfilled we will be.
Love makes pleasing Jesus our greatest purpose.
- Increasing our love for God will uncover our identity.
- When our lives are close to Christ, peace reigns and guards our hearts beyond all comprehension.
Love is always seen in action.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. – John 3:16-17 (NASB)
- A few words of encouragement may make an eternal difference!
Giving allows everyone to be in ministry.
We must learn apprenticeship before we can offer mentorship.
We will never cease apprentice work.
ILLUSTRATION: Charles Swindoll’s story about the Hunting Guide in South Africa
The “Simon Peter” in our lives needs . . .
- Humility
“Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re trying to get ideas.” – Paula Poundstone
- Honesty
- Honor
Love never compares. Love refuses to rationalize. Instead, love says “YES” to God.
21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” - John 21:21-22 (NASB)
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. – John 14:21 (NASB)
Questions for Reflection
What are some of your favorite “passing the baton” stories? Recall some stories like Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, John the Baptist to Jesus, Jesus to His Disciples, etc. Can you think of some others?
Who do you look to as a “shepherd?”
Who can help us navigate those rivers of life that seem, or we deem “uncrossable?”
The composer Schubert wanted to be buried next to Beethoven because his influence on him had been so great, and he admired him so much. Who do you admire so much you’d like to be buried next to him or her?
Do you think you can “know” something without first loving it? Does the art of loving come before or after the knowing?
Why do you think Peter was so concerned about what Jesus was going to call John to do with his life?
What are some things we may act on in this life when it comes to learning from our “Yoda?”