John 21

1. What are some of the events that have shaken the disciples’ lives?

 

How have they chosen to deal with these issues?

 

How does change usually affect you?

 

2. In John 20:30, John states that "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples." In light of Jesus’ resurrection and these miracles, why do you think the disciples went fishing?

 

Who seems to be the "leader" of this group? Why do you think the other disciples listen to him after what has happened?

 

3. What is the significance of their not catching a single fish?

 

Why do you think the disciples did not recognize Jesus as He stood on the shore?

 

What are some things that keep you from "seeing" Jesus in your day-to-day life?

 

4. Since they did not know it was Jesus on the shore, why did they obey him and throw out their nets again?

 

This is the second miraculous catch of fish. When did the first occur? What is Jesus teaching the disciples in enabling them to catch so many fish?

 

What significance does this hold for us?

 

5. Why does Peter jump out of the boat when he learns it is Jesus?

 

                What might be going through his mind as he is swimming to shore?

                What does this reveal about Peter’s feelings for Jesus?

                How can we be more like Peter?

6. Since Peter could not wait to get to Jesus, how do you explain Peter’s returning to the boat for the fish?

 

Why do you think John recorded the exact number of fish in the net?

 

7. Why do you think John mentioned the breakfast?

 

What importance does this hold for us?

 

8. Look carefully at Jesus’ question to Peter in v. 15. To whom or what do you think Jesus is referring when He says "these"?

 

What is Peter’s response? How does it differ from Peter’s earlier statements (Matt. 26:33 & John 13:37)?

 

9. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three questions?

 

What do you think Peter is feeling?

 

How would you feel if Jesus asked you three times if you loved Him?

 

10. After each of Peter’s answers, Jesus gives Peter a command. At first glance they all look the same. However, look carefully at the three commands.

What is the first? the second? the third?

 

Do they mean the same thing or are they different? If different, what is that difference?

 

11. What significance do these commands have for us, the church, today?

 

12. After what has happened to Peter, why do you think the Lord tells Peter how Peter will die?

 

How does Peter react to this news? (See v. 19.)

 

13. Despite Peter’s denials and failures, Jesus chooses to restore him and not replace him. What can we learn from this about restoring someone who sins and falls away?

 

14. Read vv. 20-23. What message do these verses contain for us as individuals? as the church?

 

15. What has this study of John meant to you personally? Why would you recommend someone study the book of John?