Lead by Faith

*Key themes: Faith, Repentance, Forgiveness

Peter, a fisherman from Bethsaida, was a disciple marked by impulsive faith and human frailty. He walked on water, declared Jesus the Messiah, and then rebuked him for predicting his suffering. His passionate nature, however, also led to his most devastating failure: denying Jesus three times in the courtyard of the high priest. The rooster’s crow became a symbol of his betrayal, prompting bitter tears of repentance.

Yet, Jesus’s forgiveness was transformative. After the resurrection, Peter was restored, recommissioned to shepherd Jesus’s flock. The impulsive fisherman became a pillar of the early church, preaching with boldness and facing persecution with courage. His letters, filled with wisdom, reflected the lessons learned through his own failures and God’s grace. Peter, the rock, became a testament to the power of repentance and the boundless love of God.

Week 6: Peter – The Impulsive Disciple

Key Themes: Faith, Repentance, Forgiveness

This week we will:

• Discuss Peter as the most prominent disciple who is known for his impulsive nature.
• Highlight key events in Peter’s life demonstrating his impulsiveness and faith.
• Understand the significance of Peter’s denial of Christ and subsequent repentance.
• Discuss the significance of forgiveness as demonstrated by Jesus towards Peter.

• Introduction and Peter’s Impulsive Faith
  • Read: Matthew 14:22-33 (Walking on water), Matthew 16:13-19 (Peter’s confession), Matthew 16:21-23 (Peter’s rebuke)

• What do these events reveal about Peter’s faith?
• What do they reveal about his impulsiveness?
• What contradictions can we observe in Peter’s behavior?
• How did Jesus react to Peter’s expressions of faith, and to his impulsive words?

• Peter’s Denial and Repentance
  • Read: Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75 (Peter’s denial). John 21:15-19 (Peter’s restoration).
• • What factors contributed to Peter’s denial?
  • What was the significance of the rooster’s crow?
  • How did Peter react to his denial? (Note his weeping)
  • Why is Peter’s repentance so important?
• Read John 21:15-19.
  • How did Jesus restore Peter?
  • What was the significance of Jesus asking Peter, “Do you love me?” three times?
  • How did Jesus show forgiveness to Peter?

• Application and Reflection
  • Connecting the Themes

• How can we learn from Peter’s example about the importance of acknowledging our failures?
• How can we apply the principles of repentance and forgiveness in our own lives?
• How does God’s forgiveness empower us to Focus Forward?
• How can we temper our impulsiveness with greater reliance on God?
• How can we be more aware of the ways that our actions may hurt God, and others?

Journal

Reflect on how Peter’s life reflects parts in our own lives and how we may struggle with impulsiveness and failure.

Additional Resource:

https://www.gotquestions.org/upon-this-rock.html