Simon Peter

Session 1

THE CALL OF THE FISHERMAN

Opening Prayer
Holy God, we thank you for Jesus Christ who calls us to faith in you. We thank you for his disciple Simon Peter who accepted Jesus’ call to fish for people. We thank you for the fellowship of this group and the opportunity to learn more about your disciple Simon Peter. Open our hearts to be receptive to your call to fish for people. Open our eyes so that we may see the ways you are calling us to serve you. In the name fo your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Learning Together

Watch Video Session 1

Video Study and Discussion

Play the video, then invite the group to discuss these questions:

What is one thing you learned about Simon Peter that you did not know before? How did seeing Bethsaida and Capernaum bring Simon’s story to life?
How does it change your perception of Jesus’ life and ministry to see some of the places where he taught, healed, and performed miracles?
Why is it important to hold on to the memory of places like Peter’s house? What benefit do people gain from making pilgrimages and visits to such places?
What other insights or observations did you gain into Peter’s story from the video?

Bible Study and Discussion

Read Luke 5:1-5

Note that Lake Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee. Ask:

What were the fishermen doing when Jesus spoke to Simon Peter? (Specifically, they were cleaning their nets after a night of fishing. Make the point that Simon Peter was going about his normal, everyday work when Jesus called him.)
What did Jesus first ask Simon Peter to do? (“row out a little distance from the shore”)
What did Jesus ask Simon Peter to do after he finished teaching the crowds? (“Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”)

Book Study and Discussion

Invite participants to turn to the introduction in Simon Peter. Note Hamilton’s observation in the fourth paragraph that all four Gospel writers describe two sides of Simon Peter. We see him “as a flawed disciple—one who seeks to follow Jesus, yet one who is also confused, afraid, and faltering.” At the same time, we see “his courage, his determination, his longing to follow Jesus even if it costs him his life” (pages 10-11). Ask:

Why do you think the Gospel writers included stories that portray Simon Peter’s flaws alongside his strengths?
How does Simon Peter represent “all who seek to follow Jesus”? (page 15).

Geography and Culture around the Sea of Galilee

Share information from the sections in Simon Peter titled “The Sea of Galilee,” “Simon Bar Jonah,” and “Fishermen in the Greco-Roman World” (pages 15-24). Call attention to the maps and photographs in the book. Depending on the time available for your session, you may want to invite participants who have been to the Sea of Galilee and surrounding area to share their observations. Ask:

In what ways is the name “Simon,” which means “to hear” or “to listen,” an appropriate name for the disciple Simon Peter? (During the discussion of this question participants may also cite times when Simon Peter did not “hear” or “listen.”)
Who were the am ha’aretz?
How were the am ha’aretz different from the Pharisees and other leaders?
Why do you think Jesus called fisherman who were am ha’aretz to be his disciples?

Simon Peter Meets Jesus

Read, or invite a volunteer to read, Luke 3:3

Ask Adam’s question:

“What was it that led these Galilean fishermen, who, it was supposed, were not so religiously devout, to take a week away from their nets and livelihood, traveling four or five days on foot each way, to hear John preaching in the desert?” (page 25).
- Was it a yearning for forgiveness?
- A desire to find a deeper faith?
- A sense that they had strayed from God’s path?
- Or a conviction that God’s kingdom, and the coming of the Messiah, were drawing near?

Read the account of Simon Peter’s first encounter with Jesus recorded in John 1:35-42. Note that the name “Cephas” (Aramaic) or “Petros/Peter” (Greek) means “rock.” Ask:

Who introduced Simon Peter to Jesus? (his hrother, Andrew)
What qualities did Andrew have that made him an effective evt’ingelist and disciple? (He worked “behind the scenes” to encourage and help others grow in faith.)
What are some reasons why Jesus may have given Simon Peter the nickname “rock”? (Refer to the section in Simon Peter titled “From Simon to Peter” for ideas during this discussion.)
What nicknames describe the way you see yourself as a disciple of Christ?
What nickname would you like Jesus to give you as a sign of the potential he sees in you?
What talents and skills do you have that Jesus may want to “borrow” for the work of fishing for people? (Invite participants to refer to the section titled “Borrowing Simon’s Boat: Our Time, Talent, and Stuff” during the discussion of this question.)

“But because you say so”

Read, or invite a volunteer to read Luke 5:5-11. Call attention to Hamilton’s point that Simon Peter only agreed to go fishing again because it was Jesus who suggested it. The text leaves us doubting that Simon Peter would have done so for anyone else.

Call attention to the section in Simon Peter titled “Overcoming Our Excuses.” Ask:

What are some of the excuses we offer when we are reluctant to say yes to Jesus’ call to serve? (You may want to list these on a board or chart paper.)
When have you said to Jesus, “But because you say so… I will do it”?
What happened when you said yes?

If you have a large group, create small teams of three to five people for the discussion of the above three questions so that everyone who would like to share has the opportunity to do so. Let the groups know the time available for this discussion. When you call the groups back together, invite each group to share two or three insights from their discussion.

Share this quote from Hamilton:

“There are times when Jesus asks us to do things that we don’t want to do, when we feel tired, or when what we’re being asked to do seems to make no sense to us. I have, on many occasions, been a very reluctant disciple. For us, the deep water is the place where Jesus calls us to go when we’d rather stay on the shore. We feel Christ calling and we drag our feet, and sometimes we even say no”

Then ask:

What can we do to help us move past our reluctance and excuses so that we may become eager disciples for Jesus Christ?

Wrapping Up

Closing Activity

Fishing For People
Point out that in the closing section of chapter 1, “Fishing for People,” Hamilton calls Jesus’ invitation to fish for people a movement that is transforming the world. Ask Hamilton’s questions (page 39):

How are you influencing people for Christ?
How do you represent him by your actions and by your words?

Call attention to Hamilton’s comment that “the adventure begins when we say, Yes! . . .to a mission of fishing for people (page 39). Ask:

How have you experienced adventure through following Christ?

Share Hamilton’s hope for this study found at the end of the introduction: “Ultimately, I hope to help you see yourself in Simon Peter, the flawed but ultimately faithful follower of Jesus Christ” (page 11).

Invite participants to reflect on the following question during the coming week:

How am I a flawed but faithful disciple ofJesus Christ?

Closing Prayer

Invite participants to pray together the prayer at the end of chapter 1 in Simon Peter.

Session 2

WALKING WITH JESUS IN THE STORMS

Opening Prayer
Holy God, Lord of all creation, we thank you for the world you have made. We confess that we grow fearful in the midst of storms. We thank you for your continuing presence with us. Thank you for the people in this group and for this time to study your word together. Thank you for your disciple Simon Peter who shows us that we, too, may he faithful disciples, in spite of our flaws. Guide and bless our time together. Help us to remember you are always with us through the storms we face. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Learning Together

Watch Video Session 2

Video Study and Discussion

Play the DVD, then invite the group to discuss the following questions:

What might it mean that so much of Jesus’ time with the disciples was spent on or around the water?
Recall the archaeological artifact known as the “Jesus boat.” How likely is it that this boat was actually used by Jesus and his disciples? (Not very likely, though a similar one may have been.)
What is the value of finds like this to our faith, even if they are not directly connected to Jesus or the disciples?
Does seeing these places make you feel closer to Jesus? Why or why not?
What new insights or questions about Peter’s life do you have after seeing the video?

Bible Study and Discussion

Read or invite a volunteer to read Matthew 14:22-24.

Invite participants to turn to Matthew 14 in their Bibles. Explain that the story of “walking on the water” takes place after two other significant events in Jesus’ life: the “Death of John the Baptist” recorded in Matthew 14:1-12 and the “Feeding the five thousand” recorded in Matthew 14:13- 21. (Story titles are from the CEB.) Remind the group that John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin.

Read Matthew 14:12-13. Ask:

What did Jesus do when he learned his cousin had died?
Why do you think he did this? (Possibly to grieve the death of his cousin)
Who interrupted Jesus’ time alone?
How did Jesus respond to the crowds? (with compassion)
How do you think Jesus felt after he performed the miracles of healing and feeding the crowd? (Perhaps he was weary and still grieving his cousins’ death)

Read again Matthew 14:22-24. Ask:

What “storms” were Jesus and the disciples experiencing at this time? (Jesus perhaps storms of grief and weariness, the disciples a physical storm at sea)
Why was this time of prayer and solitude important for Jesus?
What does this teach us about our own need for times of solitude and prayer with God? (Through prayer we find healing from “storms” we have experienced in the past, strength to weather the storms we are currently facing, and courage to move ahead in faith.)

Book Study and Discussion

The Sea—A Place of Fear

Describe the Sea of Galilee and the boats that were common in Jesus’ day, using the section titled “Jesus’ Boat” as a guide (pages 43-45).

Point out that the people were afraid of the sea. One of the reasons for this was that they could not measure its depth. This led to the belief that it was endless and opened to the underworld, which was “the realm of the dead” (page 47).

The sea was also home to the sea monster Leviathan.

Generally speaking, the sea was a dangerous and mysterious place, often identified with malevolent forces in ancient Near Eastern thought.

Read Matthew 14:25-26. Remind the group that the disciples were in the midst of experiencing a raging storm at sea. Ask:

Why did the disciples jump to the conclusion that the person they saw walking on the water was a ghost? (They believed the entrance to the underworld, the place fo the dead, was beneath them at the bottom fo the sea.)
How did the disciples express their terror at seeing a “ghost?” (Screaming)
Where are the “seas” or places of fear in your life?
What storms have you faced that caused you to feel frightened, even terrified to the point of screaming?

If you have a large group, you may want to invite participants to share responses to the last two questions above in smaller groups of from two to four people. Remind the group of the agreement to respect confidentiality.

Stepping Out of the Boat

Read Matthew 14:27-32.

Emphasize Hamilton’s point that Jesus was watching over his disciples during their time of need even when they were not aware of it. (See the section titled “A Storm on the Sea,” pages 45-49.) Ask:

What did Jesus say to comfort his disciples? (see verse 27) Call attention to the board or paper with these phrases as described in “Before the Session.”
- “Be encouraged!”
- “It’s me.”
- “Don’t be afraid.”
When have you heard Jesus say these phrases to you?
How has the knowledge of Jesus’ encouragement and presence helped you move past your fear?
What did Jesus do about calming the actual storm before he reached the boat? (Nothing!)
Why do you think Simon Peter wanted to leave the relative safety of the boat to come to Jesus? (Invite participants to turn to the section of chapter 2 titled “Lord, Command Me to Come to You” during the discussion of this question.)

Suggest that Simon Peter deserves a lot of credit for getting out of the boat in the first place. It takes courage for a person to step out of one’s comfort zone, no matter what that comfort zone may be. Remind the group of the discussion about “shallow water” and “deep water” during the last session. The point was made that an area of service that feels like being in shallow water” for one person may feel like being in “deep water” to another person. Likewise, what is a baby step of faith for one person may be a leap of faith for another. With that in mind, ask:

What happened after Simon Peter stepped out of the boat? During the discussion of verses 30 to 32 be sure the following points are mentioned:
- Simon Peter’s first response after he became frightened was to call out to Jesus with faith, believing that Jesus could and would help him. Simon Peter did not give up and turn away.
- When Simon Peter called out “Lord, rescue me!” (verse 30), Jesus’ response was immediate. Jesus “immediately reached out and grabbed” (verse 31) Simon Peter.
- Jesus’ comment “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” sounds like a reprimand but may have been an expression of disappointment. Share Hamilton’s insight about this in the section titled “Rescue Me” in chapter 2 (pages 53-54).
- Jesus did not calm the storm at that point. He walked with Simon Peter through the storm.

Ask:

Why do you think Jesus waited until he and Simon Peter were in the boat before he calmed the storm?
Have you ever stepped out in faith and then found yourself “sinking” with fear? If yes, what did you do?
How have you experienced Jesus walking with you through frightening and challenging times?

The Sea—A Place to Experience Gods’ Love

Read, or invite a volunteer to read, Psalm 107:23-32. Note Hamilton’s comment that this is “thought to be the psalm of the sailors” (page 55). Ask:

What does this psalm tell us about the sailors’ experience on the sea?
What does it tell us about God’s actions on behalf of the sailors?
What does it say about the sailors’ response to God’s intervention and love?

Read Matthew 14:32-33. Ask:

How did Jesus’ disciples respond after “the Wind settled down” (verses 32-33)? (Invite the group to refer to the section in chapter 2 titled “Who Is This Man?” on pages 54-56 for input during this discussion.)
How does their response compare to that of the sailors when “God quieted the storm to a Whisper” (Psalm 107:29)?
How have you responded to God When he has walked with you and/or calmed the storms in your life?

Wrapping Up

Closing Activity

Remind the group of the title of chapter 2, “Walking with Jesus in the Storms.”

Invite discussion of this question:

How has this study of Matthew 14:22-34 helped you grow to be a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ?

Closing Prayer

Pray together the prayer at the end of chapter 2 in Simon Peter.

Session 3

BEDROCK OR STUMBLING BLOCK?

Opening Prayer

Holy God, we thank you for sending Jesus to show us the way to you. We thank you for Simon Peter who answered your call to be the rock upon which you built your church. Open our eyes to the work you call us to do and give us the courage to say yes. We know that as you were able to use Simon Peter, flaws and all you are able to work through us to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Amen.

Learning Together

Watch Video Session 3

Video Study and Discussion

Play the DVD, then invite the group to discuss the following questions:

How did you feel Viewing the scenery at Caesarea Philippi? How do you think the disciples would have felt surrounded by such natural beauty as well as shrines to other gods?
How does this setting shape your understanding of the importance of Simon Peter’s declaration that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God”?
The location of the mountain where Jesus was transfigured is unknown, but some parts of the Christian tradition identify it as Mount Tabor. What insights into Jesus’ identity did Peter gain on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured?
What new observations or questions do you have after viewing the video?

Following the Video, invite volunteers to share their responses to the questions above.

Bible Study and Discussion

Read, or invite a volunteer to read, Matthew 16:15-16.

The focus of this discussion is the meaning of Simon Peter’s identification ofJesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Note that this conversation took place before the death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, as Hamilton points out (page 65), it does not represent everything that Christians have come to believe about Jesus. Review the responses from the “Leading into the Study” activity for the question “Who is Jesus?” and note that these responses represent what twenty-first-century Christians in the group believe about Jesus.

Call attention to the words Christos and Messiah and share these points:

Christos is Greek. The New Testament was written in Greek.
Messiah is Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament.
The literal translation of these two words is “anointed one.”
In biblical times, both people and objects were anointed with oil.
Priests and kings were anointed to show they were chosen by God to serve God’s people, both as religious leaders and political leaders.
Objects were anointed to indicate their sacred place in the Tabernacle and Temple.
Old Testament prophets called the people to look for and hope for “the ideal king… the Anointed One” (page 66).

Invite participants to refer to the sections titled “You Are the Messiah” and “You Are the Son of God” as they answer these questions (pages 65-67). Ask:

Who or what did the Jews expect the “Anointed One” to be?
In what ways did Jesus fulfill this expectation?
In what ways did Jesus not fulfill this expectation?
Why do you think Simon Peter spoke up and made his statement of faith?

Book Study and Discussion

Why This Place?

Read Matthew 16:13 and Mark 8:27. Ask:

Where did this conversation between Jesus and his disciples take place?
What do we know about this area? (Invite participants to scan chapter 3 for this information and record responses on the board or large sheet of paper with the heading “Caesarea Philippi.” Mention the following key points if they are not offered by the group.)
- It was a remote area, twenty-five miles north of the Sea of Galilee, at the base of Mount Hermon.
- It is an area noted for its beauty and is presently called the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve.
- It was predominantly a non-Jewish area.
- The area was used for the worship of pagan deities.
- There is a waterfall there. (Invite a volunteer to read the fourth paragraph in the opening section of chapter 3 for a description of the waterfall.)
- The chasm there was believed by some to be an entrance to the underworld or Hades. (Recall that in chapter 2 it was noted that the Sea of Galilee was also believed to be an entrance to this realm of the dead.)
Why is the area called “Caesarea Philippi”?

Call attention to Hamilton’s suggestion that Jesus intentionally chose. this location for this conversation with his disciples. As the disciples gathered around Jesus, the shrines to a pagan god and an oppressive Roman ruler were in sight. Jesus affirms Simon Peter’s proclamation that he is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In other words, Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. Ask:

What is the significance of the phrase “living God”? (Only God is “the living God.” The pagan god honored in the nearby shrine had no life and therfeore no power to influence the lives of humankind.)
What expectations did the Jews have regarding Jesus’ actions toward oppressive Roman rulers like the one honored in the nearby shrine?
How do you think the disciples were feeling at this moment?
What thoughts may have been running through their minds?

Peter the Rock

Read, or invite a volunteer to read, Matthew 16:17-20. Note these two key points:

Simon Peter will have a leading role in the development of the Christian community.
Christ’s church Will be stronger than “The gates of the underworld” (verse 18).

Ask:

What authority did Jesus give Simon Peter in the establishment of his church? (See the section titled “The Gates of Hades” on pages 72-74 for information to guide this discussion.)

Call attention to Jesus’ words to Simon Peter in verse 17, “Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you.” Note that the NRSV and NIV translate “Blessed” in place of “Happy.” Ask:

How do you think Simon Peter was feeling at this point in the story, in light of the fact that:
- He is in the presence of the promised Messiah or Christ,
- Jesus has just called him “Happy” and “Blessed,” and
- Jesus has given him authority over the building of his church?
(Responses may include excited, joyful, honored, nervous, and overwhelmed.)

“Get behind me, Satan”

In the discussion of “Peter the Rock” above, we noted that Simon Peter was likely feeling positive about things. These feelings quickly changed when Jesus foretold what the future held for their Messiah. Read Matthew 16:21-23. Ask:

What did Simon Peter say to Jesus after Jesus foretold his coming suffering and death? (“God forbid, Lord! This won’t happen to you,” verse 22.)
How do you think Simon Peter felt at this point in the story? (Note that Simon Peter seems not to have heard Jesus’ prediction of his resurrection.)
What are the differences between “God’s thoughts” and “human thoughts” in verse 23?

Read Isaiah 55:8-9

Read Matthew 4:1-11, the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Ask:

What were the three temptations that Satan or “the tempter” presented to Jesus?
- To satisfy his physical needs and “command these stones to become bread” (verse 3)
- To test God by throwing himself off of “the highest point of the temple” (verse 5)
- To worship Satan instead of God.
What Scripture passages did Jesus quote as he resisted each of these three temptations? (See Matthew 4:4, 7, 10.)
What two similar phrases did Jesu Satan and in Matthew 16 to Simon Peter? (“Go away, Satan,” Matthew 4:10, and “Get behind me, Satan,” Matthew 16:23).
What did Jesus mean when he said the words in verse 23 to Simon Peter?
How might Simon Peter be a stone that would cause Jesus to “stumble”?

Wrapping Up

Closing Activity

Recall the title of chapter 3, “Bedrock or Stumbling Block?” Ask:

Who or what have been “bedrocks” for you in your faith journey?
Who or What have been “stumbling blocks” for you in your faith journey?
In what ways have you been “bedrock” for others as they have grown in faith in Christ?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of chapter 3 in Simon Peter together.

Session 4

“I WILL NOT DENY YOU”

Opening Prayer

Loving and forgiving God, we come before you with repentant and thankful hearts. We know that we are like your disciple Simon Peter, both flawed and faithful. Forgive us for the times we turn away from you, the times we deny you, the times we fail to serve others in your name. Thank you for your never ending love and your grace-filled forgiveness. We look to you for courage and strength, for guidance and direction, as we continue to be your faithful yet flawed, disciples. Amen.

Learning Together

Watch Video Session 4

Video Study and Discussion

Play the DVD, then invite the group to discuss one or more of the following questions:

In the video we saw two possible locations of the upper room where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. What does Peter’s reaction to Jesus washing Peter’s feet tell you about him?
How do you think Simon Peter felt when he was following those who arrested Jesus from Gethsemane to the high priest’s house?
The Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu remembers Jesus’ trial, but it’s named after Peter’s denial of Jesus. Why is it important for the church to remember Peter’s denial and commemorate it in this way?
How does seeing the places in the video bring you new insights into Simon Peter’s life and the story of Jesus’ arrest and trial? What new questions do you have?

Invite the group members to keep the Video in mind as you discuss the Bible and the study book in the rest of your session.

Bible Study and Discussion

Read Matthew 26:26-35. Explain that in verse 31 Jesus is quoting the Old Testament prophet Zechariah. Share the following information about Zechariah and this verse:

The prophecies in the book of Zechariah concern Israel’s future after the Babylonian exile.
The prophecies offer hope for the restoration of God’s people, as indicated in Zechariah 13:1:

On that day, a fountain will open
to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem.

The prophecies may be interpreted as eschatological in nature in that they point to the end times.
Zechariah 13:7, the verse Jesus refers to, says,

Sword, arise against my shepherd,
against the man responsible for my community, says the
LORD of heavenly forces!
Strike the shepherd in order to scatter the flock!

Jesus is identifying himself as the “shepherd” in Zechariah 13:7. His reference to this verse in Matthew 26:31 foreshadows what is about to take place in the garden where Jesus and his “flock” of disciples are gathered.

Remind the group that Jesus has told the disciples about his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection on two previous occasions. These are recorded in Matthew 16:21-23 (part of the biblical text for chapter 3) and Matthew 17:22-23. Invite volunteers to read these two Scripture passages.

Note that on the night of his last supper with his disciples, Jesus makes two references to his resurrection. Invite participants to scan Matthew 26 to find these two references (verses 29 and 32). Ask:

How did the disciples respond when Jesus mentioned his death and resurrection?
What do you think the disciples were feeling and thinking at this time?

Book Study and Discussion

Washing Feet and True Greatness

Review the events that took place between Jesus’ transfiguration and his last supper with his disciples using information presented in the section titled “From Transfiguration to the Upper Room” in chapter 4.

Read John 13:1-20. Point out that John is the only Gospel that includes the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. The story of Jesus sharing the bread and cup with his disciples at the Last Supper is recorded in the three Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—but not in John.

Note Hamilton’s observation that foot washing is “not a routine task in our culture” (page 94), but it was a common practice in the culture in which Jesus lived. For Jesus’ disciples then, Jesus’ act of washing their feet was a powerful example of “servant leadership.” Ask:

What is “servant leadership”? (Invite participants to refer to the section titled “Washing Feet and True Greatness” on pages 91-95 during this discussion.)
What are examples of “servant leadership” in our culture?
When have you taken on the role of a “servant” toward others?
How did you feel, or do you feel, when you take on the role of servant?
When have others taken on the role of servant in their relationship with you?
How do you feel when you are on the receiving end of someone’s act of service? (You may want to invite discussion of Peter’s reaction when Jesus washed his feet.)

Invite discussion of Hamilton’s last sentence in the section titled “Washing Feet and True Greatness”:

“I wonder how our lives might change if we each saw this as our mission—that we are servants of others, servants of our mates, servants of our customers, servants of our fellow employees, and servants of the servants of God” (page 95).

“I will not deny you.”

Reread Peter’s declaration in Matthew 26:35 (NRSV). Ask:

What events took place between the time of Peter’s declaration that he would not deny Jesus, and Peter’s denial of Jesus in the courtyard? (Invite participants to consult Matthew 26:36-68. As the various events are mentioned you may want to write them in chronological order on a board or large sheet of paper.)
What led Peter to make such a bold declaration?
How do you think Peter felt when Jesus predicted that he would deny him?

Confessing Failures

Remind participants of Hamilton’s view that Peter’s flaws as a disciple are recorded and preserved in the New Testament because Peter himself confessed these failures in his sermons to the early church.

Hold up the basket of envelopes from the “Leading into the Study” activity. Say:
- We, like Peter, are flawed disciples.
- We, like Peter, have missed opportunities to witness to our faith and serve others in the name of Christ.
- The good news of the gospel is that we, llk’e Peter, are forgiven.
- Christ continues to call us to serve others in his name.
Return the envelopes, unopened, to each participant.
Read this paragraph from page 105:

“Peter’s story also shows us that we need not be defined by our failures. God does not define us by the worst thing we ever did. Jesus makes amazing use of flawed disciples. He continually invites us back, forgives us, and restores us. Sometimes he uses us even more profoundly, not merely in spite of our flaws and failures but because of them. Jesus is the Lord of the second chance. If the disciple who denied knowingJesus could become the Rock on which the church was built, there is hope for us too. Simon Peter wasn’t afraid to talk about his shortcomings as a way to help others learn, grow, and find grace. He knew that every person who commits to follow Jesus would fall short.”

Offer this prayer:

Loving and forgiving God, we are sorry for the times we have denied that we know you and we ask for your forgiveness. We thank you for your forgiveness and your amazing love for us. Open our eyes to the new opportunities you place before us to serve others in the name of Christ. Amen.

Wrapping Up

Closing Activity

Share the story of Jorge Acevedo as told in the section titled “Inspiring Followers by Confessing Failures” in chapter 4. Then invite participants to share similar stories. You may want to ask the following questions to help start the conversation:

How has your confession of your failures and your acceptance of God’s forgiveness helped you grow to be a stronger disciple of Christ?
When have you shared stories of your flaws and God’s forgiveness with others?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of Simon Peter chapter 4 together.

Session 5

FROM COWARDICE TO COURAGE

Opening Prayer

Holy and forgiving God, we want to be your faithful disciples, but sometimes, like Simon Peter, we stumble and we deny that we even know you. We come before you with repentant hearts and ask for your forgiveness. We find hope in the knowledge that you forgave your disciple Simon Peter. We trust you will forgive us. We pray that you will give us courage and strength, so that we, like Simon Peter, may be your faithful disciples and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Learning Together

Watch Video Session 5

Video Study and Discussion

Play the DVD, then invite the group to discuss one or more of the following questions:

What parts of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher resonated with you the most? How might the church’s memory of Jesus’ death and burial at this place strengthen the faith of those who visit?
Adam Hamilton notes that Peter and some of the other disciples went back to Galilee to resume fishing after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Why might they have done that? How did their encounter with the risen Jesus by the lakeshore affect Peter?
Why was it important for Jesus to ask Peter “Do you love me?” three times? What hope do you gain from the scene of Peter’s reinstatement?
What new observations or questions do you have after viewing the video?

Invite the group members to keep the Video in mind as you discuss the Bible and the study book in the rest of your session.

Bible Study and Discussion

Invite a volunteer to read Luke 5:1-11. This is the text for chapter 1 in Simon Peter and is printed in the book. Invite another volunteer to read John 21:1-14. This text precedes the focal text for this session. Ask:

What are the similarities between these two stories?

Book Study and Discussion

Resurrection Morning and Appearances

Call attention to the fact that there are both similarities and differences in the four Gospel accounts of Easter morning and Jesus’ resurrection appearances to his disciples.

Invite participants to count off by four and to remember their number. It is not necessary for participants to move and sit with their group. Assign Scripture passages as below.

Ones: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
Twos: Mark 16:1-7 (Explain that there are alternate endings for the Gospel of Mark. For the purposes of this session we will only look at Mark 16:1-7.)
Threes: Luke 24:1-53
Fours: John 20:1-31 (Explain that John 21 will be discussed later in the session.)

Offer a few minutes for participants to skim their assigned Scripture text. Then ask the questions below. After each question, invite those who read Matthew to answer first, then those who read Mark, then those who read Luke, ending with the ones who read John. Record the responses in the appropriate column on the board or large sheet of paper (this is explained in Before the Session). Ask:

Who discovered the empty tomb on Easter morning?
When did she/they go to the tomb?
Who did she/they encounter at the tomb?
What was she/were they instructed to do and by whom?
To whom did Jesus appear after his resurrection?
What does this text tell us about Peter?
Where are the similarities between these four Gospel accounts? Circle these.
Where are the differences between these four Gospel accounts?

As you conclude the discussion of questions 7 and 8, note that all four Gospels agree on the most important points!

Call attention to the angels instruction in Mark 16:7 to “Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter” and also the section in chapter 5 titled “Especially Peter.” Remind the group that Mark is the oldest of the four Gospels. Ask:

Why do you think the angel added the phrase “especially Peter”?

A Charcoal Fire

Remind the group of the discussion of John 21:1-14 (Leading into the Study) and note that these verses set the scene for the Biblical Foundation text for this session. Invite a volunteer to read John 21: 15-17. Ask:

What is the significance of the charcoal fire? (Contribute information about the charcoal fire found in the section titled “Peter, Do You Love Me ?” on pages 120-124 of chapter 5 during this discussion.)
Why did Jesus ask Simon Peter his question “do you love me” three times? (This corresponds to Simon Peter denying Jesus three times.)
What did Jesus ask Simon Peter to do? (Note that Jesus’ call is worded three ways but all three ways carry the same meaning.)
Why was this experience so important to Simon Peter and also to Christ’s church?

Call attention to the fact that the meal Jesus prepared over the charcoal fire, bread and fish, was reminiscent of the last supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion and resurrection. Since that time Christians around the world have observed the breaking of bread as a symbol of Communion with Christ.

Share this quote by Adam Hamilton from Simon Peter on page 120:

The Eucharist, Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, whatever you call this meal, is a meal aimed not only at remembering and connecting us with Christ and one another as his disciples, it is also a meal of reconciliation and forgiveness. This meal at the shoreline was all of these things for Simon Peter.”

Share the invitation from the United Methodist Liturgy for Holy Communion:

“Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him,
who earnestly repent of their sin
and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.”

Ask:

What does this invitation ask of us?
Why is our repentance of sin so important for our relationship with Christ?
In what ways have you experienced God’s forgiveness?
How has your acceptance of God’s forgiveness given you the freedom to serve wholeheartedly as a disciple of Christ?
When have you felt Christ’s presence in the breaking of bread?

Offer a time for participants to ask questions and share new insights related to John 21:15-17 and the section in chapter 5 titled “Peter, Do You Love Me?”

Wrapping Up

Closing Activity

Share this quote from Simon Peter with the group.

Ask:

How has your love for Christ empowered you to love others in Christ’s name?
How has your love for Christ and others produced fruit for the kingdom of God?

Closing Prayer

As a group, pray together the prayer from the end of chapter 5. As an alternative, lead the group in the following prayer:

Holy and forgiving God, we thank you for Simon Peter. We thank you for the gift of forgiveness and second chances. It is not easy for us to confess our sin. It is not easy for us to admit when we are wrong. Grant us wisdom to recognize our sin. Grant us courage to lay our sin before you. Open our hearts to your forgiveness and your love. Go with us into our communities, our workplaces, our churches, and our homes as we fulfill your call to lone each other. Amen.

Session 6

THE REST OF THE STORY

Opening Prayer

Holy and Loving God, we thank you for your disciple Peter. We see in Peter a great example of your power and your willingness to use us, flaws and all to serve you and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Be with us during this session. Open our hearts and our minds to the presence of your Holy Spirit. Guide and direct us to do your will. Amen.

Learning Together

Watch Video Session 6

Video Study and Discussion

Play the DVD, then invite the group to discuss one or more of the following questions:

Peter’s proclamation of Jesus took him to Joppa, Caesarea Maritima, and Rome. How does your response to Jesus’ call take you to new places and experiences?
How do you think Simon Peter felt when he was in prison in Rome? How does seeing the Mamertine prison help you better understand Peter’s experience?
What enabled Peter to be bold enough to preach about Jesus so widely where he’d denied Jesus before?
How does Peter’s story challenge you? How does it inspire you?
What insights about Peter’s life did you gain from the video? What new questions do you have?

Invite the group members to keep the Video in mind as you discuss the Bible and the study book in the rest of your session.

Bible Study and Discussion

Pentecost

Share these points as noted in the section of chapter 6 titled “Pentecost”:

Pentecost is a Greek word and means fifty days.
Shavuot is a Hebrew word and means weeks.
On the Jewish calendar there are fifty days or seven weeks between the celebration of the Passover and the celebration of Shavuot.
“Passover commemorates the night God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt” (page 131).
Hamilton notes that Jesus transformed the meaning of the seder or Passover meal to a celebration of the new covenant. As Christians we celebrate the new covenant when we participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Shavuot commemorates God giving Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. It was also a celebration of the harvest in early summer and the giving of the first fruits to God.
On the day of Pentecost described in Acts 2, Jerusalem was crowded with Jews who had come to celebrate Shavuot.

Invite a volunteer to read Acts 2:1-4. Explain that in this moment Jesus’ promise of God’s Holy Spirit was fulfilled. Ask:

How do you think Jesus’ followers felt when they realized they had indeed received God’s gift of the Holy Spirit?
What did they immediately do?

Book Study and Discussion

The Day of Pentecost

Invite six volunteers to read the remaining verses of Acts 2 as follows:

Reader 1: Acts 2:5-13
Reader 2: Acts 2:14-21
Reader 3: Acts 2:22-28
Reader 4: Acts 2:29-36
Reader 5: Acts 2:37-41
Reader 6: Acts 2:42-47

Ask:

How is the Peter in this Scripture passage different from the Peter who denied knowing Jesus on the night of Jesus’ arrest?
What has happened in Peter’s life to give him the confidence to boldly preach the sermon recorded in Acts 2?
What does Peter proclaim about God and Jesus in this sermon? (List these on the board or large sheet of paper with the heading “Peter’s Witness.” You will refer back to this several times during the session.)
What was the reaction of the crowd to the disciples’ witness and Peter’s sermon?
What did Peter mean when he said, “Change your hearts and lives” (Acts 2:38)?
How does Luke, in Acts 2, describe the early church? (Acts 2:42-47)

Healing the Crippled Man

Invite three volunteers to read Acts 3 as follows:

Reader 1: Acts 3-1-10
Reader 2: Acts 3:11-16
Reader 3: Acts 3:17-26

Ask:

How did the crippled man respond to being healed in the name of Christ?
How did the Israelites respond to the crippled man being healed?
What does Peter proclaim about God and Jesus in this sermon? (Call attention to the list you started under the heading “Peter’s Witness” during the discussion of this question in relation to Acts 2. Circle the points that Peter repeats and add any new points. Emphasize the repetition of the call in Acts 3:19 to “Change your hearts and lives!”)

Call attention to Hamilton’s observation that each one of us is in some way “spiritually broken, crippled, lame” (see the section titled “Miraculous Healing, Holy Boldness,” pages 134-139). Invite volunteers to share an experience of spiritual or physical healing.

Courageous Peter

Invite participants to skim Acts 4:1-22 and respond to the following questions. Ask:

What happened to Peter and John?
What question did the leaders and authorities ask Peter and John? (Acts 4:7)
- How does Peter answer? (Acts 4:8-12)
- Call attention to the phrase “inspired by the Holy Spirit” (verse 8).
- Compare Peter’s proclamation about God and Christ with the points already listed on the chart “Peter’s Witness” and add any new points.
What surprised the council and why? (Acts 4:13)
How is Peter a changed person in this encounter compared to the night he denied knowing Jesus?

Hamilton highlights two Scripture passages from Acts 5 that report the growth of the early church and the leadership of the apostles. Read, or invite volunteers to read, Acts 5:14-16 and Acts 5:41.

Write an Elevator Speech

Invite participants to turn to the section titled “Miraculous Healing, Holy Boldness” in chapter 6. Note Hamilton’s suggestion that Christ’s followers prepare an “elevator speech.” The purpose of the “elevator speech” is to express “a brief description of your faith and how it makes a difference in your life” (page 138). Read the Scripture passage from 1 Peter that Hamilton cites in this section: “Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it. Yet do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Invite participants to create small groups of from two to four people. Offer these instructions:

Create an outline for an “elevator speech.”
Refer to the list we compiled on the chart titled “Peter’s Witness” as a place to start.
Remember Hamilton’s purpose for the elevator speech, to express “a brief description of your faith and how it makes a difference in your life.”
If time permits, encourage individuals to share specific examples or experiences of Christ’s presence in their lives that may be incorporated in their own elevator speech.

Allow time for each small group to share its outline.

Encourage participants to compose and practice their own elevator speeches as a follow-up to this course, so they will feel more comfortable sharing their faith with others.

Wrapping Up

Closing Activity

Read the closing section of chapter 6, “Fishing for People.” Ask:

In what ways will you continue to cast your net and fish for people? (Responses may include participation in various church and community ministries and also individual endeavors.)
How has your heart and life been changed (paraphrase of Acts 2:38) as a result of this study of Simon Peter?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of chapter 6 in Simon Peter together.