John 21: Group Study Handout

How to use: read John 21 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (vv. 1-2). Simon Peter decided to go fishing, and others followed him, but they caught nothing that night (vv.

Key verse

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
John 21:17 (WEB)

Outline

John 21:1–3 Jesus Appears at the Sea
John 21:4–8 Miraculous Catch of Fish
John 21:9–14 Breakfast by the Sea
John 21:15–17 Peter's Restoration
John 21:18–19 Foretelling Peter's Future
John 21:20–23 Focus on Following Jesus
John 21:24–25 The Beloved Disciple's Testimony

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Simon Peter suggest to the other disciples?
What did Jesus ask the disciples in v5 when he first spoke to them?
Peter's response in v15 indicates what about his relationship with Jesus?
In v19, what does Jesus imply about Peter's future and the way he will glorify God?
When have you felt a strong call to 'follow me' in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo John 21: John 14, Luke 5, John 20.

Before next time: read Acts 1.