Listen to Podcast:
2) GG Questions
11/24/19
Ordinary Men: Peter – The Impulsive
1. Highs and Lows: Set the groundwork for your discussion by recalling together as many ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ from
Peter’s life as you can remember. What were Peter’s ‘highs’, when he did what no other disciple was brave
enough to do (Matt. 14:28-29; 16:15-19; John 6:68)? What about his ‘lows’, when he stuck his foot in his
mouth so deep he could tickle his lungs (Matt. 16:21-23; 18:21; 26:69-75; John 13:6-9; 18:10-11)? Identify one
‘high’ and one ‘low’ from you life which has informed your Christian walk up to the present day.
2. Lows Meet the High Priest: Peter’s most painful ‘low’, certainly, came when he denied his Lord, the night
before Jesus’ death (Matt. 26:69-74). It could have been all over for Peter at that point. He could have turned
away and never came back. That’s what Satan wanted to happen… what was the one thing standing in his
way (Luke 22:31-32)? Can you think of moments in your life when Jesus, your Great High Priest, ‘prayed for
you that your faith may not fail’ (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25)?
3. Recommissioned to a Cruciform Ministry: Even before Peter fell, Jesus recommissed him: ‘when you have
turned again, strengthen the brothers’ (Luke 22:31-32). What metaphor did Jesus use when He recommissed
Peter a second time, now after His resurrection (John 21:15-17)? Beautiful as this is, Jesus’ next words are
more difficult (John 21:18-19). How does the letter of 1 Peter demonstrate that Peter had taken these words of
Jesus to heart (1 Pet. 2:21-24; 3:17-18; 4:1-2, 12-13)? How is Jesus glorified when His people suffer, when
they carry their cross?
4. Come as You Are: As we turn the page from the gospels into the book of Acts, we meet a new Peter. He is a
changed man. Still bold, outspoken and courageous, but now, empowered by the Holy Spirit, all his energies
are constructively channeled toward the building of Christ’s church. Breeze over a few highlights of Peter’s
ministry in these years (Acts 2:14; 3:2-7; 8:14-17; 10:44-45) and reflect on the whole arc of the life of this
apostle. Where might you attempt to exhibit Peter’s boldness? What fears do you need to turn away from so
that you can turn your eyes toward Jesus?
