Rotation.org Writing Team

JESUS & PETER: DO YOU LOVE ME?

BIBLE BACKGROUND

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE

John 21:1-17

Background Scripture passages for teacher preparation include:

John 13:33, 36-38

John 18:15-18, 25-27

KEY VERSE

John 21:15-17

OBJECTIVES

Students will:

Locate the story of Peter’s denial and restoration in the Bible, learning that the story is in the New Testament Gospel of John

Retell the story in their own words.

Contrast Jesus’ love for Peter, even after Peter denied knowing him. Jesus was giving Peter another chance.

Discover that we, too, do wrong things sometimes – but God forgives us and gives us second chances.

Explore Peter’s statement of faith – “Yes, I love you.”

Recognize that Statements of Faith are hollow words without Statements of Action.

Develop their own Statement of Faith and Action, pledging support to Jesus.

Connect Jesus’ breakfast with his disciples, and his questions to Peter with our own “breakfast with Jesus” – communion – and understand that sacrament as a pledge to Jesus that we will minister to others in Christ’s name.

WHY WE'RE TEACHING THIS STORY

This story highlights the importance Jesus places on SHOWING you love him by taking care of others. In a simple phrase spoken three times for emphasis, Jesus stresses the connection between faith and action. You cannot be faithful to Christ if you are not loving and nurturing to others.

The public act of asking for and making a vow of loyalty has a long tradition both in the Bible and in ancient cultures (such as among the Romans and early church). This story highlights for the children why we go to church, why we publicly state our faith, and the importance of following through on your promises.

WHY WE'RE TEACHING THE WHOLE STORY, AND NOT JUST "FEED MY SHEEP."

John 21:1-17 is rich in details about Jesus' relationship with his disciples. It is also rich in metaphors for the church -- our need to have Jesus guiding us where to fish, and the sacred meal which Jesus prepares (a Communion) for his disciples, and at which he bolsters our loyalty and faith.

This large and multi-faceted story is a good example of why we in Rotation emphasize the priority of making sure we "teach the story in a memorable way" rather than trying to reduce it down to one meaning or a select set of verses. By making sure they know the story, its various meanings can unfold in their thoughts for years to come.

BIBLE BACKGROUND NOTES

The disciples needed Jesus' help to catch fish. We too need Jesus' help to live and do what he asks.

In verse 5, when Jesus first calls to the disciples, he uses the term "little children" (literally: paidia in the Greek) --which is a familiar term of endearment. In today's language, we might say he called to his "buddies." Jesus loves his friends.

Peter denied Jesus three times, yet he was the first of the disciples to go to the empty tomb; was the first to recognize Jesus on the shore; and was the first to get to him (by jumping excitedly into the water).

The children may not be aware that Peter was a leader in the early church. Thus, Peter is a symbol of the church and its leaders, and in this story Jesus is telling the church and its leaders to "feed my sheep."

Depending on which translation you are using, you will notice that Jesus asks Peter three slightly different questions. In the original Greek, the differences have created a lot of discussion!

In his first question to Peter, Jesus literally says, "feed my little lambs." In his second question, Jesus literally says, "tend my sheep" -- not "feed" and not "little lambs." Interesting! In this third question, Jesus literally combines words from his first two questions and says, "feed my sheep."

It raises the following questions:

* What is the difference between "little lambs" and "sheep" ?

Some writers have said that Jesus is referring to children, but Jesus often called adults "children" and the term is often used to describe new believers. What are the needs of new Christians?

* What is the difference between "tend" and "feed" ?

I wouldn't make too much out of the differences. The Bible writers often repeat ideas using slightly different words. The Psalms, for example, make extensive use of this poetic device (couplets to be exact). But discussing the differences will help the children remember the idea. Jesus is using "shepherd" imagery. What does a shepherd do to "tend" sheep? A quick look at Psalm 23 gives us many clues (makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me by still water, takes me through dark valleys, comforts me, and prepares a table of reconciliation before enemies).

* Who are the sheep?

The Bible says "we" are like sheep. Sheep are not very bright. They can wander, scare easily, and are easy prey.

* How does a disciple "feed" these sheep?

Peter seems a bit upset that Jesus has asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" He emphatically says, "Lord you KNOW I love you!" as if to say, "why are you asking, don't you believe me?" But Jesus wants to make a point. He doesn't want Peter OR the disciples to ever forget this moment. How does the church help Jesus make his point to us?

DEVELOPMENTAL NOTE

Younger children may struggle with this metaphor heavy part of the story. They may have trouble understanding that "feeding" isn't about groceries, it's about spiritual nourishment. Plan on spending a little extra time coming up with examples of how we "feed" each other. One example that will connect with them is the example of their parent. A parent feeds them dinner, but also feeds them love, helps them prepare for school, plays with them, forgives them, gives them guidance, and keeps them safe.

QUESTIONS

What was the mood of the disciples on the boat prior to seeing the resurrected Jesus? What do you think they were talking about? Worried about? Happy about? What sort of plans for the future do you think they were talking about?

When the disciples realized it was Jesus on the shore, what do you think they started thinking about?

Would you have stayed on the boat to pull in the fish? Or would you have jumped into the water and swam ashore to meet Jesus?

How and when do we "see" Jesus today?

How does Jesus guide us and feed us today? How does the church act like Peter in guiding and feeding us today?

How is Jesus' "first breakfast" with his disciples like our "breakfast" meal celebrated with cup and bread on Sunday morning?

What is our "oath" or "pledge" during the Communion service? How could we better emphasize Jesus' instructions to "feed my sheep" during that meal?

What oath or pledge to Jesus are you willing to make today?

CONTRIBUTOR: Neil MacQueen