WEEK 48.7: Discussion questions below.

Show Notes

In this penultimate explore episode, Nick and Jamie examine Jesus's intimate restoration of Peter in John 21:15-25, where Jesus asks "Do you love me?" three times, mirroring Peter's three denials. They dismantle the popular teaching about different Greek words for love (agape vs. phileo), explaining that modern scholarship shows they were used interchangeably. The conversation explores what mutual love with Jesus actually means, why Jesus commissions Peter to "feed my sheep" as the action of that love, and the concept of "leadership with a limp." They wrestle with Jesus's cryptic prediction of Peter's martyrdom, Peter's awkward deflection to ask about John's fate, and Jesus's blunt response: "Mind your own business and follow me." The episode concludes with reflections on the gospel's final verses affirming the beloved disciple's testimony while acknowledging there's infinitely more to Jesus than any book could contain.

Key Points:

• Jesus takes Peter back to the moment of his failure and gives him three opportunities to reaffirm his love, mirroring his three denials. For every denial, Jesus gives a declaration of love and a reassurance that Peter is still called to ministry. Jesus doesn't let us avoid our failures but makes us face them squarely so they can be healed and we can move forward.

• The popular teaching about agape versus phileo love is incorrect. Modern scholars affirm these Greek words were used interchangeably in this culture. Jesus is simply asking for mutual love, and Peter affirms his mutual love three times.

• Loving Jesus means accepting him as he is, not as we want him to be. It means surrendering our demands and expectations, trusting him even when he acts in ways we don't understand or agree with.

• Love is proven through action. Jesus's love language is loving others sacrificially. Peter's love will be demonstrated by feeding Jesus's sheep, not by his confession of faith or his passionate declaration of his willingness to die.

• Leadership with a limp refers to leaders who have experienced brokenness or suffering, been restored, and now lead with humility and wisdom that their pain taught them. Peter would never again have the bravado of John 13 because he knew he only continued in ministry by Jesus's grace.

• Jesus calls us to different paths in discipleship. Peter was called to martyrdom; John was called to old age. The temptation is to compare our journey with others, judging ourselves as superior or inferior. Jesus tells us to mind our own business and follow where he leads us, not where he leads others.

• The gospel's conclusion affirms reliable testimony while acknowledging there's infinitely more to Jesus than any book could contain. This means we should be suspicious of anyone claiming certainty about fully knowing God and how he acts in the world.

Discussion Questions:

• Have you ever experienced a moment where Jesus made you face your failure directly rather than letting you avoid it? What was that like, and how did it lead to restoration?

• How does understanding that love for Jesus is proven through loving others (not through passionate feelings or declarations) challenge or change how you think about your faith?

• What does it mean to you that effective spiritual leaders are those who "lead with a limp," having been through brokenness and suffering? Who are the leaders with limps you most trust and why?

• When have you found yourself comparing your discipleship journey to others? How does Jesus's command to Peter to "mind your own business and follow me" speak to that tendency?

• The gospel ends by acknowledging there's infinitely more to Jesus than what's written. How does living with this mystery and uncertainty about God affect your faith? What makes that difficult or freeing?

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: @GoTheWildWay
• Website: thewildway.ca
• DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠

WEEK 48.6: The Prayer of Examen helps us reflect on the week that was in our Slow Journey Through John.

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 48.5: 24 This is the disciple who testifies concerning these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If all of them were recorded, I imagine the world itself wouldn’t have enough room for the scrolls that would be written.

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 48.4: An imagination prayer based on Peter's encounter with Jesus.

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 48.3: 18 I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” 19 He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the one who had leaned against Jesus at the meal and asked him, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw this disciple, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you? You must follow me.” 23 Therefore, the word spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple wouldn’t die. However, Jesus didn’t say he wouldn’t die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you?”

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 48.2: 15 When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 48.1: 15 When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

Episode Summary

In this third-to-last Explore episode, Nick and Jamie examine John's stated purpose for writing his gospel before diving into the strange epilogue of chapter 21. They wrestle with why John 20:30-31 sounds like a perfect ending yet an entire chapter follows, exploring three theories about when and why the epilogue was added. The conversation then shifts to Peter's apparent defeat as he returns to fishing, sparking a vulnerable discussion about seasons of waiting, calling, and purposelessness. They examine how Jesus deliberately uses a charcoal fire to trigger Peter's memory of denial as preparation for restoration, discuss the balance between studying scripture versus letting it pierce your soul, and explore why Jesus partners with our work without depending on it. The episode culminates in examining how the disciples recognized Jesus through multiple senses beyond visual identification, leading to personal stories about recognizing Jesus's presence through burning hearts and physical sensations today.

Key Points:

• John's gospel was written not merely for information but to give life and encourage faith. We must approach scripture both as students seeking understanding and as seekers allowing God's word to pierce our souls and transform us.

• The epilogue addresses Peter's restoration to ministry, showing how Jesus deals with total failure. Though the disciples had been commissioned and received the Spirit, they feel lost and purposeless, not knowing their next steps.

• Jesus doesn't wait for Peter to overcome his shame. Instead, he tracks Peter down in his dejection, demonstrating that camping out under humiliation is unhealthy. Jesus comes to convince us he hasn't given up on us.

• The charcoal fire is a deliberate sensory trigger. Jesus layers this experience so Peter will remember his denial before they even discuss it. Jesus doesn't let us avoid our failures but helps us face them squarely so they can be healed and we can move forward.

• Jesus partners with our work without depending on it. He invites our contribution (the disciples' fish) while already providing what's needed (fish cooking on the fire). We offer our 2% and Jesus expands it, but our failure doesn't derail his plans.

• Recognition of Jesus required more than visual identification. The disciples needed the beloved disciple's insight, the miraculous catch, and Jesus serving them to know it was him. We too recognize Jesus through burning hearts, spiritual awareness, and his work around us.

• The church needs both Peters (passionate, action-oriented) and Johns (perceptive, contemplative). Mature faith accepts that others follow Jesus differently without disparaging their path or feeling threatened by diversity in discipleship.

• Link shared in podcast: ⁠⁠The Bible Explored: Can I Trust the Bible?⁠⁠

Discussion Questions:

• How do you balance studying the Bible for understanding with reading it devotionally so it can pierce your soul? Have you experienced both approaches, and how do they differ for you?

• Have you experienced "hurry up and wait" seasons where you feel called to something but don't know what to do next? How did you handle the purposelessness or frustration during that time?

• When shame or failure makes it hard to face Jesus, what keeps you from turning toward him? How does knowing that Jesus comes looking for us rather than waiting for us to get ourselves together change your perspective?

• Why do you think mature believers can accept diversity in how people follow Jesus while others struggle with it? What insecurities or fears might drive us to disparage different approaches to discipleship?

• Jesus invites our contribution without needing it, which means we can serve without angst or Messiah complexes. How does this balance between partnership and trust affect how you approach ministry or sharing your faith?

Connect With Us

• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: @GoTheWildWay
• Website: thewildway.ca
• DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.

WEEK 47.6: The Prayer of Examen helps us reflect on the week that was in our Slow Journey Through John.

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

WEEK 47.5: 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples could bring themselves to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

SJTJ s a year-long contemplative journey through the Gospel of John. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you pause, listen, and respond to God’s love in transformative ways. 

Weekdays are 10-12-minute devotionals to help you abide in the presence of Jesus and the Word of God, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world. 

Weekends we release a short prayer of examen reflecting on the previous week and/or a longer teaching podcast that more deeply explores the themes and implications of John. 

Occasionally we have an excursus episode, which is basically an extra episode addressing listener questions or certain topics that require extended exploration.

DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. 

Bibliography

Visit our website

RESOURCE: Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on Amazon.

Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway

Contact us: podcast (at) thewildway.ca

Most Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).

Music credits:

Weekday music by Maksym Dudchyk on Pixabay. Used with permission.

Examen music: Music by Laniakea from Uppbeat. License code: HRU7UD9ID388DFJT

Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne