Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

Sermon Notes

• Theme: Jesus restores us from failure not by ignoring our wounds, but by healing them — and then calling us back into mission.
• Introduction
  • Comparison to military standards: Are we disqualified by spiritual failure?
  • Jesus' mission continues through imperfect people.
• Peter’s Failure and Shame
  • Peter denied Jesus three times.
  • Carries guilt, fear, and brokenness.
• Jesus Heals Through Painful Restoration
  • Jesus recreates the setting of Peter’s denial (charcoal fire).
  • Asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” — one for each denial.
  • Calls Peter's love back to the center.
• Restoration to Leadership
  • Jesus entrusts Peter with responsibility: “Feed my sheep.”
  • Not just forgiveness — but restored trust and calling.
• Your past doesn’t disqualify you from God’s purpose.
  • But healing may be needed first — emotionally and spiritually.
  • Jesus exposes wounds not to shame, but to set us free.
  • Leadership and mission flow from love for Jesus.
  • Jesus wants you healed, free, and ready to serve.

Sermon Application

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did John include the detail about the charcoal fire?
2. Why is our love for Jesus important for service and mission (not simply his love for us)?
3. Should trust be restored after forgiveness? When might that be important and when might it be problematic?
4. Can you share about some way the Lord brought healing to your soul that helped free you up to serve him and others?
5. Can a person offer healthy leadership without emotional and spiritual health?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

).