Episode 38 - Swimming With the Lambs
Scripture: John 21:1-19
Description: Well, we have made it to Chapter 21. Even though we will discuss the haul of fish and the threefold confession of love, we still won’t make it to the end. But that is because there is so much left to say. Enjoy this extra long episode!
- What does the vague timing (“afterward”) tell us about the disciples’ waiting season? How do we handle our own “what now?” moments after spiritual highs?
- Do you read Peter’s return to fishing as backsliding, prudent waiting, or seeking comfort after shame? Where do you tend to “snap back” when life is uncertain?
- Why might John leave two disciples unnamed? How does that narrative choice invite us into the story?
- John notes a charcoal fire both at Peter’s denial (18:18) and at breakfast with Jesus (21:9). How might smell/memory set the stage for Peter’s restoration? Where have you experienced God redeeming a place of failure?
- Whether symbolic or literal, what could the large number and un-torn net suggest about the scope and resilience of the Church’s mission?
- What do you think “these” refers to (work, friends, others’ devotion)? How does each reading challenge our priorities? And how do you hear the shift from feed my lambs → take care of my sheep → feed my sheep?
- The chapter seems to hold space for different styles of discipleship (John and Peter). How do diverse gifts and callings coexist in a healthy church today—and what guardrails keep those differences from becoming divisions?
