Restoration & Praise Sunday School

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Devotional Reading: Colossians 2:1–7

Background Scripture: John 1:40–42; Ephesians 4:11–16; Philippians 3:12–16; Colossians 1:9–11; Hebrews 6:1–3

Matthew 4:18–20

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Matthew 16:16–18

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

John 21:15–18

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

2 Peter 3:14–15, 18

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.

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18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Key Text

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.—John 21:17

Lesson Aims

1. List significant events in the life of Peter after Jesus called him.

2. State why Jesus might have continued to express confidence in Peter despite his shortcomings and weaknesses.

3. Write a note encouraging another believer who wants to grow in faith.

Introduction

From Fisherman to Disciple

In 1986, a severe drought lowered the water level of the Sea of Galilee, resulting in shorelines once covered in water becoming visible. On its western shores, two brothers discovered the remains of a once-buried fishing boat. Informally dubbed the “Jesus Boat,” the vessel is about 27 feet long and 7 feet wide. Researchers have dated it to within approximately 100 years of the life of Jesus, causing many to hypothesize that it could be the type of boat used by first-century fishermen.

Today’s lesson explores the life, call, and ministry of one such first-century fisherman, Simon Peter. He left the waters (and fishing boats) of the Sea of Galilee to become a disciple of Jesus. Peter’s discipleship to Jesus was full of ups and downs, yet God used Peter to ensure the growth and spread of the first-century church.

LESSON CONTEXT

Simon Peter was from Bethsaida (John 1:44), a village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Here, he worked as a fisherman with his brother Andrew (Mark 1:16). Their fishing operation was a partnership with James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Luke 5:10). Peter was married (Mark 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:5). At some point, Peter, his wife, and at least one other family member moved to Capernaum (Matthew 8:5–14), a town approximately five miles southwest of Bethsaida.

The New Testament notes three names for Peter. His Hebrew name is Simon or the variant Simeon (Mark 1:16; Acts 15:14). Later, Jesus calls him Peter, a designation based on an ancient Greek word meaning “rock” or “stone” (Matthew 16:18; Mark 3:16); this is his most frequently occurring name in the New Testament, found over 160 times. The third name is Cephas, an Aramaic word for “stone” (John 1:42; 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; etc.).

LESSON

18. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

The sea of Galilee is a large freshwater lake in the northern region of Palestine. The New Testament gives two other names for this body of water: “the lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1) and “the sea of Tiberias” (John 6:1). It was the location of a significant fishing industry. Regarding the designation Simon called Peter and his involvement in that industry, see the Lesson Context, above.

Jesus is living in Capernaum at this time (Matthew 4:13). That town is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, so His walking by the sea is unsurprising.

19–20. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Jesus’ call seems abrupt. Why would these fishermen drop their nets immediately for Jesus? We should note that at this time, Jesus was not unknown to the two brothers. During Andrew’s time as a disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew encountered Jesus; after that, Andrew told Simon, “We have found the Messias, … the Christ” (John 1:41).

Jesus’ command to follow me is not simply an invitation to join His walk along the shore. Instead, it is a summons to become His student and disciple. This relationship is not initiated by the application of the would-be disciple but by the invitation of the master, as we see here.

As disciples of Jesus, the brothers will take on a new task: they will no longer be fishermen on the lake. Instead, they will become fishers of men, seeking other people to become disciples of Jesus. Accepting Jesus’ call, therefore, requires a significant cost. Peter later says that he had “forsaken all” to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27). The lives of these fishermen will never be the same again.

Jesus’ early ministry focuses on the region of Galilee, where He ministers to crowds and faces testing from religious leaders (Matthew 15:29–16:4). These events form the backdrop of His teaching to the disciples (16:5–12). As this segment of our lesson opens, Jesus and the disciples have traveled to the region of Caesarea Philippi (16:13), about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee.

In this remote area, Jesus and the disciples experience a retreat-like atmosphere and relief from crowds. While there, Jesus asks the disciples, “Whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). What comes next is Peter’s response.

 What Do You Think?

   In what ways has Jesus called you to follow and trust Him in the upcoming week?

 Digging Deeper

   How can you follow that call at work, with your family, or in your neighborhood?

16a. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ.

Simon Peter answers for the whole group. The title Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Jewish title “Messiah.” Both designations mean “the anointed one.” Numerous Old Testament texts point to the Messiah’s arrival and reign (Psalm 110; Isaiah 11; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9; etc.). Many first-century Jews expect the Messiah to be a political figure chosen by God to save their nation, sit on the throne of David, and rule over an earthly empire. But Jesus will be a leader in God’s unique terms (compare John 6:15).

 What Do You Think?

   How would you respond to the question, “Who is Jesus to you?”

 Digging Deeper

   How will your answer to that question affect your daily living?

16b. The Son of the living God.

The second part of Peter’s confession reveals why he believes that Jesus is fulfilling messianic expectations. Inherent in the two parts of Peter’s confession is a recognition of both Jesus’ power (the ability to do something) and authority (the right to do something) as God the Father confirms these (Matthew 3:17; 28:18; compare Luke 4:36).

17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Peter is blessed for having recognized and acknowledged the identity and mission of Jesus, although Peter still misunderstands the nature of that mission (Matthew 16:21–22). The phrase flesh and blood contrasts created human beings with Jesus’ uncreated Father which is in heaven as the source of Peter’s awareness (compare Galatians 1:11–12).

The designation Simon Barjona should not be thought of as a first name and a last name as we use personal identifiers today. Regarding the name Simon, see the Lesson Context. The first three letters of Barjona mean “son of” (compare John 1:42). Putting the two together results in a very formal address, emphasizing the importance of the situation.

18a. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.

The interpretation of this verse has been the subject of much discussion throughout church history. The main issue is to determine to whom or what this rock refers.

Theory 1: The rock is Jesus Himself. Supporting this proposal is the fact that Jesus refers to Himself as the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:42). Peter himself acknowledges that fact (1 Peter 2:4–8). However, the word image in the text before us would be odd since Jesus would be referring to Himself as both the church’s foundation (rock) and its builder (I will build).

Theory 2: Peter himself is the rock. The word Peter is Greek for “rock” or “stone.” Thus, the idea is that Jesus is using a play on words. The book of Acts details Peter’s leadership in the first-century church (Acts 2:14–41; 4:1–31; etc.). In this regard, Peter’s leadership is the “rock” on which the growth and expansion of the church was based (10:1–11:21).

Theory 3: Peter’s confession is the rock. The Bible tells us that confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord is vital (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9; 1 John 4:15; etc.). After denying the Lord before the crucifixion, Peter “re-confessed” Christ (John 21:15–18, below).

The Greek word translated church occurs only here and in Matthew 18:17 in the four Gospels. Jesus Himself is the one who inaugurates this community of God’s people. They are to be committed to Him. Jesus is and always will be the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).

18b. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The meaning of the word translated as hell is tricky. The use of the word in Acts 2:31 seems to imply the general location of the dead, similar to the Hebrew word Sheol in the Old Testament, often translated “grave” (examples: Psalms 6:5; 89:48). Elsewhere in the New Testament, the word translated “hell” refers to a place of torment as we usually think of this word—the destination of the wicked after they die (Luke 16:23). The phrase the gates of hell refers to the domain and power of death. Even death itself cannot permanently hold back the community of God’s people.

Our next section of Scripture takes place following Jesus’ resurrection. By this time in the post-resurrection timeline, Jesus has appeared to many of His disciples and followers (John 20:11–29). He appears again to seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee (21:2), directing them to a large catch of fish before inviting them to breakfast (21:12).

15a. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?

After breakfast, Jesus turns the meeting into an opportunity to teach. Simon Peter had previously boasted of his commitment and devotion to Jesus (Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29; Luke 22:33; John 13:37). He even resorted to violence to prove it (18:10). But his pledge of devotion proved to be bluster. Jesus’ question probes Peter’s heart and loyalties.

What does the word these refer to? Is it the boats and fishing equipment? Is it the other disciples? Or does it mean, “Do you love me more than these other disciples love me?” A definitive answer is impossible to glean from the text as written. We may conclude that Jesus means these as a general reference point: “Do you love me supremely, more than anything or anyone else?”

 What Do You Think?

   What are some “lesser loves” that can distract us from loving Jesus supremely?

 Digging Deeper

   What diagnostic questions can we ask to ensure these loves do not displace our love for Jesus?

15b. He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.

Peter assures Jesus of his love, even reminding the Lord that thou knowest this fact. However, Jesus had correctly predicted that Peter’s previous declarations of commitment would prove false (John 13:37–38).

15c. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus has laid down His life (John 10:15). If Peter loves Jesus, he will lead in the same way, protecting and providing for the lambs who are God’s people (compare 1 Peter 5:1–4).

16. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

With only slight variation, the exchange is repeated. We imagine Peter is puzzled; he has already answered Jesus’ question. But Peter does so once more.

17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

A third time, Jesus questions Peter’s love. For Peter to feel grieved at this repetition is understandable. Does Jesus doubt his answer? Or is Peter’s distress the result of seeing a connection between these three questions and his three denials of Jesus (John 18:15–18, 25–27)?

Peter’s response includes an acknowledgment that not only does Jesus know Peter’s inner thoughts, but Jesus also knows all things—a recognition of Jesus’ deity (compare John 2:25).

Demonstration of Love

My husband and I had been dating for roughly six months before he said, “I love you.” I’ll never forget the inflection in his voice. We had been talking and laughing when it just seemed to come out of the blue!

His proclamation of love was a turning point in our relationship. It was not the same as our expressing how much we loved reading or eating ice cream. There was a particular weight to that phrase in the context of our budding relationship. Love for each other would require mutual action in terms of selflessness, work, and even sacrifice. Our love has lasted 20 years, but the weightiness of those three words remains.

It wasn’t enough that Peter spoke of his love for Jesus; Peter needed to demonstrate it. He would show this through his taking care of God’s people. Peter’s love for Jesus would fuel his life’s mission as a leader of the first-century church. How does your love for Jesus motivate your actions? What does His love compel you to do?—B. R.

18a. Verily, verily, I say unto thee.

The phrase verily, verily is characteristic of John’s Gospel, occurring there more than two dozen times (and never in the other three Gospels). It emphasizes the absolute certainty of what is about to be said.

18b. When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

Jesus prophesies that the freedom of movement Peter enjoyed while young would someday be lost. One interpretation of the phrase thou shalt stretch forth thy hands is that it refers to the practice of crucifixion. The phrase thus might allude to how Peter would meet his death. Tradition is unclear regarding that method. In about AD 90, the first-century church leader Clement of Rome states that Peter was martyred (1 Clement 5:2–4). Later tradition from the church historian Eusebius holds that Peter was crucified in Rome during the reign of Nero (AD 54–68). Regardless of the method of Peter’s death, Jesus promised that the apostle would glorify God because of it (John 21:19).

Some commentators believe that the apostle Peter composed the letter we call 2 Peter in Rome shortly before his death (compare 2 Peter 1:13–15). Therefore, the epistle serves as his final word to believers. If the word Babylon in 1 Peter 5:13 is a code word for Rome, this lends further support to his presence in that city.

14. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

We must back up a few verses to determine the antecedent of such things. The answer is found in 2 Peter 3:12, where the word translated look for here in verse 14 occurs again as “looking for,” the object being “the coming of the day of God.” While believers look for such things, we must remain diligent in all aspects of our faith.

What Peter is saying is nothing new. The challenge to live in peace is also found in 1 Corinthians 7:15 and James 3:18. Without spot of impurity and blameless from sin are echoed together in 1 Timothy 6:14. Although nothing new, these imperatives bear repeating!

15. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.

The longsuffering of our Lord refers to the delay of the bodily return of Jesus to bring judgment. The Lord is patient, “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Peter calls on the authority of the beloved brother Paul to emphasize the harmony of their teachings. We do not know the specific teaching by Paul that Peter has in mind. But we know that Paul wrote to believers in Rome regarding God’s patience for salvation (Romans 2:4; 3:25; 9:22; etc.). He also wrote regarding the need for righteous living in light of spiritual freedom (Galatians 5:1–26; etc.). Peter directs his readers to accept Paul’s teachings since the wisdom they contain has been given unto him by revelation from God (1:11–12; Ephesians 3:3).

18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

The letter ends with words of exhortation and praise. The promise of Christ’s return impels us to use that certainty as a touchstone for how we are to live. We grow in grace as we react to God’s unmerited favor given through our faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (see 2 Peter 1:2).

An increase in the knowledge of Him implies more than knowing facts—it includes a relationship with Him as characterized by following His commands for righteous living (2 Peter 1:5–6; compare John 14:15). To be saved is a state of being justified; after that happens, what comes next is the lifelong process of sanctification.

Peter concludes with a doxology—a praise of, and attribution of glory to, Christ Jesus. By one count, there are more than a dozen doxologies in the New Testament (Ephesians 3:21; etc.).

 What Do You Think?

   In which areas of life do you need to grow most in Christ as you await His return?

 Digging Deeper

   Who is another believer you can ask to support you in this endeavor?

Free Time for French

I am trying to learn to speak French, and I decided that the best (and most fun) way to learn would be through an app on my phone. While it has helped me study parts of the French language, I still have a long way to go before I am fluent.

To give myself more learning opportunities, I’ve made one significant change: I have reduced my social media usage. By removing this distraction, I’m hopeful that it will help me focus on my studies. I’m using all my free time to learn French!

The letter of 2 Peter reminds us that we are responsible for our spiritual growth and maturity. Just as I face daily choices to study or not to study, we face daily choices regarding how we choose to live. Only by our personal decisions and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will we grow and mature in our Christian discipleship. What changes do you need to make to facilitate further growth? —B. R.

 What Do You Think?

   In what ways does Peter’s story of discipleship mirror your own?

 Digging Deeper

   How will you use your own discipleship story to invite others to join you on the journey of discipleship to Jesus?

CONCLUSION

The Journey of Discipleship

Peter’s life of discipleship took him from being a fisherman in Galilee to being a leader of the first-century church. He grew from being “unlearned and ignorant” (Acts 4:13) to being the author of the two letters that bear his name in the New Testament. But his growth process wasn’t a straight line that always trended upward! Neither will ours be.

Even so, Jesus calls all who would claim to be His disciples to grow in His grace and knowledge—there are no exceptions. Peter’s story is encouraging in that regard. And as we grow, we will find it natural to invite others to join us on this journey as well. Expect it!