Dealing with Failure

November 15

Think About It …

• What are some ways people deal with failure?

• Consider that past failures can affect how we handle the same situation the next time

Today we look at how Jesus deals with Peter’s recent failure

We apply that to our own lives … when we fail

Listen for a three time event.

John 21:15-17 (NIV) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." [16] Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered,

Listen for a three time event.

"Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." [17] The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Failures Don’t Disqualify from Service

• Let’s chart the dialog – questions and responses

• How did Peter feel after Jesus had asked him the same question repeatedly?

• Why do you think Jesus asked the question 3 times?

• Why do you think this was done publically?

Jesus’ Question

Peter’s Answer

Jesus’ Response

Failures Don’t Disqualify from Service

• Note again the tasks given to Peter …– Feed my lambs– Take care of my sheep– Feed my sheep

• Who were/are Jesus’ sheep?• Peter was a fisherman, not a shepherd. How

was Peter (how are we) to “feed” and “take care of” other Christians?

Failures Don’t Disqualify from Service

• Agree or disagree?• After his encounter with Jesus, how do you

think Peter would react to this statement?

"By seeing the seed of success in every failure, we

remain hopeful." (Mel Ziegler, co-founder of Banana

Republic)

Agree? Disagree?

Failures Don’t Disqualify from Service

Think about a time when you felt that you had failed at something.

• What kind of circumstances can lead to failure?• How do you recover from or make amends for

failure?• What do you learn from failure? How do you prevent

a similar failure in the future?• What advice would you give to someone like Peter

who is struggling to recover from a failure?

Listen for a prophecy Jesus gives Peter.

John 21:18-19 (NIV) I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Faithfulness Brings Consequences

• What did Jesus predict about Peter’s future? • Remaining faithful to Jesus does not

guarantee a life of ease and comfort.

Faithfulness Brings Consequences

• Remaining faithful to Jesus does not guarantee a life of ease and comfort.

Listen for Peter’s response to Jesus news.

John 21:20-22 (NIV) Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" [22] Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."

Service to Christ is Unique

• So what did Peter want to know when he heard hints about his own future?

• Why do we sometimes have a similar reaction – always interested in what’s going on with someone else?

• How did Jesus refocus Peter’s attention?

Service to Christ is Unique

• What is the benefit of focusing on the ministry calling that God gave us?

• How do we each serve God in a unique way?• How can you bring glory to God through your

life and the unique opportunities God has given you?

Application

• Peter was ready to quit the disciple business and return to fishing. Jesus called him back from failure– Jesus calls you back from failure too– Forgiveness is available when we sin– Wisdom is available when we need it– God gives strength to begin again

Application

• Following Jesus will sometimes require sacrifice– Pray for believers around the world who suffer for

their faith– Pray for young people in our schools who

sometimes struggle with peer pressure– Pray for young professionals who are confronted

with ethics issues

Application

• Which of Jesus’ sheep can you minister to this week?– Maybe the children’s program needs some

workers– The church office often needs volunteers– Who within our small group needs help or

encouragement?

Dealing with Failure

November 15