In this passage of God’s Word, we see Jesus being arrested, and Peter following at a distance. It’s here that we see Jesus’ words being fulfilled, that Peter will deny Him 3 times that night. At Peter’s last denial, Jesus looks at him, and Peter remembers Jesus’ prediction. After this, Scripture tells us that Peter wept bitterly. It’s clear that Peter took what happened very seriously. He probably felt like an utter failure. However, this is not the end of the story for Peter. He will go on to, in just a number of months, on Pentecost, preach to thousands of people, and 3,000 people will be saved. He will also go on to lead the church. So, a natural question occurs… how did Peter go from this utter failure, to being such a great leader in God’s Kingdom, and how can we do the same? By taking a look at Peter’s story in Scripture, we can see that when we feel like failures, we are to:

1. Evaluate and repent if needed
Luke 22:33, 57-58, 60, Matt. 26:74, 1 John 1:9, Ps. 139:23-24

2. Remember your calling
Luke 22:31-32, John 21:15-19, 2 Sam. 12:13-15, 1 Tim. 6:20-21, Rom. 11:29

3. Move forward, fulfilling God’s will
Luke 22:32, Eph. 4:1-3, 2 Pet. 1:3-11, 2 Thess. 1:11-12, John 15:16

1. Had you ever heard these passages taught before? What stood out to you?

2. Peter must have felt like an utter failure when Jesus looked at him and he realized what he had done. When is the last time you’ve felt like that? Is there anything in your life that happens regularly that makes you feel like that?

3. During the message, we talked about guilt from the Holy Spirit that can bring us closer to Him, and guilt from the enemy that can pull us away from God. In what circumstances in your life have you felt either one of those types of guilt?

4. Read John chapter 21. In this passage of God’s Word, Jesus reminds Peter of his calling, and urges him to focus on it and move forward with accomplishing His Will. How can you remember what God has called you to, and move forward with accomplishing His will for your life?

5. What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?