A. Luke 5:1-11
1. Test #1 – Willing to Jump to Action test (Bias Toward Action) (Verse 3)
a. What had Peter been up to the previous day (Luke
b. When Jesus asked Peter to shove out from shore, the next 30 seconds had eternal implications for him. It was all dependent upon how he would respond to Jesus’ request. What kind of people do you want on your team (staff)? What kind of team player do you want to be? (Ask people to help and see how they respond.) (Jesus was looking for an action guy, and Peter passed that test.)
c. How does I Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1-3 relate to being ready to be used by God at any moment?
d. Are you ready to be used by God?
2. Test #2 – Can You Follow Directions test (or Do as I Tell You test)
(Verses 4-5)
a. How could have Peter responded? Peter could have said, “Master, not to be mean of disrespectful, but do you have a fishing boat license, or even a fishing license? I know you created the universe, yet you probably aren’t a fishing expert. . . .”
b. What do we learn about Peter’s heart in the way he did respond? He submitted his will to Jesus. (Will people take direction, ultimately following Jesus’ voice?)
c. From Luke 16:10-12, how menial or insignificant of a task are you willing to do? Do you have a submissive heart, willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done?
3. Test #3 - Who Deserves the Credit test (Verse 8)
a. Who was getting the credit for what had just happened?
b. Is the team built up or encouraged when one person seeks the glory?
c. We have to ask ourselves whether we are doing ministry for God’s glory or our glory. How would you answer that?
d. According to I Peter 5:5-6, if you want to become a great leader, who gets the credit? God and others.
4. Test #4 – The Grander Vision test (Verses 9-10)
a. Fishing is a good profession and comfortable for Peter, but there is a grander or greater vision. What is that?
b. Why do you do what you do (shy are you doing your work)?
c. In Hebrews 12:1, what weights (good things in your life) are keeping you from doing the best God has for you? Is there a job, a new aspect of ministry, God has been speaking to you about, and you have hesitated giving up what is good and comfortable to pursue the best for your live?
d. What are your passions and spiritual gifts? What is your purpose in life?
5. Test #5 - Are You Willing to Stand Alone test (Verse 10)
a. Would Peter have left his fishing and followed Jesus if he would have been the only one?
b. Who are others in the Bible who were willing to stand alone against the majority? Joshua and Caleb, Esther, Daniel, Moses, Nehemiah, David (I Sam. 16:6-12), Abraham, Paul.
c. Your vision is unique for you; your role is made only for you. Are you up to the challenge?
6. Test #6 - Will You Leave It test (the Heart test!) (Verse 11)
a. What did Peter end up doing?
b. How do you deny yourself and take up your cross daily to follow Jesus (Luke
c. Are you willing to life for lesser dreams?
d. Are you utilizing your gifts and abilities the best way you know?
e. How will you develop the way you are made?
f. Jesus left it all behind. What have I left behind?
B. John 21:15-22 - Test of Peter’s Heart
v. 15 – “Simon (not Peter – back to basics), do you agape me more than these other disciples seated here?” “Yes, Lord, you know I phileo you.” “Then be grazing my little baby lambs (feed the young believers).” Peter is done boasting – he can only phileo (have affection for) Jesus.
v. 16 – “Simon, do you agape me?” “I phileo you.” “Shepherd the sheep, then.”
v. 17 – (Jesus takes the step to be on the level of Peter’s love and this is where Peter was grieved, for the Lord had to come to his level to communicate what affection there was in His heart. But Jesus did, and did not change his directive.) “Simon, do you phileo me?” “Lord, You know all things, You know I phileo you.” “Then be grazing my sheep. Sheep need to be fed, too.
Jesus met Peter where he was at, beginning with the basics (Simon). Jesus told Peter he was in charge of feeding/developing the young believers and shepherding and feeding the older believers. His ministry would not be easy, as his death was foretold with “hands stretched out,” and how Jesus used him or John was of no concern to others except the individual himself. Our faith and loyalty are to the Lord and He has the right to do what He wants, however He wants.
Perhaps Jesus questioned Peter three times because of the three denials. More so, Jesus met Peter where he was at, built him up and in a short time, Peter’s love got to the agape level. Jesus took the potential and took Peter upward. Peter knew his heart, and boasting was no longer a part of his vocabulary. Most progress occurs when someone realizes where they are at, then moves up. Jesus was preparing Peter for the next steps.
1. What is the progression Jesus uses with Peter in verses 15-17?
2. Did Peter go to Jesus’ level, or Jesus to Peter’s level, in this discussion? What does that say to those of us who lead?
3. Where was Peter’s heart at?
4. Where is your heart at in your relationship with Christ?
5. Where does humility fit in as you develop in your relationship with Christ?
6. As leaders, we need to see where people are at and help develop them. What can you do to become more aware of what God is doing in someone’s life, in order to help them grow?
7. How do we, as leaders, spiritually feed people and motivate them to keep growing?
8. How do we keep from comparing ourselves, as Peter did with John, when we are ministering to others?
9. What do Christians need to do to keep their relationships with Christ at the agape level?
10. Do you have someone in your life to help keep your heart in love and growing in Christ? Who can help you grow?
