Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Kent shares a powerful message about betrayal and forgiveness through the lens of Peter's denial of Jesus. He begins by sharing his own childhood experience of financial hardship caused by his father's business partner Cliff, who embezzled money, leading to his family's poverty. This personal story sets up the central question: What do you do when someone betrays you, and even harder, what do you do when you're the one who has betrayed someone else?

The pastor then explores Peter's story - how he denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion, and how Jesus later restored him through their conversation by the Sea of Galilee. In this beautiful moment of redemption, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, corresponding to Peter's three denials, and then simply invites him to "Follow me." The sermon emphasizes that regardless of our failures and betrayals, Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration rather than condemnation. The message concludes with an invitation for listeners to experience this same forgiveness and to follow Jesus regardless of their past mistakes.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss this powerful message about betrayal and forgiveness, we ask that You open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us today. Lord, many of us carry the weight of past betrayals—both those we've experienced and those we've committed. Help us to see ourselves honestly, but also to see Your incredible grace that restores and redeems. May our discussion lead us to a deeper understanding of Your forgiveness and Your invitation to follow You despite our failures. Guide our conversation and help us to apply these truths to our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What was your favorite birthday party location or theme when you were a child?

Key Verses

1. Luke 22:60-62
2. John 21:15-19

Questions

1. Have you ever experienced a significant betrayal in your life? How did it affect you?
2. Why do you think Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, despite his earlier promises of loyalty?
3. The pastor mentioned that we have all betrayed God in some way. How does that perspective change how you view your own failures?
4. In what ways do shame and guilt prevent people from approaching God after they've made mistakes?
5. What do you find most meaningful about how Jesus restored Peter after his betrayal?
6. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him? What was the significance of this approach?
7. How does Jesus' simple invitation to "Follow me" after restoration speak to you personally?
8. What area of your life might God be asking you to leave behind on the rock, as Peter did with his shame, so you can follow Him more fully?

Life Application

This week, identify one area in your life where you're carrying shame, guilt, or the weight of past betrayal (either as the betrayed or the betrayer). Take time to visualize yourself in Peter's place by the fire with Jesus, hearing Him ask, "Do you love me?" Write down your honest response to Jesus. Then, write down what you believe His response would be to you. Finally, identify one practical step you can take to "follow Him" in this area of your life—whether it's extending forgiveness to someone who betrayed you, seeking forgiveness from someone you've hurt, or accepting God's forgiveness for yourself.

Key Takeaways

1. We have all experienced betrayal and have all betrayed others in some way—and ultimately, we have all betrayed God through our sin.
2. Jesus doesn't respond to our betrayal with condemnation but with an opportunity for restoration and a renewed invitation to follow Him.
3. Our past failures don't disqualify us from being used by God—Peter went from denying Jesus to becoming a foundational leader in the early church.
4. True restoration comes not from hiding our shame but from honestly facing it before Jesus and accepting His forgiveness.
5. Jesus' invitation after restoration is simply "Follow me"—He doesn't demand perfection but calls us to continued relationship with Him.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Peter's story that no betrayal is beyond Your power to forgive and restore. We confess that we have all failed You in various ways, yet You continue to look us in the eyes and ask, "Do You love me?" Help us to respond honestly and to accept the forgiveness You so freely offer. Release us from the burden of shame that keeps us from following You wholeheartedly. Give us the courage to extend that same forgiveness to those who have betrayed us. As we leave this discussion, may we hear Your invitation afresh—"Follow me"—and may we have the courage to do just that, leaving our failures on the rock and becoming the people You've called us to be. In Your precious name we pray, amen.