NBC Sunday School Manual For April 23, 2023 :Topic – Jesus Reinstates Peter
Read previous NBC Sunday School Manuals here
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme of the Month:
EXPRIENCING THE RESURRECTION.
DATE:
SUNDAY, 23RD APRIL, 2023.
TOPIC: JESUS REINSTATES PETER.
Devotional Reading:
2 Corinthians 7:1-11.
Background Scripture:
John 21:15-25.
Lesson Scripture:
John 21:15-19.
GOLDEN TEXT:
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord’, he said, ‘You know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.'” John 21:15.
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Explain the various ways we can show sincere love to God and humankind.
● Discuss the reason for Jesus’ repeated question to Peter.
● Express their commitment to follow Jesus Christ in totality.
INTRODUCTION:
There is a common saying that, “There is no success for any leader until there is a successor.” Ordinarily, a good leader would wish to have a good successor for the sake of continuity. Whenever there is no smooth transition, there is bound to be vacuum which definitely will affect the growth of the organisation.
Human leaders recognise the importance of leadership and succession in any organisation. Even Jesus desired continuity in the ministry under the leadership of Peter who He restored after their meal. In fact, Peter’s reinstatement was a call with a task to feed (lead and care for) Jesus’ followers after His ascension. Today’s lesson particularly focuses on Jesus’ command to Peter the son of Simon to feed His flock. Even though Peter had denied Jesus (John 18:17, 25-27), he was again reinstated to his former position as a leader with the task of caring for God’s people. Jesus is our perfect example. As He called Peter into a leadership position, so He is calling all believers to serve in different ministries of the church.
Therefore, believers in Christ are expected to rise up to the task committed to them.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED…
A. JESUS’ COMMAND TO PETER:
[John 21:15-17]
Jesus’ time with the disciples after His resurrection was gradually coming to an end. Immediately after their meal, He spoke directly to Peter and reinstated him with the command to feed His people. Three times He asked Peter if he loved Him and Peter’s affirmative answers were followed with a command to feed His lambs and take care of His sheep. In the Greek text Peter’s answers to Jesus for the first and second times indicated that the word translated ‘love used by Peter was a kind of brotherly love, while Jesus meant agape love. It seems Peter came to this understanding the third time. After the third question which made him sad, Jesus told him again, “Feed my sheep.” In other words, Jesus wanted Peter to assume leadership position after His ascension and be responsible to all. The instructions, ‘feed my lamb’ and ‘take care of my sheep’ are indications of Peter’s leadership role among the other disciples.
Jesus asked Peter these questions to know if he truly understood the task of his new position to nourish and care for His people. Peter’s initial exasperation gave way to a fuller realisation of what exactly Jesus was asking him to do. He then affirmed his love for Jesus and said, “Lord, you know that I love you.”(v. 16b). This lesson therefore, is a call for Christians to renew their love and commitment to God and then serve Him in totality in whatever capacity He has called them to serve in the body of Christ.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss the possible reasons Jesus repeated the command to feed His lamb to Peter.
2. What do Christian leaders need to function well in any office they have chosen to serve?
B. DEATH THAT GLORIFIES:
[John 21:18-19]
After Jesus had commissioned Peter to take care of His flock, He (Jesus) went ahead to tell Peter about how he (Peter) would later die to bring glory to God. He also commanded Peter to follow Him; by implication, to walk in His ways, especially as the leader of the Christian community.
Peter was faithful to the command of Jesus to feed and care for His people. In fact, he died as a martyr to the glory of God. Before his death, he proved his leadership proficiency without fear or favour. After the Pentecost experience, the disciples were able to proclaim the message with zeal and power of the Holy Spirit. Peter took the lead and declared that what happened was a clear fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies. He preached a message under the power of the Holy Spirit and many people believed and were baptised. About 3,000 people were added to the group that day (Acts 2:41). The implication of Peter’s call and commission for us believers is that whatever leadership position we occupy, we should be ready to serve faithfully and sacrificially. We should be ready to follow Jesus and prove our love for God and humanity through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ prediction about Peter’s death came true; Peter died by execution. He was crucified upside down when Nero was Emperor of Rome.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss how followers of Jesus can be effective witnesses for Him?
2. What are some qualities Christians should consider before choosing their leaders?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
● Encourage the members to answer Jesus’ question to Peter (“Do you love me?”) themselves. Let them discuss what following Jesus means to them.
Take Home: State at least three main lessons you are taking home, based on today’s lesson:
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment to the Lord that you will be a true witness.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!