4-12-2026: Here’s My Heart

Sermon Title: Here’s My Heart 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:11-13; John 21:1-19; 1 Peter 2:9-10 

Sermon Focus: The risen Jesus comes to Peter to restore him, not condemn him. Jesus doesn’t ask Peter to prove himself, only to love him. And from that place of love, Jesus restores Peter and gives him a renewed calling. The one who failed the Lord is now the one commissioned to lead and care for the sheep. Because in the Kingdom of God, failure is never the end—it’s often where real faith begins. In the final message of our series, Pastor David invites us to keep entrusting our wandering hearts to God. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. Begin by reading John 21:1-19 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage aloud. How does this story encourage you? Also, how does it challenge you? 

2. Now go back and read Luke 5:1-11—the original call of Simon Peter. Note all the similarities you see. Note any differences. Does Peter receive a new calling in John 21:15-19, or is it a renewal of his initial calling to be “fishers of people”? What is the Spirit speaking to you about both stories? 

3. “Do you love me?” With the three questions that Jesus asks Peter, he is forgiving and restoring Peter. If Jesus were asking you that question today—not about your performance, but your heart—how would you respond? 

4. Peter didn’t think he was worthy to be in leadership. Also, because of his failure at Jesus’ arrest and trial, he clearly didn’t think he could love (agape) Jesus the way the Lord wanted—“Yes, Lord… You know I love you like a friend.” Where do you still carry failure, regret, or shame from a past event that makes you feel disqualified from following Jesus? Will you let Jesus meet you there? 

5. Peter abandoned Jesus and denied him… three times! However, Jesus didn’t shame Peter. Instead, he reverses Peter’s denials in front of the other disciples. Jesus didn’t just restore Peter—he recommissioned him. Do you think there is a sin so great that a person is disqualified from service to Christ in the kingdom?  

6. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: How is the Spirit inviting you to continue serving Jesus? Maybe the Lord is inviting you to step forward after a time of inactivity or sitting on the bench because of a mistake or failure. Each of us are in different places on our journey. How is God speaking to you about “feeding his sheep” and keeping your calling fresh, active, and on mission where he has you? 

After your discussion, close your time in prayer for one another.