Study 12

The Disciple’s Basic Requirement

John 21:15-22; 15:9-15

It’s a tall order: loving God above all else, counting the cost, knowing our identity, leaning on the Scriptures, serving with humility, being an ambassador of reconciliation, winning the battles against sin and circumstances, setting goals, and renewing our mind. We can easily feel overwhelmed by what it really means to be a disciple of Christ.

But underneath all of these requirements for discipleship is simply a desire to follow Christ—to walk with our Lord, to go in his direction. We don’t have to do it perfectly, just steadfastly. And as we trust his love and live our lives in power of the Holy Spirit, we will come to know the joy of remaining in him.

1. Of the list of requirements for discipleship that we have studied, which ones do you anticipate will be hardest for you to put into practice? Why?

Read John 21:15-22.

2. Peter had denied Jesus three times prior to the Crucifixion. If you had been Jesus, what question might you have asked Peter at this time?

What question did Jesus ask Peter? Why do you think he repeated it three times?

3. What do you think Jesus meant by “more than these” (verse 15)?

4. On what basis did Jesus give this repentant disciple new responsibilities?

What would it mean for Peter to feed and tend Jesus’ sheep?

5. What did Jesus say in response to the concern Peter expressed in verse 21?

What was the key issue for Peter to remember?

6. When we disappoint ourselves and the Lord, why is our love for Jesus the basis for a fresh start?

Read John 15:9-15.

7. Jesus gave a standard by which we can clearly evaluate whether or not we really love him. Instead of wondering if we feel love, what objective measure can we use to know if we are abiding in Jesus’ love?

8. Why do you think Jesus made our love for others the test of our love for him?

9. What is the difference between a friend and a servant?

What difference does it make to you that Jesus wants his disciples to be his friends, not just his servants?

10. Why is your heart motive more important to Jesus than your pledge of great performance or your promises to do better?

11. Write out some goals for your continuing journey of following after Jesus. What can you do to better allow God to help you achieve them?

End in prayer, surrendering your goals to Jesus and giving him control of each step as you follow him.