Do You Love Me?
John 21:1-19 | Leader & Student Information

Tyler Bowles • Associate Pastor
November 4, 2026

3 Minute Read
Week 7 Devotional
Scripture

Lesson Summary

After His resurrection, Jesus meets seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. They have fished all night without catching anything, but at His instruction they catch more fish than they can haul into the boat. When Peter realizes that Jesus is on shore, he immediately heads towards Him. The risen Lord welcomes His disciples and provides breakfast, showing His authority and personal care.

Jesus then asks Peter three times whether he loves Him. The conversation is painful for the disciple who denied Him three times, but Jesus does more than confront Peter’s failure: He entrusts him with caring for His people. Peter’s calling rests on Jesus’ restoring grace, rather than his ability to prove that he will never fail again. Love for Jesus is to find expression in faithful service to those who belong to Him.

Jesus also tells Peter that following Him will eventually cost his life, then commands him, “Follow Me.” Steve’s lesson challenges us to put Jesus first, depend on His strength, and serve for His glory rather than our own recognition. Failure should lead us to confess and return to Christ. By His grace, He continues shaping imperfect people to love Him, care for others, and share His Gospel.


Small Group Questions

Understanding & Application
  1. When you feel disappointed in yourself or uncertain about what comes next, what do you usually turn to for comfort or control? How could you bring that situation to Jesus?
  2. Peter was eager to get to Jesus. What competes for your attention or makes you put off spending time with Him? What practical change could help you give Him priority?
  3. Read John 21:15–17. How does Jesus’ response to Peter challenge the idea that past failure makes someone useless to Him? What might make His restoring grace difficult to receive?
  4. Jesus connects Peter’s love for Him with caring for His people. Who around you needs encouragement, friendship, or practical help? What could you do this week to care for them?
  5. Steve challenged us to examine why we serve. How can you recognize when you are more interested in being noticed than in honouring Jesus? What could help you serve faithfully when nobody notices?
  6. Jesus calls Peter to follow even when the path will be costly. Where might following Jesus cost you comfort, approval, or control right now? What would trusting Him look like there?
  7. What people, places, or habits help you grow as a follower of Jesus? Which one could you make better use of this week?
  8. Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel? What is one thoughtful step you could take towards talking with them about Jesus?
Stay connected by subscribing below so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Sr.High Student Ministry Updates

By subscribing, you agree to receive email communication from Oxford Baptist Church. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Up Next
From this Collection: Sr.High Student Ministry
Currently Reading
November 4, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Do You Love Me?
Week 7 Devotional Scripture John 21:1-19 (ESV) Lesson Summary After His resurrection, Jesus meets seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. They have fished all night without catching anything, but at His instruction they catch more fish than they can haul into the boat. When Peter realizes that Jesus is on shore, he immediately heads towards Him. The risen Lord welcomes His disciples and provides breakfast, showing His authority and personal care. Jesus then asks Peter three times whether he loves Him. The conversation is painful for the disciple who denied Him three times, but Jesus does more than confront Peter’s failure: He entrusts him with caring for His people. Peter’s calling rests on Jesus’ restoring grace, rather than his ability to prove that he will never fail again. Love for Jesus is to find expression in faithful service to those who belong to Him. Jesus also tells Peter that following Him will eventually cost his life, then commands him, “Follow Me.” Steve’s lesson challenges us to put Jesus first, depend on His strength, and serve for His glory rather than our own recognition. Failure should lead us to confess and return to Christ. By His grace, He continues shaping imperfect people to love Him, care for others, and share His Gospel. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application When you feel disappointed in yourself or uncertain about what comes next, what do you usually turn to for comfort or control? How could you bring that situation to Jesus? Peter was eager to get to Jesus. What competes for your attention or makes you put off spending time with Him? What practical change could help you give Him priority? Read John 21:15–17. How does Jesus’ response to Peter challenge the idea that past failure makes someone useless to Him? What might make His restoring grace difficult to receive? Jesus connects Peter’s love for Him with caring for His people. Who around you needs encouragement, friendship, or practical help? What could you do this week to care for them? Steve challenged us to examine why we serve. How can you recognize when you are more interested in being noticed than in honouring Jesus? What could help you serve faithfully when nobody notices? Jesus calls Peter to follow even when the path will be costly. Where might following Jesus cost you comfort, approval, or control right now? What would trusting Him look like there? What people, places, or habits help you grow as a follower of Jesus? Which one could you make better use of this week? Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel? What is one thoughtful step you could take towards talking with them about Jesus?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 28, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
I Will Never Deny You
Week 6 Devotional Scripture Mark 14:26-72 (ESV) Lesson Summary Peter insisted that he would never deny Jesus, even if everyone else fell away. Yet in Gethsemane he slept instead of watching and praying, and later he denied knowing Jesus three times. His strong intentions could not protect him from fear and temptation. We too need humble dependence on Christ rather than confidence that we could never fail. Before Peter’s failure, Jesus told him that He had prayed for his faith and spoke of his return. Peter would sin seriously, but his failure would not be the end of his faith. When Peter recognized his denial, he wept. After the resurrection, the message to the disciples specifically included Peter: Jesus had not forgotten him. Our hope rests in the crucified and risen Saviour and His sustaining grace. We neither earn salvation nor keep it through flawless obedience. Grace leads us to take sin seriously, confess honestly, and turn back to Jesus. Watching, praying, making wise choices, and seeking Christian support express dependence on Him and help us follow Him as Lord. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application Why can feeling certain that we will never fail make us less alert to temptation? Where do you recognize that danger in yourself? What warning signs tell you that you need to stop, pray, or seek help before a familiar temptation grows stronger? Read Luke 22:31–32. How does Jesus’ prayer change where Peter’s confidence should rest? What does that mean for your own confidence? What pressures make it tempting to hide that you follow Jesus? What might a truthful and respectful response look like? When you fail, are you more likely to make excuses, withdraw, or confess? What would help you turn towards Jesus honestly? Why might Peter have needed to hear that the resurrection message specifically included him? How does this challenge the idea that failure means we should stay away from Christ? How does salvation by grace encourage serious obedience? What practical step of prayer, wise action, or Christian support will you take this week?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 21, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Listen to Him
Week 5 Devotional Scripture Mark 9:2-13 (ESV) Lesson Summary After calling His followers to take up their cross, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain. His appearance was transformed, revealing His glory, and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. The Father's voice identified Jesus as His beloved Son and commanded the disciples to listen to Him. The One who calls for costly discipleship is worthy of their trust. The Father's command challenges us to consider the voices shaping our thinking. Listening to Jesus means giving attention to Scripture, seeking understanding, and obeying. We must receive His words about suffering and surrender as well as His words of comfort. Even after the mountain, the disciples had questions, and Jesus continued teaching them. A powerful experience cannot replace the Holy Spirit's transforming work. We need new birth, not simply more information or stronger feelings. The lesson calls us to trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord, bring difficult questions honestly, and depend on the Spirit to change us from within as we hear and follow Christ. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application How does seeing Jesus' glory affect the way you think about His call to costly discipleship? Read Mark 9:7-8. What might it look like to admire Jesus without actually listening to Him? Which voices most shape your thinking about identity, success, or happiness? How do you compare their messages with Scripture? What usually distracts you when you try to read the Bible? What realistic change would help you give it focused attention? Are there words of Jesus you welcome and others you avoid? What makes the difficult parts harder to receive? How could someone confuse an emotional experience or knowing Christian facts with the Spirit's work of giving new life? Where should our confidence rest? What hard question have you been avoiding? What could help you explore it honestly while responding to what Jesus has already made clear?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
You Are the Christ
Week 4 Devotional Scripture Mark 8:27-38 (ESV) Lesson Summary Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, then makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter correctly identifies Him as the Christ, God’s promised King. Yet when Jesus explains that He must suffer, die, and rise again, Peter resists. He has the right title but expectations that need correcting. We can also want Jesus to fit our plans. We may welcome forgiveness, comfort, or belonging while resisting His authority. Jesus calls us to receive Him as He reveals Himself: the suffering and risen Saviour who is also Lord. Following Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and surrendering our claim to control our lives. This does not earn salvation; it expresses genuine faith in the One who saves us by grace. Jesus challenges us to consider whether temporary success or approval is worth forfeiting our souls. His identity demands a response: will we trust Him and let Him lead? Small Group Questions Understanding & Application What views of Jesus do you encounter outside church? Which are most appealing to people your age, and what might they leave out? Read Mark 8:29–33. Peter gave the right answer about Jesus but resisted His mission. Where might we use the right Christian words while still wanting Jesus to follow our plans? Finish this sentence honestly: “If I follow Jesus, I expect Him to…” Which expectations come from Scripture, and which might come from your own desires? What is the difference between trusting Jesus as Saviour and treating Him as someone who offers forgiveness while leaving you in charge? How does receiving Him as Lord affect ordinary decisions? What would denying yourself and following Jesus look like in a situation you currently face? What might obedience cost you? Jesus asks whether gaining the whole world is worth forfeiting your soul. What version of success most attracts you? How could pursuing it compete with following Christ? When are you most tempted to hide your faith or distance yourself from Jesus’ words? What would help you respond faithfully? How is costly obedience a response to salvation rather than a way to earn it? What next step would express your trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
To Whom Shall We Go?
Week 3 Devotional Scripture John 6:60-71 (ESV) Lesson Summary After Jesus taught that He is the bread of life, many who had followed Him found His words difficult and turned away. His imagery of eating His flesh and drinking His blood points to receiving Him by faith and trusting His sacrifice for sinners. Jesus offers eternal life, not simply teaching we find comfortable or useful. When Jesus asked the Twelve whether they also wanted to leave, Peter answered that Jesus had the words of eternal life and confessed Him as the Holy One of God. Peter’s trust rested on who Jesus is, rather than on having every question answered. True discipleship rests on who Jesus is, not on whether His teaching feels acceptable. Judas remained among the Twelve, yet did not genuinely believe. Being close to Christian people or activities is not the same as personally trusting Christ. The passage calls us to examine the foundation of our faith, bring honest questions to Jesus, and continue following Him when His words challenge us, or others walk away. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application What is the difference between trusting Jesus and simply liking His teaching? How might that difference show up in everyday life? When you encounter a difficult teaching in the Bible, how do you usually respond? What could help you explore it honestly rather than avoiding it? Jesus called Himself the bread of life. What do you look to for lasting satisfaction or security? How is receiving Jesus by faith different from admiring Him? Read John 6:68–69. Peter stayed because of who Jesus is. What gives you reason to trust Jesus when you do not understand everything? When friends or people you respect question or leave Christianity, how does that affect you? What support would help you keep exploring your questions and following Jesus? Judas remained among the Twelve without genuine faith. How could someone be involved in church or youth without personally trusting Christ? What does this invite us to examine in ourselves? Where is Jesus’ teaching challenging you right now? What step of obedience could you take while continuing to work through your questions?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Struggling, Stammering, Stepping, Starting
Week 2 Devotional Scripture Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) Lesson Summary The disciples obeyed Jesus by crossing the lake, yet they still found themselves struggling against the wind and waves. When Jesus came walking on the sea, He revealed His authority over creation. Peter stepped out of the boat because Jesus commanded him to come. His confidence rested in Jesus, not in his own abilities. Faith is trust in action, based on who Jesus is. It means recognizing Jesus, listening to His Word, and acting in obedience. Faith is not reckless behaviour or a way to make God fulfil our wishes. It trusts His sovereignty even when circumstances remain difficult. When Peter became afraid and began to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately rescued him and challenged his doubt. Following Jesus does not require flawless faith; it involves growing trust and returning to Him when we stumble. The account ends with the disciples worshipping Jesus and confessing that He is the Son of God. His identity calls us to trust, worship, and obey Him. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application The disciples encountered the storm while obeying Jesus. How does this challenge the idea that following Him should make life easy? Peter waited for Jesus to say, “Come.” What is the difference between acting in faith and taking a reckless risk? How can Scripture help us recognize the difference? What might your “boat” represent—comfort, control, reputation, or something else? What clear act of obedience could require you to leave that security? When Peter began sinking, he cried out to Jesus. When fear, doubt, or failure grows in your life, where do you usually turn? What does Jesus’ response encourage you to do? The disciples ended by worshipping Jesus as the Son of God. How should recognizing His identity change the way you approach one situation you are facing this week?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Floating, Fishing, & Following
Week 1 Devotional Scripture Luke 5:1-11 Lesson Summary Peter had encountered Jesus before, but Luke 5 records a moment when he begins to understand more clearly who Jesus is. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter allows Jesus to teach from his boat. Jesus then commands him to return to deep water and lower his freshly cleaned nets. Although the command conflicts with Peter’s experience, he responds, “At your word I will let down the nets.” The resulting catch is so large that two boats begin to sink. The miracle reveals more than Jesus’ ability to provide fish—it reveals His authority. Peter falls before Jesus, recognizes his own sinfulness, and calls Him Lord. Jesus does not reject Peter but tells him not to fear and calls him into a new mission. Peter and his partners then leave everything behind to follow Jesus. Peter’s response moves through three stages: Floating—Listen: Peter hears Jesus speak the words of life. Fishing—Obey: Peter follows Jesus’ command even when it challenges his experience. Following—Surrender: Peter recognizes Jesus as Lord and values Him above everything he leaves behind. Jesus is not only the Saviour who forgives sinners. He is the Lord who calls us to trust, obey, and follow Him with our entire lives. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage What detail from Peter’s encounter with Jesus stands out to you most, and why? Why do you think Peter obeyed Jesus after explaining that they had worked all night and caught nothing? What does his response teach us about obedience? Why did the miraculous catch make Peter aware of his sin rather than simply excited about the fish? What is the difference between wanting Jesus as Saviour and recognizing Him as Lord? Why should we not separate the two? What could “leaving everything and following Jesus” look like in the life of a student? Is there an area of your life that is difficult to place under His authority?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor