Word from Wiese

Peter & Discipleship

Peter & Discipleship

Colorful Characters Lenten Journey, 2025

Discussion Guide #5

9 April 2025

Dear Faith Friend,

God’s blessings on the first full week of our Lenten journey. Please use the following as a personal devotional or a small group discussion guide.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”  Matthew 18:20

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”  Romans 12:15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening prayer:

Thanks God for gathering us together for these fun and holy 30 minutes. We know our world can feel pretty gray at times. Thanks for helping us feel more colorful when your Spirit gathers us in your Word, promises, and people. Bless this devotional time together that our biblical character’s story might lend color and clarity to our own faith journey with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discuss:

  1. Here’s a light-hearted question to warm up. Do you know anyone named Peter? Who?
  2. What’s one story of Peter’s life that you remember?
  3. Peter is the only disciple to have walked on water because he’s the only one who dared to get out of the boat. What are some examples of Christians staying in the safety of our boats? How about examples of getting out of our boats and taking faith risks?
  4. At one point, many Jesus followers stopped following him. (John 6:60-71) His vision was too hard and problematic for most people. So, Jesus asked the 12 disciples if they, too, would leave him. It’s Peter who responds, “Lord, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” So, in many Lutheran liturgies, we sing those words right before hearing the gospel. Here’s how the Beatles Liturgy puts it, to the tune of O bla di bla da: “Jesus was with his disciples, when they asked, “Lord where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. For happiness and joy these words we need to know! Allelu, allelu, alleluia, blessed are those who hear God’s Word.” What do “words of eternal life” mean for you?
  5. There are 147 St. Peter Lutheran Churches in the ELCA compared to 567 St. Paul Lutheran Churches. Any hunches why Paul seems to be a bit more popular in Lutheran circles than Peter?

 

Questions from guest preacher, Pastor John Weber

  1. Peter is a good example of everyone being called to ministry. What were his educational qualifications?
  2. Luther’s definition of “Priesthood of all Believers” can be summed up by the following: “The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers meant that all who have faith in Christ and are baptized are designated priests and share in Christ’s royal priesthood. The corollary is that every believer has the responsibility to act as a priest to other believers, to minister to them, particularly through proclaiming Scripture to them.” What does “Priesthood of Believers” mean for you and your actions in ministry?
  3. Peter left all the fish on the beach and followed Jesus. He put his family on hold as he traveled with Jesus and finally was crucified upside down. There was a cost to discipleship for Peter.
    1. What are the costs of discipleship today? (It can be as simple as getting out of bed to go to worship every Sunday)
    2. How willing are you to struggle with these costs?
  4. Was Peter perfect or did he fail in following Jesus and being a disciple? Thus never give up trying to grow in your discipleship!
  5. Check out this testimony from COS Youth about their thoughts on discipleship).
  6. In their video testimony, different COS youth share several opinions about what discipleship means to them. What were your thoughts while listening to their comments?
  7. Bonus question: What hasn’t been explored in this discussion that you would like to share?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thanks again for these holy moments, either by myself or with this small group of friends. Thanks for Peter’s bravery to get out of the comfort of his boat; send courage among us that we, too, might take bold steps to accomplish your plans for us. When we deny you like Peter and when we profess our faith boldly like Peter, forgive us, call us, and love us. When our lives feel gray may you infuse them with an awareness of your colorful love and grace. Lead us this holy Lenten journey to your Son and his cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Thanks everyone for an amazing Lenten journey!