JESUS JESUS ANDAND PETER PETER

Growing in friendship with GodGrowing in friendship with God

by Michael Perham

A group study guideA group study guideA group study guide

by Brian Parfittby Brian Parfittby Brian Parfitt (Discipleship & Ministry Officer,(Discipleship & Ministry Officer,(Discipleship & Ministry Officer,

Diocese of Gloucester)Diocese of Gloucester)Diocese of Gloucester)

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The quotations in this study are from ‘Jesus and Peter’ by Michael Perham, published by SPCK, copyright © Michael Perham 2012. ISBN: 978-0-06754-1. eBook ISBN: 978-0-281-06755-8. Cover of the book reproduced by permission of SPCK. Some are the worship ideas are derived from ‘Common Worship’ & ‘New Patterns for Worship’, © The Archbishop’s Council of the Church of England. This study guide is copyright © Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance 2012. It may be reproduced for use in groups.

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JESUS AND PETER Growing in friendship with God

by Michael Perham

A group study guide by Brian Parfitt

(Discipleship and Ministry Officer, Diocese of Gloucester)

CONTENTS

About this Study Guide Page 4

Chapter 1 – Follow me Page 5

Chapter 2 – A little faith Page 7

Chapter 3 – Take up your cross and follow Page 9

Chapter 4 – Servants no longer Page 11

Chapter 5 – Losing not a single one Page 13

Chapter 6 – For he was naked Page 15

Chapter 7 – Filled with the Holy Spirit Page 17

Chapter 8 – There is nothing unclean Page 19

Chapter 9 – A drowning man restored to life Page 21

Chapter 10 – You will stretch out your hands Page 23

Learning together in Lent - Week 1 Page 25

Learning together in Lent - Week 2 Page 26

Learning together in Lent - Week 3 Page 27

Learning together in Lent - Week 4 Page 28

Learning together in Lent - Week 5 Page 29

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ABOUT THIS STUDY GUIDE ‘Jesus and Peter’ is an exploration of discipleship and especially what it means to grow in friendship with God. It takes themes from the life of Peter and encourages us to learn what it means to be a friend of God. This group study guide seeks to provide a framework which groups can use to reflect on those themes. The book has ten chapters and this study guide provides resources for discussing and re-flecting on each chapter. To cover all the themes in ‘Jesus and Peter‘ a group really needs to take ten sessions to work through the book. To get the most out of the discussions the group members should have read the book. Using this study guide for Lent groups The story of Jesus and Peter, with its encouragement about growing in discipleship, is well suited for study in Lent and so provides an excellent focus for Lent groups. Ideally the group will study a chapter at a time looking at the first five chapters before Easter, which will take you to the events surrounding the crucifixion, and then become an ‘Easter group’ and study the five chapters which begin with the resurrection of Jesus after Easter (or use them the following Lent!). Alternatively, you can cover some of the ground by taking two chapters at a time. To help with that there are some possible suggestions at the end of the pack for ‘Learning Together’ questions taken from the studies on each chapter. Leaders may prefer to use or include other questions from those studies. Choose the ideas for ‘Reflection & Worship’ from those sessions which would suit your group. For each chapter the study guide has the following sections: Focus - summarising the main focus of that chapter LEARNING TOGETHER - the main study material for the group with Getting started - an icebreaker to be done in twos and threes to get people talking and thinking. (Don’t take much more than five minutes on this!) Exploring - questions for discussion usually linked to quotes from ‘Jesus and Peter’. Rounding off - a question linked to a quote from the Introduction to ‘Jesus and Peter’ to help the group summarise what they have discovered in their discussions. REFLECTION & WORSHIP - has ideas for individual and/or group reflection and prayer. For personal reflection - an exercise for individuals that could be done in quiet at the end of the meeting or at home. Reflecting on the Bible - a short Bible study exercise on one of the main passages re-ferred to in the book, using a whole variety of methods (which you could adapt to study other passages at another time). For prayer - a few ideas for prayer at the end of the meeting.

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CHAPTER 1 – Follow me Focus The book begins with a chapter about how Peter began to follow Jesus. There are different accounts in the Gospels, all of which have something to teach about the influences which still lead people to become disciples.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started In twos and threes share with each other what you know about Peter. What sort of person do you think he was? Exploring ‘How do people come to faith in Jesus? What ‘converts’ them into Christians, whether in an instant or over a period of time?’ (page 1) ‘Believing in some way before having a coherent belief is not wrong.’ (page 3) What were some of the influences which made Peter respond? What are some of the key things that have helped you (and others you know) in coming to faith? ‘“They leave all they have, in a sense all they are, and follow Jesus. …. Peter comes because of what he sees and Jesus turns for him from ‘Master’ into ‘Lord’.’ (page 3) What did responding to that call mean for Peter? What does it mean to follow Jesus? In what ways will responding to the call of Jesus change and shape our lives? ‘Because he recognized in Jesus the goodness and the God who was providing for them generously, he became aware of his own lack of goodness.’ (page 4) How can an awareness of a good God lead to both a sense of our sin, but also of the forgiving love of God? ‘The invitation is always to look around and see the activity of a good and generous God.’ (page 4) (Some examples of how that happens are given in the book.) Where are the situations or who are the people in whom you have seen God at work? Why did they make an impact on you? ‘Fishermen have turned into agents of the good news God.’ (page 8) ‘Andrew is always bringing people to Jesus.’ (page 10) ‘Many people come to faith and discipleship through the ministry of others.’ (page 12) Who were the people who helped you on your journey to faith? How did they do so? What might it mean for us to be ‘agents of the good news God’? ‘Jesus looks with perceptive eyes of love and knows the person he is seeing deeply even at first encounter. … Peter is to be the rock-man. Here Simon becomes, or at least begins to become Peter. For in meeting with Jesus he makes a new beginning and appropriately is given a new name.’ (page 11) How does the possibility of new beginnings with a God who sees our potential give us encouragement about beginning the Christian journey and where it might lead? Rounding off ‘God wants to be our friend. It is God’s initiative, God’s desire, God’s yearning even, and that is indeed a wonderful thing.’ (page x) From what you have shared today, how is the truth of that seen in the story of Peter? How is it seen in our stories?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection ‘God’s desire for each of us is always that we shall move into a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ.’ (page 3) Where are you on the journey of faith? Mark where you think you are on the line below. just responding committed to giving God beginning to the call following Jesus everything _________________________________________________________________ Reflecting on the Bible Use your imaginations as someone reads Luke 5.1-11 slowly through twice. The first time try to imagine what it was like to be there – think about the sights, smells, textures, what it would feel like to be there. The second time put yourself in Simon Peter’s place. If you were him how would you react to what was being said and done? Share your responses. For prayer Use some of the titles for Jesus mentioned in the chapter (such as Master; Lord; Lamb of God: Rabbi - teacher; Messiah – anointed one; Son of God) as a focus for praise by reading them aloud, perhaps followed by a response such as ‘We worship and adore you.’ Think of two or three people whom you would like to see coming to faith in Christ. Pray for them silently, or mentioning their names.

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CHAPTER 2 – A little faith Focus In this session we discover how Peter learnt about Jesus from his teaching and actions and how Peter’s faith grew by being involved in service and through his experience with Jesus during the storm at sea. Learning to be a disciple is a process with many aspects and which takes time to develop.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started ‘What happens next to Peter …. is that he receives a great deal of teaching and witnesses some mighty acts of power.’ (page 13) In twos and threes talk about how you learn best. What makes the most impact on you - is it through listening, reading, seeing or being involved and doing? Exploring The Sermon on the Mount engages ‘with every area of life’. ‘They heard it absorbed it and were formed by it, Peter among them, as he began to find his way into the mind of Christ.’ (page 14) How does the teaching of Jesus come to shape our lives? Can you think of times when you have been challenged by it? Why is ‘picking and choosing the parts of his teaching that appeal and jettisoning those that we find difficult or challenging’ (page 14) tempting but not a good idea? ‘Alongside the teaching Peter encountered the power of God at work in Jesus’ actions.’ (page 15) Think about some of the events Peter witnessed - what would he have learnt from them? Which stories of Jesus have made an impact on you and why? ‘Until now Peter and the others have simply followed. Now they are to be entrusted with a share in the ministry.’ (page 18) ‘Becoming part of the mission is an important element in our formation. It is not an add-on; it comes not quite on day one, but very often before we expect it.’ (page 19) How do doing/serving/witnessing help shape us as disciples, as well as the learning and listening? Can you share examples of how that has happened in your lives? What do you think Peter discovered through the incident of the storm on the sea and his ‘walking on the water’? ‘I believe God honours our little faith… Little faith can grow into large faith. It is more likely to do so if we take risks with it.’ (pages 22-23) Are there examples you can share from your experience of situations which called out little, or even faltering faith, which led to a growing faith? How does ‘being rescued from the drowning waters by a saving Christ’ (page 24) help us understand baptism? Rounding off ‘There is a long way to go before I can truly call myself God’s friend, but at least I know the process has begun and know that it is what I want to be.’ (page x) What have you learnt today about the things which can help shape us as God’s friends?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection Spend some time reflecting on these questions found on page 24. Have I sufficient faith to launch out into the deep?

Is my trust in God sufficient to take risks, knowing that there is one who can rescue and save me?

Have I the self-knowledge and humility to allow Jesus to be my saviour, or must I still try to save myself alone?

And have I reached the point when I can give Jesus homage and worship and call him ‘Son of God’? Reflecting on the Bible This week you could use the ‘Swedish Method’ of Bible Study to reflect on Matthew 14.13-32 or just Matthew 14.22-32. Everyone is given a card or piece of paper with three symbols alongside which they can list a verse or a phrase from the passage: A CANDLE - something which has brought new light and inspiration. AN ARROW - something that has pricked your conscience, speaking to you personally, demanding a response or action. A QUESTION MARK – something you don’t understand. For prayer The disciples worshipped Jesus saying ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’ Ask the group to pray in turn completing the sentence, ‘Jesus, Son of God, we worship you because….. ‘ Express your faith by using this creedal statement with its response: Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist? We believe and trust in him. Do you believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again? We believe and trust in him. Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world? We believe and trust in him. This is the faith of the Church. This is our faith. We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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CHAPTER 3 – Take up your cross and follow Focus This chapter focuses on what must have been highpoints for Peter as he confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God and as he sees the glory of Jesus on the mountain. But there is also the challenge of his misunderstandings of Jesus and his mission. In particular there is the challenge that not only Jesus but also his followers have to ‘take up the cross’.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started ‘Just when we have made a leap forward, somehow we seem to find ourselves back where we were.’ (page 26) Share in twos and threes how true that has been in your experience of the Christian life. Exploring ‘Although Jesus has called all those who follow him ‘blessed’ ….this is the one and only occasion when an individual is described in this way and it gives Peter a special place in the company of the apostles.’ (pages 28-29) What is it about Peter’s confession about Jesus that makes him particularly blessed? What does it show about Peter’s understanding of Jesus? Why is it important for us to make a similar confession? ‘It is a turning point, not just for Peter, but for the whole company of disciples. For no sooner has Jesus accepted the title of Messiah …. than he introduces a new message that changes the whole direction of his life and transforms what it means to be his followers.’ (page 30) Why do you think Jesus waited until this point in his ministry to start talking about the cross? How does this transform ideas about the Messiah and his role? Why is Peter uncomfortable with what Jesus says? Why is talk about the need for Jesus to die still difficult for some people? ‘For most of us the road begins as an appealing one, following the attractive teacher and healer. …. But then we hear his words about suffering. …. The empty tomb is veiled from sight; only the cross looks real.’ (page 33) What does it mean for Peter to ‘take up the cross? What does it mean for us? Why is following Jesus still the best path to follow, despite the cost of discipleship? ‘Here, to strengthen the disciples for what lies ahead, is a prefiguring of the resurrection.’ (page 36) What are the key lessons Peter, James and John might have learnt from their experience with Jesus on the mountain? How would it encourage them? ‘It does happen, often unexpectedly that our sense of God and God’s glory become intensely real, almost visible and physical, even if only fleetingly. …. Revelation is momentary and is always followed by a return to the humdrum of daily living.’ (pages 37 & 38) How do the special moments on our journey with Jesus make all the difference when life is ordinary or even hard? ‘Prayer is a necessary part of discipleship. …. Beginning to pray is a challenge. …. Prayer has become central and crucial to the life of the Christian community.’ (page 39) Why is prayer so important? What things have encouraged and helped you to pray? Rounding off ‘I don’t think deep, intimate friendship is easily achieved.’ (page x) What have you learnt today about the ups and downs in developing a growing relationship with God?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection Jesus ‘has set his face steadfastly towards Jerusalem. Peter is going with him’. Reflect - are you willing to go on that journey with Jesus? Are you willing to ‘take up the cross and follow? If you are doing this exercise in the group it might be helpful to have in the centre of the group some pictures of the cross or crosses, if you can collect enough, or else crosses cut out of card. Group members can be encouraged to pick one up as a sign of their willingness to ‘take up the cross’. Reflecting on the Bible Read Matthew 16.13-17.9 in sections (16.13-15; 16.16-20; 16.21-28; 17.1-4; 17.5-9) with silence in between each to think, ‘If I had been there “What would I have wanted to do or to say?”’ Share some of your responses. For prayer Read Philippians 2.5-11 as an act of praise to the Christ who took the road to the cross but is truly ‘Lord’. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a basis for prayer. Either take it a line at a time and follow each one with linked prayers or read the Caribbean Lord’s Prayer ‘Our Father who art in heaven’ (found in hymn books such as Hymns Old and New and Mission Praise) where everyone can join in the ‘hallowed be your name’ response after each line.

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CHAPTER 4 – Servants no longer Focus The events in the Upper Room are the focus of this chapter. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and talks about them as his friends. The idea that we can be not just servants or even followers, but actually friends of Jesus is at the heart of the message of this book about Peter and Jesus. It was something Peter discovered and we can too.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started ‘Deep human friendship is a wonderful gift, one that enriches our lives.’ (page 41) Share in twos and threes what aspects of friendship you particularly value. Exploring ‘Peter …makes a great affirmation of his faith. “Lord, to whom can we go,” he says. “You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”’ (page 43) When others were turning away from Jesus, what does Peter’s affirmation show us about the things that can inspire faith? When have you been tempted to turn away from Jesus? What has drawn you to him? In washing the disciples’ feet Jesus can be seen as: modelling ‘servant leadership ; modelling ‘humility ; modelling ‘love’. (page 45) What do you think is the importance of each in what Jesus is doing? (To help you think about it, you might like to give each of them a mark out of five.) How can we as disciples demonstrate each of them? ‘Peter has to understand what is at stake is ‘having a share’ with Jesus. It is almost certainly a reference to the baptismal relationship, which begins in water and involves having a part in the self-giving love that brings Jesus to the cross.’ (page 46) What does this picture of washing and cleansing teach us about God’s grace and entering a relationship with him? Why is it so important? ‘He yearns for each one of us to be intimately God’s friend.’ (page 47) What does it mean to be ‘a friend of God’? How is it a life-transforming relationship? ‘Jesus …. “came to table with his friends’’ ….Whatever else this is (and it is many-layered), this is a love feast.’ (page 47) How does this expand your understanding of the Eucharist? How can we demonstrate this ‘hospitality of Christ’? Rounding off ‘It’s a mind-blowing thought, of course, that God, the creator of all that is, wants to be my friend, wants me to be God’s friend, but I believe that both Christian scripture and Christian reflection and experience through the centuries affirm that it is so.’ (page x) What ‘mind-blowing’ things have particularly struck you during this session?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection ‘He brings together three significant words, disciple, servant and friend - all of them enveloped by love.’ (page 42) Reflect on how you think of yourself - disciple? servant? friend? Put them in the order - 1, 2, 3. Should that order change? Reflecting on the Bible Everyone needs a print out of John 15.8-15. Underline the words about ‘love’ and ‘friends’ in the text. Then discuss: What does the passage show about how love is shown - by Jesus? What does the passage show about how love is shown - by us? What does the passage show about how friendship is shown - by Jesus? What does the passage show about how friendship is shown - by us? For prayer Place a bowl of water in the centre of the room. Take turns in washing the hands of the person next to you. As this is done everyone prays silently for that person. Read the passage from Aelred’s ‘The Mirror of Charity’ on page 42 using it to reflect not on human friendship but on Christ’s relationship with us.

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CHAPTER 5 – Losing not a single one Focus This chapter looks at the theme of betrayal and denying Jesus, something we all do in one way or another, but we are also reminded that, despite that, God still loves us and there is hope.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started In twos and threes, share how you have reacted to being betrayed or let down by others. Exploring ‘We who follow Jesus are aware how often denial and betrayal undermine our attempts to be disciples.’ (page 50) ‘Every day we betray someone or something.’ (page 52) How true is that in your experience? How do we betray God, others and our ideals? Why do you think that is? How does it feel when we think we have let God down in some way? How would you feel worshipping with the painting from St George’s, Nailsworth? (You can see it on their web-site.) ‘We shall discover that, as in the washing of the feet and the sharing of the supper, so also in the going out into the darkness of the night, Jesus says to those who can hear it, “I am your friend. I offer you the intimacy of friendship. Become, or become more deeply, God’s friend.”’ (page 49) This friendship can seem ‘intrusive’ or ‘speak to the deep longing in our heart.’ Why might we struggle with the idea of being God’s friend? How is it challenging? How is it inspiring? ‘The conversation about betrayal has only just taken place. …. Even at this moment - perhaps especially at this moment - his talk is of love.’ (page 52) How do Jesus’ words and actions in the Upper Room demonstrate his love? How is this love reassuring to us in the face of our failures? Think about 3 scenes: 1. Peter says he will lay down his life for Jesus. ‘Peter jumps in, the way Peter often does.’ (page 53)

2. In the garden of Gethsemane. ‘He is willing they should see into his heart and understand both his intimate trust in his Father and the grief that is taking hold of him. If only they could have stayed awake.’ (page 56)

3. Peter cuts off the soldier’s ear. ‘Here is Peter, as always wanting to do the right thing and, as so often, getting it wrong. …. It shows fierce loyalty, courage, …. perhaps even love, but it also reveals a profound misunderstanding.’ (page 57) What is positive in Peter’s words and actions? Why does he get things wrong? How does Jesus respond to Peter? What encouragement is there in this for us, with our mixed motives and mistakes? ‘The disciple is no longer following, but is denying, betraying and deserting; he is walking away from discipleship.’ (page 58) ‘Like the whole company of disciples, we desert our friend, we walk away.’ ‘God’s love is unshakeable, dependable, unconditional. Betrayal does not overcome it.’ (page 59) How do our actions sometimes mirror Peter’s? How have you been reassured of God’s enduring love for you? Rounding off ‘Friendship with Jesus was not achieved without pain, failure and tears.’ (page ix) How has this week’s study demonstrated the reality of that for you?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection ‘The cares of this world, or the sense that this relationship carries too much risk of turning our world upside down, will have us walk away. But even here the story of Peter reassures us, there is good news. For Christ will take our selfishness, our fear, our heart of stone, our sin and carry it with his cross to the hill outside the city.’ (page 59) Reflect on what things draw you away from Christ. Rejoice in the love of Christ shown in dealing with your sin as he died at Calvary. Reflecting on the Bible Read Luke 22.54-62 with different people speaking the words of the 3 accusers, Peter and Jesus. (You could use the Dramatised Bible for this.) Think about the thoughts and feelings of each of them (The person who spoke each part might comment on their character before opening it up to others to comment.) Prayer Read a hymn about the love shown in Christ’s death such as, ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’ or ‘It is a thing most wonderful’. Use the following confession taken from Common Worship. Lord Jesus Christ, we confess we have failed you as did your first disciples. We ask for your mercy and your help. Our selfishness betrays you: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. We fail to share the pain of your suffering: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. We run away from those who abuse you: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy. We are afraid of being known to belong to you: Lord, forgive us. Christ have mercy.

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CHAPTER 6 – For he was naked

Focus Peter’s encounter with the risen Jesus is the key factor in this chapter. Peter had denied knowing Jesus, so it’s not surprising that his awareness of being naked on the boat, knowing Jesus is on the shore, has echoes of Adam’s and Eve’s shame in the Garden of Eden. Jesus, however, comes not to condemn but to forgive and restore to service, to clothe with ‘his robes of resurrection’.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started ‘What on earth can I wear?’ is a frequently heard cry. In twos and threes share about why we want to get our dress right for the occasion? Exploring Why do you think Peter is specifically singled out in the accounts of the resurrection of Jesus? Which of these suggestions makes most sense to you? - ‘Is he specifically named simply because he is so often the disciples’ leader and spokesperson?’ - ‘Is it a coded message to Peter that despite his denial he is still the disciple and friend of Jesus?’ - ‘Is it …. a sign that Peter has separated himself from the disciples?’ (page 62) What does the way Jesus met with Peter show about his concern for individuals and their needs? Peter and John running to the tomb ‘is not so much a competition as a description of how discipleship often works: we move forward together, often in dialogue with someone who is running the same way with us, but not always at exactly the same speed or with exactly the same expectations. We help each other along, encourage one another, force or decrease the pace. Discipleship often deepens through such friendships.’ (page 64) How has that been true in your experience - how have others encouraged you? Why are companions on our Christian journey important? What can we do to encourage others? ‘They act out, in this pilgrimage to the tomb, stages of faith. They set out with a lack of belief in Mary’s report, move forward into partial faith, at a speed with which they can cope with it, and then go on towards a full faith, seeing and believing.’ (pages 64-65) How have those stages of faith been reflected in your experience? Has it been a smooth progress from one stage to another - or sometimes back and forth? What things help us move on to firmer faith? How do the fishing trip and the breakfast on the shore help set the scene for Jesus’ conversation with Peter? ‘He was naked.’ ‘Shame comes into the lives of Adam and Eve. Shame comes into Peter’s life as the cock crows.’ (page 69) How does this image of the impact of disobedience to God ring bells for you? Are there other images you might use? How do we try to cover up our failure? How can awareness of our spiritual nakedness prepare us for encounter with God? How does Peter’s experience picture for us the reversal of the fall of humankind? ‘Jesus brings the issue of Peter’s denial out in to the open in order that he may resolve it ….reconciliation is the intention.’ (page 70) How does the dialogue between Jesus and Peter play a key role in restoring his friendship with Jesus and his useful discipleship? How do our experiences of such things as failure, encounter with Jesus and renewed calling prepare us for witness and service? Rounding off ‘Indeed at a certain level, the disciple, follower, and servant doesn’t seem to me to turn into a friend until Jesus asks him by a lakeside after the resurrection, “Peter, are you my friend?”’ (page x) How well has this week’s discussion demonstrated the truth of that?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection Spend time reflecting on how you would respond if Jesus asked you ‘Your name – do you love me?’ How many times would the question be asked before you replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!’ If Jesus said to you ‘Feed my sheep’, what would that task look like for you? Reflecting on the Bible Use a simple version of the ‘Lectio Divina’ approach to sharing together from the Bible as you read John 21.1-19. Have it read slowly (perhaps with each member reading a verse) and then spend several minutes in silence before each one shares a phrase that particularly struck them and briefly explains why. (If you have more time you could first share just the phrases and then re-read the passage and spend more time in silence before giving your explanations.) Prayer As an act of praise use the following prayer to reflect on the verses from scripture, pausing after each one before making the response.

Then Simon Peter came …. and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon!’ Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ …. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Jesus said to Peter, ‘Feed my sheep.’ ….After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Use the following prayer of confession:

When we deny Jesus by our words or actions, the Lord says to us, ‘Do you love me?’ Our hearts reply, ‘You know that we love you.’ When we are aware of our sin and our nakedness before God, the Lord says to us, ‘Do you love me?’ Our hearts reply, ‘You know that we love you.’ When we are failing to follow him closely, the Lord says to us, ‘Do you love me?’ Our hearts reply, ‘You know that we love you.’ The Lord says to us, ‘Peace be with you.’ ‘Follow me.’

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CHAPTER 7 – Filled with the Holy Spirit Focus This chapter focuses on life after Pentecost, as disciples live without the physical presence of Jesus but instead have the Holy Spirit at work in their individual lives and in the community of God’s people, the church. We explore the signs of what life ‘filled with the Spirit’ might look like.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started ‘Friendships do, of course, survive – more than survive, flourish - without physical presence or touch.’ (page 75) Share in twos or threes your experience of maintaining friendships with those you rarely see. Exploring ‘To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to cultivate a friendship with the one we cannot see, but whose presence we might sense in such a way that we all but see and touch and hear him.’ (page 75) In what ways can we know and love Jesus when we can’t see him? ‘Knowing the Christ who is set free from earthly limitations is, in the end, a greater blessing than knowing a Jesus constrained by time and space? (page 76) How can that be true? ‘Witness to the resurrection is part of the calling of every disciple.’ ‘To witness to the resurrection is to be able to give witness to the activity of God in one’s own life and in the lives of those around one.’ (page 78) ‘The Holy Spirit comes in much the same way as at Pentecost - dramatically, turning people around, changing lives overnight, making them different people.’ (page 79) How do you understand what being a witness for Jesus means? How have you recognised the signs of the Spirit at work in your lives and in your church? What stories of experiences of God at work can we share with other people? ‘For those who have not seen Jesus, but nevertheless love him, prayer is crucial in maintaining and deepening the relationship.’ (page 80) What, drives/ encourages/ inspires us to pray? ‘This community is good news. It draws others in by the vibrancy of its common life.’ (page 77) ‘Discipleship is lived out with all the delights, but also the tensions of a community.’ (page 80) ‘Challenging as it often is, the call to discipleship is a call into community, or, better still, into communion.’ (page 81) How can the community of God’s people be good news? What the signs of the common life of the early church? How are they reflected in your church? What are the challenges of being a real community? How does the idea of being a communion help us understand what the church is called to be? ‘What an extraordinary change in Peter.’ (page 82) ‘Peter is modelling the life of the mature disciple.’ (page 83) How does the story of Peter in Acts demonstrate discipleship? How do his experiences and example encourage us? Rounding off ‘What I am more concerned to explore in this book is how the desire for friendship with God grows in you and me.’ (page x) What have you learnt in this session about the signs of a growing, deepening discipleship?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection ‘It’s good to stop and ask oneself sometimes, “How has resurrection happened in me?”’ (page 78) Spend some time thinking about how you would answer that question. Reflecting on the Bible For this approach to the passage you will need paper, crayons or felt-tips. Read Acts 2.32-47. Ask everyone to draw pictures or symbols inspired by words in the passage. Spend a few minutes sharing what you have drawn and why. Prayer Think of members of the church who show the signs of the Spirit at work in their lives and to give thanks for them saying ‘For Mary (Bob etc) who …. ‘. We have acknowledged that living as a community is not always easy. Pray for the things that build good relationships using the hymn version or another, such as the one below, of the Prayer of St Francis, ‘Make me a channel of your peace’. Lord, make us instruments of your peace: Where there is hatred, let us bring love. Where there is injury, let us bring pardon. Where there is doubt, let us bring faith. Where there is despair, let us bring hope. Where there is sadness, let us bring joy. Where there is darkness, let us bring light. O Divine Master, let us seek not so much to be comforted as to comfort, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love: for it is only in giving that we receive, in pardoning that we are pardoned, in dying that we rise to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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CHAPTER 8 – There is nothing unclean Focus This week’s chapter focuses on some of the stories about Peter in Acts. All show something about the resurrection power of Jesus at work - in raising Tabitha to life, in bringing Cornelius and his household to faith, in the release of Peter from prison. A key lesson is about God’s welcome for all - there is nothing ‘unclean’ and so we must address the question of prejudice and division.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started Share in twos and threes some examples of ‘new experiences to undergo and new things to learn’ (page 84) which you have had recently. Exploring ‘The work of God in bringing to life did not stop with the resurrection of Jesus.’ (page 84) How does the story of Peter raising Tabitha demonstrate that? The story of Tabitha is a very dramatic one, how else have you seen evidence of ‘a God who is always raising up’ (page 84) at work in those around you and in your own lives? The story of Peter’s visit to Cornelius is recounted three times in Acts, and the vision Peter is given includes ‘a question repeated three times, signifying that this is one of those transformational moments.’ (pages 85-86) Why was this such a significant moment for Peter? Why was it such a significant moment for the church? What might the Church’s history have been like without this encounter? Peter ‘needs to know that the same unconditional cleansing love is available to all, just as it was to him.’ (page 86) How does Peter make sense of what God is doing in Cornelius’ life by linking it to what he already knows of God and his character and actions? How can we engage in what is sometimes called ‘theological reflection’, making sense of what is happening to us or the world around us in the light of our beliefs and Christian experience? How can that be a really helpful thing to do? ‘Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is never about joining an exclusive sect, always about the desire to embrace the whole of humanity.’ (page 88) What does it mean for the Church to embrace the whole of humanity? What sort of prejudices do we have to address? What will help us to do so? How do we go about it? The story of Peter’s imprisonment and release ‘reveals a Peter who is indeed following in the footsteps of Jesus, reliving something of the passion and resurrection.’ (page 92) How does Peter’s story demonstrate that? ‘Being ‘conformed to Christ’ may be the work of a lifetime. It happens slowly and gradually. Even those who have come to faith suddenly and dramatically cannot hurry this process. As in Peter, it takes time.’ (page 92) How do we work out how to follow Jesus and ‘allow our life and experience to be shaped by him’ (page 93)? Rounding off Peter ‘was a friend of Jesus, through whom he discovered what God was like.’ (page ix) From today’s study, what things about God have you discovered which we are to reflect in our living?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection Make a list of those things you would label ‘clean’ and those you would label ‘unclean’. As you reflect on today’s story what are the challenges for you? How should you address them? Reflecting on the Bible Read Acts 10 a paragraph at a time and come up with a newspaper heading or chapter title for each one. Prayer Use John Bell’s hymn ‘Will you come and follow me?’ as a challenge to love others (and ourselves) and to make Christ known. You could sing it or it could be read as a meditation, with the lines of the last verse read together if you have copies, or else repeated after the leader. There are several references to prayer in the passages referred to this week (Peter praying for Tabitha; Cornelius and Peter spending time in prayer; the church was praying while Peter was in prison) so spend time in intercession. Topics suggested from this study include the sick and those who mourn, those wanting to know more about God, those facing prejudice, places of division, those in authority, persecuted Christians. There’s plenty to pray about!

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CHAPTER 9 – A drowning man restored to life

Focus This chapter picks up on passages from the epistles of Peter and some of the key things they say about the life of discipleship – many of them reflecting Peter’s own experience of a life following Jesus.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started ‘2 Peter is intended to have something of the character of a last will and testament. …. There is the authentic ring…. of an old man nearing his end.’ (page 95) Share in twos or threes how you would like to be remembered? What would you like your legacy to be? Exploring ‘These two letters .... reveal to us an older Peter looking back on his years of discipleship and his friendship with Jesus when his life is nearing its end.’ (page 94) ‘“Putting off my tent” .… is a wonderful description of the transitory nature of life on this earth, where the body is a temporary home and life a kind of pilgrimage under canvas.’ (page 95) How do you see the permanence of your life now - are you living in a tent? a wooden chalet? a caravan? a house? a castle? How do you view dying and life in heaven in comparison to life now? How does our faith in Jesus shape attitudes to both life and death? ‘Here in these letters we hear resonances of the Peter we have met in the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles.’ (page 96) What lessons does Peter seem to have learnt and want to share with others? Which of those lessons do you find particularly encouraging? (How can we pass on to others what we have learnt on our discipleship journey?) ‘How does the disciple relate to Jesus? The overwhelming answer has to be through loving him.’ (page 97) How do we develop a real love for Jesus and an intimacy with him? ‘But it is not like that for everyone.’ (page 99) What might act as barriers to us developing a real love for Jesus? How can those barriers be broken down? ‘A disciple will not get very far without a discipline. Peter is clear about that. It is a way to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’, a way of living in his friendship.’ (page 101) What is the link between discipleship and discipline? What does it mean to have a ‘rule of life’? How can a rule of life and other spiritual disciplines help us in our Christian walk? What things have helped group members? ‘Something implicit in the Gospels and in Peter’s experience is made explicit. It is the relationship between resurrection and baptism.’ (page 101) ‘There is, as I wrote in relation to Peter and the quasi-baptismal experience of being rescued by Jesus from the water as a drowning man, a right moment in any Christian life to take this step or to reclaim in adult life something done in infancy.’ (page 103) How does baptism act as a picture for us of the power of resurrection and the nature of the Christian life? If any of the group were baptised or confirmed as adults could they share what led to that decision and what it meant to them? What difference does it make to say ‘I am baptized’ rather than ‘I was baptized’? How can we live out what baptism represents to us? Rounding off ‘There is the Peter of the First Letter of Peter and the Simeon Peter of the second letter…’ (page xii) What key things have you discovered today from the reflections of an older Peter?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection Having a ‘rule of life’ can be helpful. Think about your rule of life, whether that has been consciously worked out or not. What patterns do you have for such things as worship? prayer? Bible reading? receiving Communion? time for family/friends/relaxation? giving? meeting with other Christians? time away for reflection/retreat/renewal? Reflecting on the Bible Everyone needs a print out of 1 Peter 1.1-9. Ask them to mark the passage (with different colours if that’s possible) underlining and making links between the things this passage has to say about Christians - who they are and what God has done for them. Then share some of the things that have really stood out for the members of the group. Prayer Use the following act of recommitment to our Baptismal promises, which has a simple repeated response, as an expression of a desire to live out what it means to be a baptized person. Those who are baptized are called to worship and serve God. Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? With the help of God, I will. Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? With the help of God, I will. Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ? With the help of God, I will. Will you seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbour as yourself? With the help of God, I will. Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society, by prayer for the world and its leaders, by defending the weak, and by seeking peace and justice? With the help of God, I will. May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, that you may be rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. Amen. Spend a time thinking/praying about what it means to people to get older - growing maturity and ability to serve and share wisdom; those facing infirmity; those dying. Use this well known prayer to conclude. O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen, the evening comes, the fever of life is over, and our work on earth is done; then Lord, in your mercy, grant us safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

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CHAPTER 10 – You will stretch out your hands Focus We come now to the suffering and crucifixion which marked the end of Peter’s life and see that suffering is part of being a disciple. Looking back at the story of Peter affirms what it means to become a ‘friend of God’.

LEARNING TOGETHER Getting started Share in twos and threes how you react to ridicule or opposition. Exploring ‘Becoming part of the Christian community can expose you to the abuse received by the Church, justly sometimes, no doubt when it behaves foolishly, but more often for its defence of Gospel values.’ (page 105) ‘The constant insidious attack, not on individual Christians, but on the truth of the faith itself, is a painful matter.’ (page 106) How do we see people challenging and asking questions about both the church and its failures and about Gospel values? How do the two situations differ and how are they similar? How can we respond helpfully in both sorts of conversation? ‘Patient faithfulness is probably more difficult in the face of ridicule than life-threatening persecution.’ (page 106) How true is that for us? How does the ridicule we experience affect how we share our faith? ‘Death by crucifixion is what Jesus was pointing to, and that is what Peter experienced, firm in his love for Jesus.’ (page 108) How does Peter’s example inspire you? What examples can you share of Christians facing life-threatening situations today because of their beliefs? What can we learn from them? How can we support persecuted Christians? ‘Beyond the figure of Peter and the figure of Jesus we see, of course, the vulnerability of God, who for love of our human race emptied himself of divinity to become our brother and our friend and gave his life that the fall from grace of Adam and Eve might be reversed and the denial of Peter, the sinful man, be forgiven.’ (page 108) How has the story of Peter demonstrated the vulnerability and love of God? How has that helped you appreciate God’s love for you? ‘Peter is follower, disciple, evangelist, witness, friend; and as such he is an exemplar and encourager.’ (page 109) Which of the positive aspects of Peter do you most identify with and find encouragement from? ‘But he is also exemplar and encourager by his human weakness, by his frequent failure to understand, by his habit of saying just the wrong thing, by his struggle, even by his denial.’ (pages 109-110) Which of the failures of Peter do you most identify with and find encouragement from? ‘The one thing that never seems to falter in the story of Peter is love.’ (page 110) How can love and friendship with God be the big motivator in our lives? Rounding off ‘I have tried to be a disciple of Jesus Christ all my life and more recently have been made very conscious of a desire to become more truly God’s friend. In humility, as one who repeatedly fails as both disciple and friend, I offer this to any, whatever their stage on the Christian journey, whether right at the beginning and hesitant or much further down the track and confident, to whom it might speak.’ (page xiii) How has this book spoken to you?

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REFLECTION & WORSHIP For personal reflection As a final review as you look at what the story of Peter has to teach you, think about the following words and where you are in your discipleship: ‘Gradually little by little, as he stayed with Jesus, learned from Jesus, followed as faithfully as he could, tried to be like Jesus, the follower became a disciple. His life began to take the shape of Jesus’ life, his mind started to become conformed to Jesus’ mind.’ (page 109) Reflecting on the Bible Everyone needs a copy of 1 Peter 3.13-18 and 4.12-16 - passages which speak about suffering for your faith. Read it through and choose a verse which stands out for you and write an expanded version of it, reflecting on what it might mean to follow what it says today, perhaps relating it to real life examples. Share what you have discovered in doing so. Prayer As a meditation on Christ’s love for us and our love for him, read the verses from the hymn ‘My song is love unknown’ on pages 110-111 of ‘Jesus and Peter’ or read the whole hymn. Give thanks for what you have learnt from Peter by asking people to pray a one sentence prayer beginning ‘Thank you God for Peter who …..’

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LEARNING TOGETHER IN LENT - WEEK 1

CHAPTER 1 – Follow me & CHAPTER 2 – A little faith

Getting started How do people come to faith in Jesus? What ‘converts’ them into Christians, whether in an instant or over a period of time?’ (page 1) Share briefly in twos or threes what are some of the key things that have helped you (and others you know) in coming to faith? Exploring ‘‘’They leave all they have, in a sense all they are, and follow Jesus. …. Peter comes because of what he sees and Jesus turns for him from ‘Master’ into ‘Lord’.’ (page 3) What did responding to that call mean for Peter? What does it mean to follow Jesus? In what ways will responding to the call of Jesus change and shape our lives? ‘Because he recognized in Jesus the goodness and the God who was providing for them generously, he became aware of his own lack of goodness.’ (page 4) How can an awareness of a good God lead to both a sense of our sin, but also of the forgiving love of God? ‘The invitation is always to look around and see the activity of a good and generous God.’ (page 4) (Some examples of how that happens are given in the book.) Where are the situations or who are the people in whom you have seen God at work? Why did they make an impact on you? ‘Jesus looks with perceptive eyes of love and knows the person he is seeing deeply even at first encounter. … Peter is to be the rock-man. Here Simon becomes, or at least begins to become Peter. For in meeting with Jesus he makes a new beginning and appropriately is given a new name.’ (page 11) How does the possibility of new beginnings with a God who sees our potential give us encouragement about beginning the Christian journey and where it might lead? ‘What happens next to Peter …. is that he receives a great deal of teaching and witnesses some mighty acts of power.’ (page 13) The Sermon on the Mount engages ‘with every area of life’. ‘They heard it absorbed it and were formed by it, Peter among them, as he began to find his way into the mind of Christ.’ (page 14) How does the teaching of Jesus come to shape our lives? Can you think of times when you have been challenged by it? ‘Alongside the teaching Peter encountered the power of God at work in Jesus’ actions.’ (page 15) Think about some of the events Peter witnessed - what would he have learnt from them? Which stories of Jesus have made an impact on you and why? What do you think Peter discovered through the incident of the storm on the sea and his ‘walking on the water’? ‘I believe God honours our little faith … Little faith can grow into large faith. It is more likely to do so if we take risks with it.’ (pages 22-23) Are there examples you can share from your experience of situations which called out little, or even faltering faith, which led to a growing faith? Rounding off ‘There is a long way to go before I can truly call myself God’s friend, but at least I know the process has begun and know that it is what I want to be’ (page x) What have you learnt today about the things which can help shape us as God’s friends?

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LEARNING TOGETHER IN LENT - WEEK 2

CHAPTER 3 – Take up your cross and follow & CHAPTER 4 – Servants no longer

Getting started ‘Just when we have made a leap forward, somehow we seem to find ourselves back where we were.’ (page 26) Share in twos and threes how true that has been in your experience of the Christian life. Exploring ‘Although Jesus has called all those who follow him ‘blessed’ ….this is the one and only occasion when an individual is described in this way and it gives Peter a special place in the company of the apostles.’ (pages 28-29) What is it about Peter’s confession about Jesus that makes him particularly blessed? What does it show about Peter’s understanding of Jesus? Why is it important for us to make a similar confession? ‘It is a turning point, not just for Peter, but for the whole company of disciples. For no sooner has Jesus accepted the title of Messiah …. than he introduces a new message that changes the whole direction of his life and transforms what it means to be his followers.’ (page 30) Why do you think Jesus waited until this point in his ministry to start talking about the cross? How does this transform ideas about the Messiah and his role? Why is Peter uncomfortable with what Jesus says? Why is talk about the need for Jesus to die still difficult for some people? What does it mean for us to ‘take up the cross’? ‘Prayer is a necessary part of discipleship. …. Beginning to pray is a challenge. …. Prayer has become central and crucial to the life of the Christian community.’ (page 39) Why is prayer so important? What things have encouraged and helped you to pray? In washing the disciples’ feet Jesus can be seen as: modelling ‘servant leadership ; modelling ‘humility ; modelling ‘love’. (page 45) What do you think is the importance of each in what Jesus is doing? (To help you think about it, you might like to give each of them a mark out of five.) How can we as disciples demonstrate each of them? ‘Peter has to understand what is at stake is ‘having a share’ with Jesus. It is almost certainly a reference to the baptismal relationship, which begins in water and involves having a part in the self-giving love that brings Jesus to the cross.’ (page 46) What does this picture of washing and cleansing teach us about God’s grace and entering a relationship with him? Why is it so important? Rounding off ‘It’s a mind-blowing thought, of course, that God, the creator of all that is, wants to be my friend, wants me to be God’s friend, but I believe that both Christian scripture and Christian reflection and experience through the centuries affirm that it is so.’ (page x) What ‘mind-blowing’ things have particularly struck you during this session?

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LEARNING TOGETHER IN LENT - WEEK 3

CHAPTER 5 – Losing not a single one & CHAPTER 6 – For he was naked

Getting started In twos and threes, share how you have reacted to being betrayed or let down by others. Exploring ‘We who follow Jesus are aware how often denial and betrayal undermine our attempts to be disciples.’ (page 50) ‘Every day we betray someone or something.’ (page 52) How true is that in your experience? How do we betray God, others and our ideals? Why do you think that is? How does it feel when we think we have let God down in some way? How would you feel worshipping with the painting from St George’s, Nailsworth? (You can see it on their web-site.) ‘The disciple is no longer following, but is denying, betraying and deserting; he is walking away from discipleship.’ (page 58) ‘Like the whole company of disciples, we desert our friend, we walk away.’ ‘God’s love is unshakeable, dependable, unconditional. Betrayal does not overcome it.’ (page 59) How do our actions sometimes mirror Peter’s? How have you been reassured of God’s enduring love for you? Peter and John running to the tomb ‘is not so much a competition as a description of how discipleship often works: we move forward together, often in dialogue with someone who is running the same way with us, but not always at exactly the same speed or with exactly the same expectations. We help each other along, encourage one another, force or decrease the pace. Discipleship often deepens through such friendships.’ (page 64) How has that been true in your experience - how have others encouraged you? Why are companions on our Christian journey important? What can we do to encourage others? How do the fishing trip and the breakfast on the shore help set the scene for Jesus’ conversation with Peter? ‘He was naked.’ ‘Shame comes into the lives of Adam and Eve. Shame comes into Peter’s life as the cock crows.’ (page 69) How does this image of the impact of disobedience to God ring bells for you? Are there other images you might use? How do we try to cover up our failure? How can awareness of our spiritual nakedness prepare us for encounter with God? How does Peter’s experience picture for us the reversal of the fall of humankind? ‘Jesus brings the issue of Peter’s denial out in to the open in order that he may resolve it ….reconciliation is the intention.’ (page 70) How does the dialogue between Jesus and Peter play a key role in restoring his friendship with Jesus and his useful discipleship? How do our experiences of such things as failure, encounter with Jesus and renewed calling prepare us for witness and service? Rounding off ‘Indeed at a certain level, the disciple, follower, and servant doesn’t seem to me to turn into a friend until Jesus asks him by a lakeside after the resurrection, “Peter, are you my friend?”’ (page x) How well has this week’s discussion demonstrated the truth of that?

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LEARNING TOGETHER IN LENT - WEEK 4

CHAPTER 7 – Filled with the Holy Spirit & CHAPTER 8 – There is nothing unclean

Getting started ‘Friendships do, of course, survive – more than survive, flourish - without physical presence or touch.’ (page 75) Share in twos or threes your experience of maintaining friendships with those you rarely see. Exploring ‘To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to cultivate a friendship with the one we cannot see, but whose presence we might sense in such a way that we all but see and touch and hear him.’ (page 75) In what ways can we know and love Jesus when we can’t see him? ‘For those who have not seen Jesus, but nevertheless love him, prayer is crucial in maintaining and deepening the relationship.’ (page 80) What, drives/ encourages/ inspires us to pray? ‘Witness to the resurrection is part of the calling of every disciple.’ ‘To witness to the resurrection is to be able to give witness to the activity of God in one’s own life and in the lives of those around one.’ (page 78) ‘The Holy Spirit comes in much the same way as at Pentecost - dramatically, turning people around, changing lives overnight, making them different people.’ (page 79) How do you understand what being a witness for Jesus means? How have you recognised the signs of the Spirit at work in your lives and in your church? What stories of experiences of God at work can we share with other people? ‘This community is good news. It draws others in by the vibrancy of its common life.’ (page 77) ‘Discipleship is lived out with all the delights, but also the tensions of a community.’ (page 80) ‘Challenging as it often is, the call to discipleship is a call into community, or, better still, into communion.’ (page 81) How can the community of God’s people be good news? What the signs of the common life of the early church? How are they reflected in your church? What are the challenges of being a real community? How does the idea of being a communion help us understand what the church is called to be? The story of Peter’s visit to Cornelius is recounted three times in Acts, and the vision Peter is given includes ‘a question repeated three times, signifying that this is one of those transformational moments.’ (pages 85-86) Why was this such a significant moment for Peter? Why was it such a significant moment for the church? ‘Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is never about joining an exclusive sect, always about the desire to embrace the whole of humanity.’ (page 88) What does it mean for the Church to embrace the whole of humanity? What sort of prejudices do we have to address? What will help us to do so? How do we go about it? The story of Peter’s imprisonment and release ‘reveals a Peter who is indeed following in the footsteps of Jesus, reliving something of the passion and resurrection.’ (page 92) How does Peter’s story demonstrate that? ‘Being ‘conformed to Christ’ may be the work of a lifetime. It happens slowly and gradually. Even those who have come to faith suddenly and dramatically cannot hurry this process. As in Peter, it takes time.’ (page 92) How do we work out how to follow Jesus and ‘allow our life and experience to be shaped by him’ (page 93)? Rounding off Peter ‘was a friend of Jesus, through whom he discovered what God was like.’ (page ix) From today’s study, what things about God have you discovered which we are to reflect in our living?

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LEARNING TOGETHER IN LENT - WEEK 5

CHAPTER 9 – A drowning man restored to life & CHAPTER 10 – You will stretch out your hands

Getting started ‘2 Peter is intended to have something of the character of a last will and testament. …. There is the authentic ring…. of an old man nearing his end.’ (page 95) Share in twos or threes how you would like to be remembered? What would you like your legacy to be? Exploring ‘These two letters .... reveal to us an older Peter looking back on his years of discipleship and his friendship with Jesus when his life is nearing its end.’ (page 94) ‘“Putting off my tent” .… is a wonderful description of the transitory nature of life on this earth, where the body is a temporary home and life a kind of pilgrimage under canvas.’ (page 95) How do you see the permanence of your life now - are you living in a tent? a wooden chalet? a caravan? a house? a castle? How do you view dying and life in heaven in comparison to life now? How does our faith in Jesus shape attitudes to both life and death? ‘A disciple will not get very far without a discipline. Peter is clear about that. It is a way to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’, a way of living in his friendship.’ (page 101) What is the link between discipleship and discipline? What does it mean to have a ‘rule of life’? How can a rule of life and other spiritual disciplines help us in our Christian walk? What things have helped group members? ‘Becoming part of the Christian community can expose you to the abuse received by the Church, justly sometimes, no doubt when it behaves foolishly, but more often for its defence of Gospel values.’ (page 105) ‘The constant insidious attack, not on individual Christians, but on the truth of the faith itself, is a painful matter.’ (page 106) How do we see people challenging and asking questions about both the church and its failures and about Gospel values? How do the two situations differ and how are they similar? How can we respond helpfully in both sorts of conversation? How does the ridicule we experience affect how we share our faith? ‘Peter is follower, disciple, evangelist, witness, friend; and as such he is an exemplar and encourager.’ (page 109) Which of the positive aspects of Peter do you most identify with and find encouragement from? ‘But he is also exemplar and encourager by his human weakness, by his frequent failure to understand, by his habit of saying just the wrong thing, by his struggle, even by his denial.’ (pages 109-110) Which of the failures of Peter do you most identify with and find encouragement from? ‘The one thing that never seems to falter in the story of Peter is love.’ (page 110) How can love and friendship with God be the big motivator in our lives? Rounding off ‘I have tried to be a disciple of Jesus Christ all my life and more recently have been made very conscious of a desire to become more truly God’s friend. In humility, as one who repeatedly fails as both disciple and friend, I offer this to any, whatever their stage on the Christian journey, whether right at the beginning and hesitant or much further down the track and confident, to whom it might speak.’ (page xiii) How has this book spoken to you?