May 24th - Small Group Guide

The question 'NOW WHAT?' in bold white letters against a blue brick wall. 'NOW' is highlighted in orange, and a white logo sits below the text.

Week 5  SG Study Guide

Following Jesus Is Still the Call

John 21:19.” Key Verse: “Follow Me”

Introduction

After Easter, it's easy to ask: "Now what?" The celebration is over. Monday arrives. The same bills. The same challenges. The same responsibilities. Yet after the resurrection, Jesus gives Peter the same invitation He gave him years earlier: "Follow Me."  Not a new strategy. Not a complicated plan. Just follow.

Share about a time when you thought something would dramatically change your life, only to discover that the real challenge was simply staying faithful afterward.

The Call Hasn't Changed

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:15–19

Peter had failed. Peter had doubted. Peter had denied Jesus. Yet Jesus restores him and repeats the same invitation:  "Follow Me." 

Discussion


  1. Why do you think Jesus kept His invitation so simple? 

  2. Why do people often look for new formulas instead of simply following Jesus? 

  3. What is the difference between admiring Jesus and following Jesus? 

Many people buy exercise equipment hoping it will change their lives. The equipment helps. But transformation comes from daily use. Likewise, Easter is powerful, but spiritual growth happens through daily obedience.

Following Means Surrender

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Jesus is Savior and Lord. Most people like the Savior part. The Lord part requires yeilding.

Discussion


  1. What areas of life are easiest for you to surrender to Jesus? 

  2. What areas are hardest? 

  3. Why is surrender often uncomfortable? 

Think about using GPS. Sometimes it says: "Turn left." You decide: "I know a better route." Twenty minutes later you're stuck behind a tractor on a county road wondering what happened. The GPS calmly says: "Recalculating."

God often does the same thing with us. Where might Jesus be saying: "Trust Me and follow Me"?

Staying Connected Produces Life

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:1–5

Jesus describes Himself as the Vine and us as the branches. Branches don't create life. They receive life.

Discussion Questions


  1. What does "abiding" in Jesus look like practically? 

  2. What tends to disconnect you from Christ? 

  3. When have you experienced spiritual growth through simply staying close to Him? 

A phone battery can be powerful. But disconnected phones eventually die. Likewise, believers who disconnect from prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship often become spiritually drained. Spiritual life is not produced by striving harder.Spiritual life is produced by staying connected.

The Resurrection Made Following Possible

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because ofhis Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11

Jesus isn't merely a historical figure. He is alive. Present. Working. Leading. Transforming.

Discussion


  1. How does knowing Jesus is alive today change your perspective? 

  2. What difference does the resurrection make in everyday life? 

  3. How can resurrection hope help you face current challenges? 

Because Jesus lives:


  • We can have peace in chaos. 

  • We can have hope in disappointment. 

  • We can have restoration after failure. 

  • We can have purpose in ordinary life. 

Following Happens in Ordinary Life

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

John 21 isn't a mountaintop miracle story. It's breakfast. Conversation. Fishing. Ordinary life.

Discussion


  1. Why do we often separate spiritual life from everyday life? 

  2. Where do you most need to follow Jesus this week? 

  3. How can ordinary moments become opportunities for discipleship? 

Examples

Following Jesus may look like:


  • Being patient with difficult people 

  • Choosing honesty 

  • Extending forgiveness 

  • Spending time in prayer 

  • Trusting God when circumstances don't make sense 

Complete this sentence: "This week, following Jesus looks like __________."

Imagine walking into a dark room and flipping on the light. Everything changes. You can see. You can move. You can function. But the light wasn't intended for one moment. It was meant to stay on. The resurrection is not just an event to celebrate. It is a reality to live. The tomb is still empty, and Jesus is still calling:  "Follow Me."