Discussion Questions

The Dangers of Distance
Luke 22:54–62

  1. Unmet Expectations and Following at a Distance
    The sermon describes how Peter’s bold promises (like in Luke 22:33) crumbled when his expectations of Jesus as a triumphant king were shattered, leading him to follow “at a distance” (Luke 22:54). Share a time when your own expectations of God—of how life, ministry, relationships, or prayers “should” turn out—were unmet. How did that disappointment affect your closeness to Jesus? Did it cause you to pull back for “safety,” even subtly, like Peter did?
  2. The Progression of Drift
    Peter’s story shows a clear slide: following at a distance, lingering/warming himself by the wrong fire, sitting among the wrong company, escalating denials and compromise. The sermon connects this to Psalm 1’s warning about walking, standing, and sitting with the wrong influences. Where in your life right now do you see a similar progression beginning—perhaps in habits, relationships, media consumption, or conversations that pull you away from full surrender? What small step of “distance” might be the starting point, and how can the group help one another press in to God instead?
  3. Jesus’ Gracious Pursuit in Our Failure
    Despite Peter’s denial, Jesus turned and looked at him (Luke 22:61), leading to bitter weeping and eventual restoration (seen in John 21 with the charcoal fire, three questions of love, and recommissioning). The sermon highlights how Jesus pursues us in mercy, not condemnation—even in our lowest moments, as He did with Elijah too (1 Kings 19). How does this truth about Jesus’ gaze and pursuit change the way you view your own past failures or current struggles with disappointment? In what ways have you experienced (or longed for) His restoration from distance back to dependence and delight?
  4. From Distance to Dependence and Delight
    The sermon concludes that true security comes not from met expectations or self-reliance, but from depending fully on God alone (Psalm 62:5–6) and delighting in Him, even when following closely costs something. Peter’s story ends with renewed fruitfulness after humility and restoration. What practical step could you take this week to move closer to Jesus instead of at a distance—perhaps in honest prayer about disappointments, choosing better company, or recommitting to His Word? How can depending on Him more fully help you avoid the “dangers of distance” in your daily life?