Day One John 21:1-6
“Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ ‘We’ll come, too,’ they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, ‘Fellows, have you caught any fish?’ ‘No,’ they replied. 6 Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.” John 21:1-6 (NLT)
Discover
1. What does the word “later” indicate? When is this story taking place?
2. How many disciples get in the boat to go fish?
3. Why do you think the disciples follow the simple instructions of Jesus after an all-nighter of empty nets (see here for a time they may be remembering from their early days with Jesus)?
Respond
Imagine the feelings of dejection and failure these disciples were probably feeling in this moment. Their last three years seem to have been a waste of time, and now as they return to a familiar occupation, their nets have repeatedly come up empty. Can you identify? Working—casting your net—only to haul in nothing more than weeds? Where in your life might you be working without the divine guidance Jesus offers you? Have you been “fishing” in your own strength, relying on your gifts rather than the Giver of your gifts? Spend some time now confessing to Him the ways you may be doing that, asking Him to daily remind you to turn to Him for the strength, guidance, and wisdom you simply can’t conjure up on your own.
For Further Reading: How to Find Strength in the Strength of God
For Families with Kids at Home
Every time our kids fail, we have the opportunity to live out the gospel in how we respond. Our failure reminds us that failure doesn’t have the final word over our lives, forgiveness does. Remember this when your kids fail, and remind them that their failures don’t disqualify them from your or God’s love.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.