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Call to worship: Jeremiah 16:14-16

Text: John 21:1-14

Summary:

Summary: John records the fourth appearance of Jesus overall, third to His official disciples. Without judging the disciples of wrongdoing, John lets us know they have not yet realized the full import of Christ's resurrection for their day to day. Alas, at Peter's leading, seven of them go fishing, but they catch nothing. Jesus then reveals Himself. As the day breaks, Jesus asks about their non-catch and commands them to cast their net under the promise that they will find some. So many large fish fill the net that they can't reel in the haul. John then identifies the guide as Jesus. Peter throws himself into the sea to get to Jesus. The others follow in the boat. When they arrive, they find a meal prepared for them. Jesus enjoins them to add to the meal. Peter leads in this also, and John records the number of fish, and that the net, miraculously, had not been torn. Jesus' resurrection has altered His appearance, so that they know it's Him, but are filled with questions that they keep to themselves for the time being. Jesus acts as Host of the breakfast. His resurrection serves the continuance of apostolic Christianity. Apart from Him, who knows our times and places, they (and we) can do nothing. By Him, we may expect the help of Heaven in life and ministry.

Sermone Outline:

1. Jesus revealed in the apostles' catch. (21:1-8)

a. The apostles' fishing without Jesus. (21:1-3)

b. Jesus fishing for/with the apostles'. (21:4-6)

c. Identifying the Lord and getting to Him. (21:7-8)

2: 2: Jesus known in the Lord's breakfast. (21:9-14)

Prepare

Disucssion Questions:

1: Read John 21:1-14.

2: What does this text detail, according to 21:1? Are we to judge the disciples for going fishing? What time is it as they fish? Are they successful? At what time does Jesus appear? Are we to find that notable? If so, why so?

3: Why didn't they recognize Jesus? What is Jesus' first word to them? How is it a leading question? How does Jesus respond to their 'no'? What has Jesus known that the disciples didn't and couldn't? What promise does he make to their obedience? What's the object lesson for Christian ministry? What happens as they obey this unidentified man at shore?

4: What is John's response to this event? What factors contribute to this revelation for him? Consider Luke 5. Who is the one who dives into the sea? Why is he the only one who does this? Is any judgment to be cast here either way? In other words, are we to imitate Peter's passion, or the others' reserve (including John)? Yes or no, both or neither? Haha. Anything to note about Jesus' being there for us even when we don't recognize it at first?

5: What do they find as they arrive ashore? How has this come about? To whom does Jesus attribute this great catch of fish? How does this also speak to Christian ministry? What's the lesson in the details? Contrast what happens with the net here with Luke 5. If they know it's Jesus, why do they hesitate to ask if it's Jesus? Why would they even have to ask? Anything to see in His giving them the bread and fish? Consider John 6. How does John end the section? What is the main lesson in relation to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Why has Christianity endured?