The Main Idea

What do you do when life feels uncertain? When you’re in between what God has done and what He is going to do? That space can feel confusing, exhausting, and directionless. Many of us, like the disciples, return to the familiar. We go back to comfort, to distractions, or to our default settings. The resurrection is not the end; it’s the beginning of a new relationship with Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of life.

Scriptures

John 21: 1-14
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. ⁹ When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Questions for Discussion

• Icebreaker: When you’re having a tough day, what’s your “default” comfort activity (e.g., favorite show, food, music)? Why do you think you turn to that?
• Can you recall a moment in your life when you felt stuck or directionless? How did you respond to that season?
• Read John 21:1–14. Why do you think the disciples went back to fishing? What do you think this reveals about human nature and dealing with uncertainty?
• Jesus invites the disciples to bring their fish and have breakfast with Him. What might Jesus be inviting you to “bring” to Him in this season?
• How can our group help each other become more aware of Jesus’ presence—even when we feel disoriented or distant?

This week, when life feels foggy or you’re tempted to retreat into comfort zones, pause and ask yourself: “How am I really doing?” Listen for the voice of Jesus. He may be speaking in the mundane, calling you back to Him. Obeying His voice, even in small ways, can open your eyes to His presence. Bring what you have. He wants you at the fire.