Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 21:1-14), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [3-6] The disciples’ night of fishing (for the “night” theme in John, see 3:2; 9:4; 11:10; 13:30) signifies the fruitlessness of life apart from Christ (15:5). Is life with Christ a guarantee of something like a literal “big catch of fish”—that you’ll never go hungry or that you’ll always succeed in business? Why or why not?

• [6] “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some [fish].” An expert fisherman probably wouldn’t think much of this advice. “Experts” on life (i.e., those with worldly wisdom) often can’t see much value in God’s Word, either. Why is that? Can you think of some examples where God’s wisdom/instructions for spiritual life doesn’t make sense to you or others? What do you think should be done about that?

• [6, 10-11] In this event John sees a sign of the Lord’s equipping of his people to participate in his own international mission, to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17; Luke 5:10). It is a miracle that so many people will come into the church from the nations (the fish swelling the nets), and it is a miracle that Jesus can use people like us to bring them in (Peter hauling the fish to Jesus). Both miracles take place at Jesus’ command. Do you believe that Jesus is growing his church through the likes of people like you? Are you excited by the idea of participating in his fishing expedition? How can you participate?

• [1, 7, 14] Jesus reveals himself to his people for deeper relationship as they follow his lead and join him in his work. Do you engage in evangelistic mission work or church ministry in order to grow in your knowledge of Christ? What are some other reasons (whether good or bad) you might engage in such work?

• [4, 12-13] (Read Luke 24:13-32) Lack of recognition of Jesus—by his friends who ought to be able to identify him—is a common theme in post-Resurrection accounts in the Gospels. Usually his disciples don’t recognize him until he speaks to them and/or breaks bread with them, which is an assurance that we can in fact know him truly through his Word and Sacrament (the Lord’s Supper), even though we haven’t seen him. Do you value his Word and Sacrament as the primary means by which he makes himself known to you in grace? How might they have become priorities in your life? Why do you need these means of grace?