John 2:11-19
Lead in: The Risen Christ had a way of surprising people with his unexpected presence. He surprised the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples recognized Christ at table in the breaking of the bread. And then in a flash, he was gone. The Risen Christ came through locked doors. “Peace be with you”, he said, and then he was gone. And on the shore that day, the Risen Christ stood before the disciples in their boat. He yelled to them, “Try on the other side.” And suddenly their nets were full.
Prompt: When has Christ surprised you with his unexpected presence, reminding you that Christ is still at work in the world today?
Lead in: The Book of Revelation was written around 95 AD. The Roman emperor at that time ordered his subjects to worship him as a god. When Christians resisted, they were persecuted.
The Book of Revelation was written to encourage them.
Prompt: When you’ve come on hard times, who has been there to encourage you? What words of scripture do you draw encouragement from?
Lead in: After fishing all night, the disciples had caught nothing. We can focus our entire life on the pursuit of happiness. Yet, like the disciples who fished all night, in the end, we come up with nothing.
Prompt: Was there ever a time in your life when you caught yourself chasing after happiness, but despite your best efforts, you came up with nothing, feeling unfulfilled and more restless than ever? If so, share that story with God and a trusted friend.
Lead in: Knowing that the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing, a stranger on the shore (Jesus, incognito) gives an unsolicited bit of advice, “Try the other side.” The way we’re approaching something isn’t working so the Spirit nudges us to “try the other side.”
Prompt: Reflect on a time when the Spirit nudged you to “try the other side.” How did you respond? Were you surprised by what happened?
Lead in: Peter stood at a charcoal fire in the courtyard the night he denied Jesus three times. Now Peter stands at another charcoal fire. After the great catch of fish, on the beach at the fire standing with Peter is Jesus. As Peter three times denied Jesus, Peter now three times affirms his love for Jesus. Healed and forgiven, Peter’s life is turned around.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when, like Peter, the pain of a failure helped you turn your life around so you could become more the person you want to be.
