John 21:1-14 | Food for Thought

Questions

• We’re not sure how long it was after his previous appearances that Jesus decided to show up while his disciples were fishing. Either way, he found them carrying on life “as normal” after he resurrected.

  • What do you think about the fact that the disciples were back to fishing? Does that make sense? Seem weird?

  • Considering that the disciples weren’t a “group” before Jesus brought them all together, is there anything to the fact that the disciples were still all together at this point?

• Despite not catching anything, Jesus knew exactly where they could catch more fish than they could imagine.

  • Why might Jesus think to reveal himself in this way? What about this interaction would make John realize who it was?

  • What do you make of Peter’s reaction?

  • Is there any significance to the fact that the net was so full of fish, even though the disciples were simply switching which side of the boat they were dropping the net from?

• While the disciples had been out catching no fish, Jesus had been on the beach, preparing a meal with fish that he (presumably) brought or caught himself.

  • How is this a little picture of what God is doing for us, around us, and in us - even while our attention is elsewhere?

  • Is there any significance in the fact that Jesus invited the disciples to bring the fish “they” caught (with his help!) to the breakfast, even though Jesus already had a meal prepared?

• John makes it a point to talk about how many fish there were, how heavy the net was, and the fact that the net didn’t break.

  • Why were these details important for John to include?

  • Is there any analogy to Jesus, the Fisher of Men, and his disciples - the ones he caught?