GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Sometimes we give our all and still feel like the nets are coming up empty. But Jesus shows up, invites us to listen again, and calls us to cast the net where we hadn’t thought to try. When we follow his lead—especially in unfamiliar ways—we experience power, joy, and real impact. And in the end, he’s not just after the tasks… he’s after relationship with us.
Main Points:
Fishing is central to the mission of the Kingdom.
When we fish in our own strength, our efforts are exhausting and unfruitful.
When we fish with Jesus, we experience power, joy, and lasting impact.
Effective fishing often requires trying new things in new places.
The key is staying close to Jesus, listening to his voice, and obeying him.
On-Ramps:
How deeply do we long to see others come to know Jesus?
Where are we pouring in effort but seeing little fruit?
Where might Jesus be inviting us to step out or try something new?
Is staying close to Jesus truly our deepest desire—or has something else taken that place?
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
In John 21, the disciples fished all night and caught nothing—until Jesus showed up and revealed that He was already at work. Can you think of a time when your own efforts didn’t turn out the way you hoped, but later you realized God was doing something bigger behind the scenes? How can we learn to trust that God is working, even when we can’t see immediate results?
In 1 Peter 3:15, we’re told to always be ready to explain the hope we have in Christ. What might that kind of preparation look like for a disciple of Jesus? How do you think Peter may have come to understand this through his experience with Jesus in the miracle of the great catch of fish?
Jeremy shared a story about a fishing rod that sat unused because no one felt equipped to use it. When it comes to “spiritual fishing”—inviting others to know Jesus—what part of that do you most often feel unprepared or uncertain about? What might help you grow more confident or ready in that area?
Where do you sense Jesus is already at work, and how might He be inviting you to join Him there?
In today’s passage, Jesus invites the disciples to bring what they have and share a simple meal with Him. What does this moment show you about how Jesus meets people? What is one way you personally could create space for someone to experience Jesus—through a simple act of invitation, presence, or hospitality?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Spend 5 minutes in listening prayer as a group, specifically asking the Lord to speak to each of you around who he is opening the door for you to introduce to Jesus.
Next week: John 21:15-25
