Apr. 18, 2010 Curr. w. notes

Sermon Based Curriculum

Sermon Date: April 18, 2010

Sermon Title: Fishing for More

Sermon Text: John 21:1-14

Small Group Text: John 21:1-14 & Mathew 4:18-22

Introduction

When have you worked hard at something but for all your effort still saw no productivity? In John 21:1-14, we see the followers of Jesus attempting to do what seems to be natural for them – in fact, it was their job. But for all of their efforts, they came up empty. Jesus uses this occasion to teach an important lesson: To accomplish the work of the Church, success cannot occur without the power of God added to the mix of human effort.

Discussion

Read John 21:1-14 1. Where does this story take place? Sea of Galilee. In what familiar activity are the disciples engaged (21:2-3)? They are professional fishermen.

2. To make the point that their work would be more productive under His power and authority, what directive does Jesus give the fishermen? 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 John 21:6.

3. Now, read Mathew 4:18-22. In what ways is John 21:1-14 a symbolic picture of what Jesus wants to teach us about “fishing for men?”

People are inclined to think they can accomplish great things all by themselves.

Even the Christian church can assume as much. We begin to rely upon our own strategies and ingenuity, our knowledgebase and hard work. It’s not until we experience failure in an area assumed to be a strength that we begin to direct our eyes and attention heavenward toward the One who can change failure into marvelous accomplishment.

4. Whether Jesus causes the fish to be there on right side of the boat or whether Jesus knows the fish are there, what is one undeniable fact about how these “fishermen” are able to catch so many fish this particular morning? It became apparent that the power of the risen Christ is necessary for the work of catching fish. Jesus is at work and those closest to Him (like John and Peter) recognize this fact.

5. Read again, John 21:9-14. Even though Jesus has already prepared a full breakfast of bread and charbroiled fish for his disciples, what does he invite them to do with the fish they have caught (v. 10)?

Jesus invites the disciples to bring the fish they have caught and add it to what he has already provided.

6. Obviously, Jesus doesn’t “need” the fruit of their labor. Why, then, does he invite them to add their efforts to what He has already accomplished? God chooses to invite His disciples into the story of redemption – to His honor and glory. He has called His church to the privilege of being co-laborers with Him. It is interesting to note the mix of Christ’s divine power and the disciples’ human effort throughout the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Reference the feeding of the five thousand in John 6.

Application

1. Just as these earlier disciples were engaged in their everyday activity when they encountered Jesus, what can you do this week to stay alert and listen for the voice of God in your everyday life?

2. God is in the business of redeeming this lost world back to Himself and He has invited you (and His church) to co-laborer with Him. In what way(s) are you “fishing for men” to connect them to Christ and eternity?

3. Can you think of one person you regularly encounter who needs to know the message of salvation through Jesus Christ?

4. Just as these fishermen came to understand the importance of Christ’s presence and direction in the performance of their task, name two things you can do this week to demonstrate your reliance upon Christ as you “go fishing for men?”

Sermon-Based Curriculum