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Index
Topic: The Miracles of Jesus
“Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’ And he said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” John 21:5-6
To teach that God has called us to live a life with purpose: to follow Jesus and to be fishers of men. This calling must be lived in obedience to the voice of the Lord, dependent on His direction.
Note: Teachers should read John 21:1 to 14 as they study the lesson.
Introduction
Adolescents, what do you do every day? (Listen to the answers) Many things, right? But is life just about studying, having fun, growing, choosing a profession, achieving things and making our own plans? No. God has called us to a life with purpose. And the question is: “What has been the purpose of your life?” And more: “Do you know what God’s purpose is for you and how you are going to fulfill that purpose?” That’s what we are going to see today.
Development
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called twelve disciples to be with Him. Some were fishermen, very simple men. Each one had his own way, but the Lord had a purpose for all of them. They would be prepared by Jesus for a great mission. After being resurrected, Jesus again appeared to his disciples near the Sea of Tiberias. That day Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, John, James, and two other disciples were gathered.
Peter said, “I am going fishing.” John 21:3a. The others answered, “We are going with you also.” John 21:3b. They spent the night fishing, and they knew very well how to fish. They knew how to use the boat. They knew how to cast the net. But that night they caught nothing (John 21:3).
Imagine: they spent the whole night working. They cast the net and nothing. They tried again and nothing. When morning came, Jesus appeared on the shore. Jesus asked, “Children, have you any food?” John 21:5a. They answered, “No.” And Jesus said, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” John 21:6a. They might think, “We know how to fish. We’ve tried all night.” But they didn’t. They obeyed. “So they cast, and they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” Jn 21:6b.
What a difference! The boat was the same. The net was the same. The fishermen were the same. But now they were following Jesus’ direction. Many fish came and they saw that it was Jesus who did it. The disciples went to the shore carrying the net full of fish. When they arrived, Jesus had already prepared something for them: “… they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.” John 21:9b. Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” John 21:10b.
Peter dragged the net to land: “… full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” John 21:11b. Then Jesus called to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” John 21:12a. Jesus took the bread and fish and gave it to them. What an experience those disciples had with Jesus!
What can we learn from this experience of the disciples? First, there was something these men needed to remember. When Jesus called those who were fishermen, he said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17. From that day on, they would have a much greater purpose in their lives: they would be fishers of men, reaching lives for the Kingdom of God. And Jesus also left us this mission: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'” Mark 16:15.
Adolescents, your lives have a purpose. You’re not in this world just to study, grow, choose a profession, work, have fun, have your own plans, and achieve things. Jesus called you to follow him and reach other lives. And you don’t have to wait to become an adult to live that purpose. You can start now. At school. In your family. Among friends. Wherever you are. There are people near you who need to know Jesus.
Now think about it: those disciples knew how to fish, they had experience, but they spent the whole night without catching anything. That empty net teaches us something: our skills are not enough to fulfill God’s purpose. We need the Lord’s direction. Jesus had already taught: “… for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5b. So, it is not enough to know the purpose. We need to fulfill it in the direction of the Lord.
The disciples listened to Jesus and obeyed. And that goes for our whole lives. Today you hear many things like, “Do what you want.” “Follow your heart.” But those who serve the Lord think differently: “My life has a purpose. And I want to live that purpose by listening to and obeying the Lord.”
Therefore, before making a decision, ask, “What does God’s Word say about this?” “Does this choice match God’s purpose for my life?” That’s what living with purpose is: not just living by doing what I want but putting my life at God’s disposal.
What about you? Are you willing to cast the net when the Lord gives you an opportunity? Next month we will have the Evangelism of Children, Intermediates and Adolescents. This will be an opportunity to put this teaching into practice. Think now about the people you know who need to know Jesus. Pray for these people. Ask God to prepare an opportunity and give you the courage and direction to invite them.
But don’t forget: the purpose doesn’t end with giving an invitation. To be a fisher of men is to be available to be used by the Lord wherever you are. Maybe tomorrow, at school, you will have an opportunity. Maybe it’ll be in your own family. Maybe it’ll be through a conversation with a friend. Our part is to listen, obey, and cast the net.
And you may think, “What am I going to say?” First, pray to God in Jesus’ name. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s direction. And when the opportunity comes, don’t let the shame or fear of being different keep you from obeying. Ask the Lord to give you boldness in the Holy Spirit.
And there is something wonderful about this story. After guiding the disciples in fishing, Jesus also fed them. We too need to remain close to the Lord, being fed by His Word and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. To speak about Jesus to others, we must first have our own experience with Him. A life with purpose is a life close to Jesus.
Conclusion
Now we know: God has called us to a life with purpose. Jesus has called us to follow Him and be fishers of men. And how are we going to fulfill that purpose? By listening to the Lord’s voice and obeying His Word. What about you? Are you going to live your own way or are you going to live God’s purpose for your life? Choose to live with purpose. Listen to the Lord, obey His Word, and let God use you to reach other lives! Pray in faith: “Lord, fulfill your purpose in my life and make me a fisher of men.”
Suggested Praises:
Question for Adolescents
Read John, chapter 21, verse 6, and answer: How must we fulfill the purpose to which Jesus called us? Answer: In dependence and obedience to his direction. “And he said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. So they cast, and they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.'” John 21:6.
