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Index
Topic: The Miracles of Jesus
“Then 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
The goal is to teach that God has called us to live a life with purpose: to follow Jesus and to be fishers of men, fulfilling this calling in obedience to the voice of the Lord.
Note: Teachers should read John 21:1 to 14 as they study the lesson.
Introduction
Intermediates, what do you do during the day? (Listen to the answers) You go to school, play, study, hang out with family, talk to friends… So many things! But are our lives only about doing all this? No! God has a purpose for our lives. And today we will find out: What is that purpose? And how can we fulfill it? Jesus taught this to His disciples through a miraculous catch of fish.
Development
When Jesus began His ministry, He called twelve disciples to be with Him. Some of them were fishermen. But Jesus had a much greater purpose for the lives of these men. They would learn from the Lord and be prepared for a great mission.
After being resurrected, Jesus appeared again 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. And the others answered, “We are going with you also.” John 21:3b. They got into the boat and spent the night fishing. Some of them knew the work very well. They knew how to use the boat and cast the net.
But do you know what happened? “… and that night they caught nothing.” John 21:3b. Imagine! They worked all night and could not catch any fish. When morning came, Jesus appeared on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Him. Jesus asked, “Children, have you any food?” John 21:5a. They answered, “No.” And Jesus said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” John 21:6a.
What did they do? They obeyed! “So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” John 21:6b. What a difference! The boat was the same. The net was the same. But now the disciples were following Jesus’ direction. So many fish came that John recognized, “It is the Lord.” John 21:7a. The disciples went to shore carrying the net full of fish.
When they arrived, Jesus had already prepared food: “… 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 them, “Come and eat breakfast.” John 21:12a. Jesus gave the disciples bread and fish. What a wonderful experience they had with the Lord!
Now let’s understand what this experience of the disciples teaches us. When Jesus called some of those disciples who were fishermen, he said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17. They knew how to catch fish, but Jesus had a much greater purpose for them: to reach 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.
Intermediates, your lives also have a purpose. You don’t have to wait to grow up to talk about Jesus. You can start now!
It could be with a classmate, a neighbor, a family member, or a friend who doesn’t know Jesus yet. Maybe there is a friend in your class who is sad. You might say that Jesus loves them. Maybe a friend has never been to the Sunday Bible School. You can invite them. Maybe someone asks you why you like going to church. This might be an opportunity to talk about Jesus. That is what being a fisher of men is.
But that catch of fish teaches us something very important: we don’t do God’s work in our own way. We need the Lord’s direction. The disciples knew how to catch fish, but they spent the night getting nothing. When they listened to Jesus and obeyed, everything changed. Jesus had already taught, “… for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5b.
Therefore, before talking to someone about Jesus, we can pray: “Lord, show me the right time. Help me to talk about Jesus.” And this is also true for other decisions in our lives.
Sometimes a friend may call you to do something wrong and say, “Everyone does it!” But those who serve the Lord think, “What does God’s Word teach? Does it please the Lord?” To live with purpose is to choose to obey God.
Next month we will have the Evangelism of Children, Intermediates and Adolescents. Think about the people you would like to invite. Pray for them now. Ask God for courage and an opportunity to make the invitation. But being a fisher of men does not happen only on the day of the evangelism. We can talk about Jesus every day, wherever we are. Our part is to listen, obey and cast the net.
And there is still something very beautiful about this story. After guiding the disciples in fishing, Jesus also fed them. We too need to remain close to the Lord, learning His Word, praying, and seeking God. A life with purpose is a life close to Jesus.
Conclusion
Intermediates, now we know: God has a purpose for our lives. Jesus called us to follow him and to be fishers of men, speaking of Him to other people.
And how are we going to fulfill that purpose? By listening to the Lord and obeying His Word. So choose to live with purpose! Obey the Lord and be ready to talk about Jesus when you have an opportunity. Pray in faith: “Lord, fulfill your purpose in my life and make me a fisher of men.” Jesus can use you to reach other lives!
Suggested Praises:
Question for Intermediates
Read Mark chapter 1, verse 17, and answer: What is the purpose to which Jesus called us? Answer: Jesus called us to be fishers of men. “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17.
