Discussion Topic: The Frustrated Fisherman

Jesus Speaks to the Problem of Limited Vision

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Mission Talk

Each week you’ll spend some time sharing about the previous week’s mission. What was your mission, what were your results, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read Luke 5:1-11

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

A Sense of Need – verses 1-3

• Where was Jesus as this story unfolds?
• Who all was there with him?
• What was Jesus doing at this time?
• What were the people doing?
• How many boats were there, and who did they belong to?
• What were the fishermen doing, and why?
• Why did Jesus go into a boat?
• Why would Jesus want to push out a little ways from the shore?
• Was this request convenient for Peter, or an intrusion?
• How long had they already been fishing, and what time of day was it now?
• Was their fishing trip a success or a failure?
• What mood might the fishermen have been in?
• As Jesus taught now from the boat, who all was hearing him?
• It’s interesting that Jesus would use Peter’s failure as a pulpit to preach from. Share an experience where Jesus stepped into your trouble to speak to you.
• Why do you think Jesus comes to us in our time of trouble or failure?

A Challenge to Obedience – verses 4-5

• When Jesus finished speaking, what did he tell Simon to do, and why?
• Jesus gave Peter both a command and a promise. What would happen if he pushed out?
• How does God use promises to encourage our obedience?
• What was Peter’s first reaction to this request?
• What are some reasons Peter could have been skeptical?
• Would Jesus’ request to go deeper have felt foolish without the promise? Why?
• What would have happened if Peter had hesitated, or disobeyed?
• Why did Peter decide to obey?
• Share a time when you were hesitant to step out in faith, but your heart said, “nevertheless, at thy word!”
• What was Peter’s role in the miracle of the fish? What did he have to do?
• What are some things we might have to do in order to experience our miracle, breakthrough, etc.?

A Demonstration of Divine Power – verses 6-7

• What happened when they let down their nets?
• What happened to the nets?
• Why didn’t they catch these fish just an hour before when they were on the water? What influence did Jesus have over these fish?
• Could Peter’s boat handle all the catch? What did he do?
• What might this tell us about how we should handle God’s blessings in our lives?
• Was this the right time of day to catch fish? When is the right time for a miracle?
• Sometimes God allows us to fail so we can see what can happen with His help. Can you share a similiar time when God did this in your life?

Confession of Inadequacy – verses 8-9

• What was Peter’s response when he realized he was witnessing a miracle?
• When is the last time you felt overwhelmed by the power and presence of God?
• Do you ever get more amazed by the blessing than you are by the Blesser? What should we do when this happens?
• Do you think Peter had ever seen a catch this big before?
• Why did Peter say, “Go away from me?”
• What should our comparison between ourselves and God cause us to do or feel?

A Call to Personal Commitment – verses 10-11

• Who else was with Peter at this experience? What was their response?
• What two things did Jesus reply to Simon Peter?
• God can use a person who recognizes and confesses their need for him. In what way do you think God could use you?
• What happens if we try to hide our weaknesses from God?
• When Jesus called Peter, he would still be a fisherman, just with a different purpose. What can God do wtih your current occupation to advance his purpose?
• When the disciples followed Jesus, what did they leave behind?
• What might you need to leave behind in order to fully follow Him?

Mission

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

• Lord, this week I will accept my calling to fish for mankind by________________________________.
• Lord, this week I will invite my neighbor/coworker/family member to church.
• Lord, this week I will commit to pushing out deeper into your Word by reading the Bible every day.
• Even better, write your own!

Next Week’s Scriptures

The Miserable Millionaire: Christ Speak to the Problem of Misplaced Priorities – Matthew 19:16-26