Randy Forrester: John - Fishing, Breakfast, and the Mission of Jesus

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

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Sermon Notes

Jesus gives his disciples responsibility and authority in his mission (John 20:21). John's epilogue (chapter 21) offers some important insights about participating in the mission through a fishing trip and breakfast on the beach.

1. If you try to accomplish the mission of Jesus in your own power, you will come up empty (represented by the disciples' unsuccessful all-night fishing trip).
2. Jesus is Lord of the mission, so listen to him (represented by the miraculous catch of fish at Jesus' direction).
3. The mission is sustained through fellowship with the living Lord (represented by the breakfast on the beach: encountering Jesus in a new way and being fed by him).

Sermon Application

Discussion Questions:

1. Review: What were some of the reasons Randy suggested that this fishing trip (though historical) is symbolizing mission?
2. Define God's mission.  What's included? Can your work be part of God's mission - why or why not?
3. How can we know if we're pursuing mission (variously defined) apart from Jesus? What might it look like to do mission connected to Jesus?
4. Can you think of a time when you listened for the Lord's instructions in mission, ministry, even work? What was the result?
5. What are practices that might help us see Jesus in new ways and receive spiritual nourishment from him?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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