“I Am Going Fishing”
Seeking Jesus First - August 27, 2026
“I Am Going Fishing”
Please Read John 21:1–14 (NKJV)
Reflection
After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias… Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.
But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was 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.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” … Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” … This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
After the resurrection, the disciples returned to what they knew. Peter said, “I am going fishing,” and the others went with him. They labored all night and caught nothing. At daybreak Jesus stood on the shore, unrecognized at first, and asked if they had any food. Then He spoke a word: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat.” Obedience to that word brought more than they could handle.
Recognition came next. The beloved disciple said, “It is the Lord!” Peter plunged into the water to get to Jesus. When they reached the shore, breakfast was already prepared. The risen Lord had not only given them a catch — He had made a place of fellowship for them. After failure, after confusion, after a fruitless night, Jesus met them with provision and invitation: “Come and eat breakfast.”
Application
Today, notice where you have gone back to familiar effort and come up empty. The risen Jesus still stands on the shore and speaks a word.
Renew your mind with this truth: Fruitfulness comes from hearing and obeying His word, not from returning to old patterns in our own strength. When He is recognized, He also provides. Come to the place He has already prepared. Fellowship with Him after failure is not withheld — it is offered.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus met His disciples after a fruitless night and filled their net by His word. Thank You that He prepared breakfast and called them to come and eat. Meet us in the places where our own effort has produced nothing. Speak Your word. Open our eyes to recognize You. Draw us into fellowship with the risen Lord. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.