“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Peter was a fisherman. He knew the times and the places that fish could be caught. So it wasn’t a coincidence that he and the other disciples fished when and where they did. However, a long night of fishing had produced nothing. They likely were about to give up on catching anything when Jesus called out from shore and told them they’d find fish on the other side of the boat.
They probably laughed at the suggestion! But for some reason—maybe something in them wondered if the lone figure on the shore could be Jesus—they obeyed what the man said. And the passage tells us what happened!
Suddenly Peter’s priorities changed; he knew it was Jesus who had spoken to them from the shore. Peter was more excited about seeing Jesus than about bringing in the huge catch of fish that they’d hoped for all night! As Peter swam to the shore, the other disciples dragged in the net full of fish.
The miraculous catch of fish revealed Jesus to Peter. As you go through this story with your students, they can begin to learn who Jesus really is and how his divine power can help them day by day.
Bible Story
Miraculous Catch of Fish – John 21:1-13
Open your Bible so children can see you “reading” God’s Word. Show them your Bible and the words to they know what you’re saying is coming from God’s Word. Use Tell the Story idea below.
“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
After rising from the dead and appearing to some of His followers, Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Peter, Thomas, Nathanael , James and John, and two other disciples were there.
Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you." They went out and got into the boat. That night they caught no fish. When the morning came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know Him. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" The disciples answered, "No."
Jesus said to them, "Let your net down on the other side of the boat, and you will find some fish." The disciples cast out their nets again. Immediately the nets were so filled with fish that the disciples couldn’t even pull them into the boat.
John said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Peter heard that it was Jesus, he jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat (for they were not far from land), dragging the net with fish.
Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." Peter helped drag the net to land. It was full of 153 large fish. Even though there were so many fish, the net was not broken!
Jesus said to the disciples, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?" because they knew now that He was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and fish and gave it to them. This was now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. He was proving to everyone that He was God and had conquered death.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Peter, "Simon Peter, do you love Me more than these others?" Peter said to Jesus, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to Peter again a second time, "Simon Peter, do you love Me?"
Peter said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Then tend My sheep."
Then Jesus said to Peter the third time, "Simon Peter, do you love Me?" Peter was sad because Jesus had asked him three times, "Do you love Me?" Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Then feed My sheep.
God’s Word In My Heart Read this passage from your Bible. Ask students to locate it in a Bible too. Help them learn this verse.
“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Miraculous Catch of Fish Game Materials Sheet or large piece of fabric to act as the “net.” Bucket filled with balls Bible to read & tell today’s Bible lesson John 21:1-19
Explain to students that they are going to help retell today’s Bible lesson, using the sheet as a net to catch fish. Use chairs set up like a boat. The fish will be the balls.
Tell how the disciples fished and fished all night but didn’t catch anything. Pretend to dump the fish several times before actually dumping them, Jesus told the fishermen to drop their nets on the other side of the boat. Dump balls on floor. Make sure students work together to capture all the fish in the net.
Closing Activity
Dear God, Thanks for sending Jesus to be my Savior and Friend. Amen.
Blessing:May God, who is all around you, Beginning at the bottom of the circle, slowly pour his love upon you.make a large circle with your hands. Finish by bringing your hands down and wiggling the fingers to resemble rain.) And Jesus, his life a sacrifice,Slowly make a large sign of the cross. Then walk right there beside you.move your hands out to the sides. And may God’s Holy Spirit, Cross your hands over the heart. the one who lives inside you, keep you strong, Move to a “strong man” position. Then comfort, lead and guide you!cross your arms with the hands on corresponding upper arms to communicate comfort. Bring one hand forward with “lead” and the other with “guide” to complete the blessing.)
