A Miracle that Misses the Point?
1. Discussion Questions (for groups or personal reflection)
Why do you think people are so drawn to success stories and prosperity? How can that shape the way we read miracles in the Bible?
Peter obeyed Jesus’ word even when it didn’t make sense. Where is Jesus asking you to trust His word over your own instincts or experience?
How do you respond when you see your sin in the light of Jesus’ holiness — with fear, avoidance, or confession?
Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching people.” What does this calling look like for you today?
What “nets” or “boats” might Jesus be asking you to leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?
2. Daily Devotionals for Adults (Mon–Sat)
Each with Scripture, reflection, and prayer.
Monday – Empty Nets
Read: Luke 5:1–3
Reflect: Where in life do you feel like you’ve “fished all night and caught nothing”? Jesus meets us in our emptiness. He often teaches before He provides.
Pray: Lord, meet me in my emptiness today and fill me first with Your Word.
Tuesday – At Your Word
Read: Luke 5:4–7
Reflect: Peter obeyed “at Your word.” Faith begins where our understanding ends. Where do you need to trust Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense?
Pray: Jesus, help me to obey Your word even when I can’t see the outcome.
Wednesday – Depart from Me
Read: Luke 5:8
Reflect: Peter’s first response to the miracle wasn’t joy, but awareness of sin. Have you ever felt unworthy before God? That humility is the soil where grace grows.
Pray: Holy God, expose my sin so that I may confess it and cling to Christ.
Thursday – Do Not Be Afraid
Read: Luke 5:9–10a
Reflect: Jesus replaces fear with calling. His holiness exposes, but His grace invites. Where is fear keeping you from trusting Him?
Pray: Lord, replace my fear with faith in Your call.
Friday – Catching People
Read: Luke 5:10b
Reflect: The miracle points to mission—fishing for people. Who is in your life right now who needs to be caught by the gospel net?
Pray: Jesus, give me courage to share Your good news this week.
Saturday – Leaving Everything
Read: Luke 5:11
Reflect: The disciples left the greatest catch of their lives to follow Jesus. What are you clinging to that He is asking you to release?
Pray: Lord, help me lay down every “net” so I can follow You freely.
3. Children’s Devotionals & Activities (Mon–Sat)
(Use simple retellings, short prayers, and hands-on activities.)
Monday – Jesus Teaches from the Boat
Read: Luke 5:1–3
Talk: Jesus taught the people about God. He wants to teach us too.
Activity: Pretend you’re in a boat—sit on the floor, row with your arms, and say, “Jesus teaches me!”
Pray: Jesus, help me listen to Your words.
Tuesday – The Big Catch
Read: Luke 5:4–7
Talk: Peter obeyed Jesus and caught so many fish!
Activity: Draw a net full of fish. Write people’s names in the fish you can pray for.
Pray: Jesus, help me obey You.
Wednesday – Peter Sees His Sin
Read: Luke 5:8
Talk: Peter saw Jesus’ power and felt small. But Jesus still loved him!
Activity: Use a mirror. Say, “Jesus loves me even when I do wrong.”
Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for loving me.
Thursday – Do Not Be Afraid
Read: Luke 5:9–10a
Talk: Jesus told Peter not to be afraid. Jesus is strong and kind.
Activity: Make a “Do Not Be Afraid” sign and put it by your bed.
Pray: Jesus, help me trust You when I am scared.
Friday – Fish for People
Read: Luke 5:10b
Talk: Jesus said, “You will catch people.” That means telling others about Him.
Activity: Make a paper fish, write “Jesus loves you” on it, and give it to someone.
Pray: Jesus, help me tell my friends about You.
Saturday – Leaving Everything
Read: Luke 5:11
Talk: The disciples left their nets to follow Jesus.
Activity: Clean out a toy box or drawer. Pick something to give away to bless someone else.
Pray: Jesus, help me love You more than things.
4. Youth Devotionals (Mon–Sat)
(Connect with identity, purpose, and surrender.)
Monday – The Empty Night
Read: Luke 5:1–5
Reflect: Where are you feeling empty, like Peter after a night with no fish? Jesus steps into our emptiness.
Challenge: Journal one place you need Jesus to show up.
Tuesday – At His Word
Read: Luke 5:6–7
Reflect: Obedience to Jesus’ word led to abundance. Where is God asking you to obey even when you don’t understand?
Challenge: Take one small step of obedience today (apology, prayer, Scripture).
Wednesday – Seeing Myself Honestly
Read: Luke 5:8
Reflect: Peter saw his sin in Jesus’ light. Where is God exposing weakness in you—not to shame you, but to heal you?
Challenge: Confess one sin to God in prayer today.
Thursday – From Fear to Faith
Read: Luke 5:9–10a
Reflect: Fear often holds us back—fear of failing, of standing out, of not being enough. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.”
Challenge: Write down one fear and surrender it to Jesus.
Friday – A New Mission
Read: Luke 5:10b
Reflect: Jesus gave Peter a new purpose. What might God be calling you to do for Him in your school, friend group, or community?
Challenge: Text a friend and encourage them with a Bible verse.
Saturday – Leaving Nets Behind
Read: Luke 5:11
Reflect: The disciples left everything to follow Jesus. What “nets” might you need to leave—habits, approval, distractions?
Challenge: Give up one distraction for the day and spend that time with Jesus.