Authority Affirmed
Posted by Karah
PAUSE
Gather your Bible, journal, and pen. Find a quiet place and relax, preparing your heart and mind to spend time in God’s Word.
The first time the disciples obeyed Jesus and caught an abundance of fish was at the beginning of His earthly ministry. Today’s story is similar, but occurred after Jesus’ resurrection.
“’Cast the net on the right side of the boat,’ He told them, ‘and you’ll find some.’ So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. —John 21:6
Read John 21:1-14 in your Bible. Consider these questions:
• How does this story connect to the miracle in Luke 5:1-11? Jot down a few ideas in your journal.
Luke 5:1-11 John 21:1-14
Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples for a third time through this miracle, which was similar to the one He performed when He called Peter and John to be His disciples.
• Notice John and Peter’s reactions in verse seven. Why is this important? Explain.
• When they arrived on shore and sat down to eat breakfast with Jesus, the disciples didn’t have any doubts about who He was. Would you respond the same way? Why or why not?
RESPOND
Each of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances proved the truth of His resurrection, showed that He defeated death, and taught the disciples their mission and emboldened them to do as He commanded. It is also important to note the significance of these events for us today—He is still alive and we have the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him.
• Think about the first time you heard that Jesus died for your sins. Do you still look at His sacrifice the same way? Why or why not? Record your response in your journal.
• Take a minute and meditate on Jesus’ patience with us and His desire to use us as a part of His plan. How do you see His patience? How do you know He wants you to be a part of His plan? Journal your thoughts.
• For further study on Jesus’ authority, read Ephesians 1:18-23.
BEHIND THE STORY
Today’s Scripture explains the disciples’ third encounter with their risen Lord. Jesus called to His disciples using the word paidia, which the HCSB translates as “men” (v. 5), but is most commonly used as a term of endearment, which indicates the same type of intimacy as between a parent and child.¹
THE POINT
Jesus proved that even death did not diminish His authority.
¹Holman Christian Standard Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2010). Acessed via mystudybible.com.
Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. @ 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions