After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people. One of these times was to Peter and some other disciples who had spent an unproductive night fishing. Jesus directed them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous fish catch.

Jesus cooked breakfast for these followers on the beach and then provided Peter with a new opportunity to follow him and care for others in the future. Peter had previously denied Jesus, but now Jesus says to "feed my sheep".

Jesus can forgive us and help us do better when we sin.


Bible verses used in this episode:
John 21:1-17

Outline:

1. Fishing (John 21:1-3)
2. Great catch and breakfast (John 21:4-14)
3. Jesus talks to Peter (John 21:15-17)

Tips for teaching:

• Help children find the Sea of Galilee on Google Maps
• Serve children fish and bread.
• Children can make a craft involving one or more of the following: fish, campfire, sheep
• Discussion questions::
  • How much did you love Jesus when you first became a Christian?  How much do you love Jesus now?  Talk about some ways you show your love for Jesus now.
  • If Jesus came to you and asked, “Do you love me more than these” (‘more than your life or livelihood’), what would I say?  What would I do to show Jesus that I love him more than these?  
• Write a letter to Jesus with two parts: 
  • thank him for loving you to the very end and how his love makes you feel, and 
  • how you can “feed Jesus sheep” to demonstrate your love for Jesus.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Breakfast on the Shore 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org