John 21:3-8 - “4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.” 

INTRO

Are you someone who always either loses things or misplaces things on a regular basis? There is nothing like not remembering where you put your phone or something valuable. What’s even worse is if you leave something at school or in a public place and have to rely on someone being honest and turning it in or rummaging through the lost and found bin they might have. Or what if you’ve misplaced yourself? Have you ever gotten lost at Walmart, the mall, or an amusement park? Not knowing where your parents are? What’s even worse is if you don’t have a cell phone signal or they’re not picking up the phone.

In this story Jesus has already resurrected and shown himself to the disciples, but instead of the disciples going out and becoming fishers of men they go back to fishing for fish. However, Jesus had a different plan. He found them, and not only found them he reestablished his call to Peter. Showing His love for the one who denied Him.

Transition Statement: There is nothing quite like losing something or being lost yourself. In today’s lesson we’re going to discover that even if we feel lost or like we’ve misplaced our faith that the reality is that Jesus has of making the lost found. 

Jesus Will Always Find You 

(John 21:3-8)

The first misconception about Jesus is that he can lose you and not find you, or that you can stray so far away that you would not be found.

The reality is this Jesus wants you to be found and He will always search and find you.

“12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14

Jesus Will Always Love You 

(John 21:15-17)

When Jesus finds us it’s not to shame us or guilt us. Jesus' love is perfect and full of grace and mercy.

Being lost or in sin does not change God’s love for you. What His love does do though is give you an opportunity to receive it just the way that you are, while inviting you to also to share that same love with others.

“8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” Romans 5:8-10

Jesus Will Always Do More 

(John 21:25)

Jesus is always in the business of doing more than what can be written down on paper. Think of all the times you’ve made it through a tough day, situation, or season. 

From little things to big things Jesus has a way of finding us and restoring our faith.

“20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20

CONCLUSION

You might be finding yourself in a situation where you feel like you're lost and far from God, or you feel like you lost your purpose and faith in the future God has for you. The reality is this, Jesus can and will always find you, He’ll always love you, and He won’t only restore you, He’ll do much more than you might think or imagine. All that is required of you is to receive Him when He arrives. “38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Bgroup Questions

1. What makes you feel lost or distant from God?
2. How have you seen God find you or restore your faith again?
3. What are some good reminders that God isn’t far from you?

TAKE ACTION: This week write down these verses or some other verses that remind you of God’s love for you and His willingness to always find you where you are. Share these with your Squad leader and a friend this week.

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