Jesus and the 153 Fish: Try Again His Way

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're driving home from a weekend at the lake, eating toast at the kitchen table or hanging out in the backseat with your fishing hat still on. I'm Pastor Justin, and this is Carpooling with Jesus. Today we're talking about one of the most surprising and awesome miracles Jesus ever did, and it happened after he rose from the dead. It's got fishing, a huge surprise and something I think you'll never forget. Let's check out today's verse in John chapter 21, verse 11. So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore full of large fish, 153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Let me say it again. 153 big fish and the net didn't even break. Here's what happened. After Jesus rose from the dead, some of his disciples weren't sure what to do next, so they went back to what they knew. Fishing, they were out on the water all night, but they didn't catch anything. No fish, no dinner, no success. Then early in the morning, a man stood on the beach. They didn't know it was Jesus yet. And he called out to them, friends, you haven't caught anything, have you? Nope. Try the right side of the boat. And they did. Suddenly, boom, the net filled with fish, not just a few, but 153 large fish. And here's the wild part, the net didn't tear. They'd seen miracles before, but this one hit different. It was after the resurrection and Jesus was still showing up. That's when it hit them. That's Jesus. Peter jumps into the water to get to him faster. The others row the boat with the net and when they get there, Jesus is waiting on the beach. Not with a sermon, but with breakfast. He made them a fire, grilled some fish. He broke some bread. No spotlight, no speeches. There were no crowds. Just Jesus helping and providing and reminding them he's still with them. If Jesus were sitting with you right now, he'd probably say when things aren't working, don't quit. I'm right here and I know what you need. Those disciples worked hard all night and still came up empty. Then Jesus told them to try again just in a new way. Same boat, same net, different side, and suddenly everything changed. Let me tell you a quick story. One summer I was at the lake trying to skip rocks. I kept picking the wrong ones, too heavy, too oddly shaped. It just wasn't working. I was getting so frustrated. Then a guy nearby, an older fisherman came over to my mom and I and handed me a flat, smooth rock and said, try this. I did, and it skipped across the water like magic. That rock changed everything. I just needed the right direction, a little bit of help. I want you to remember this. When we listen to Jesus and try again his way, amazing things happen. What's something that hasn't worked for you lately? Maybe it's being kind to someone who's tough. Maybe it's trying to get along with a sibling or remembering to help around the house. Take time to ask Jesus, is there a new way I can try this again? You can even write it down, pray about it. Even if you're tired of trying, try again with Jesus. You never know what kind of miracle is waiting on the other side of the boat. Parents, if you love today's podcast, share with some parent friends so they can have faith-filled moments too. And remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Before you go answer this question together, what's something in your life that hasn't been working lately and what's one new way you can cast again with Jesus this week? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.