GOD MATH: A Family DevotionalSample

1 Net + Jesus

When fishermen lower their nets, what are they looking for?

Octopus?

An old boot?

A sunken ship?

Some of Jesus’ disciples started out as fishermen. After Jesus died and came back to life, his disciples didn’t know what to do with themselves. They had seen him twice but he hadn’t stuck around, so their job as disciples was over. How disappointing. Instead of sitting beside a new king in his kingdom as they had expected, they went back to being fishermen.

Except, the whole fishing thing didn’t work out very well for them. Just like the first time they met Jesus (Luke 5), they went out all night and didn’t catch anything. How frustrating! With no Jesus to follow around and no fish in their nets, these fishermen-turned-disciples had empty nets and empty hearts. One net plus fishermen equaled…nothing.

Then, just like the first time, Jesus appeared and told them to throw their nets again. And just like the first time, their nets were immediately full of fish! God doesn’t need much in order to work a miracle. In this case, he just needed some friends who were willing to trust him again.

And just like that, the fishermen-turned-disciples had full nets and full hearts once again.

1 Net + Jesus = 153 Fish

Conversation Starter:

Brainstorm another God Math equation for this story!

Can you think of a time you’ve felt really disappointed?

Prayer prompt:

Ask God where he was in that moment of deep disappointment. Are you willing to trust him again?