Read: John 20:30-31 – John 21
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/videos/john-overview-explainer-streetlights-remix/
What Do We Do After the Resurrection?
We’ve celebrated the victory Jesus won over sin and death. We shouted with the crowds, “Hallelujah, what a Savior!” The tomb is empty. Hope has triumphed. But then—what comes next?
We return to our everyday world. Back to work, back to school, back to scrolling on our phones. We eat, we sleep (never enough), and we repeat the cycle all over again.
Letdowns are part of life. After the highs come the lows, the quiet, the mundane. Sometimes it feels like we slip back into the old routine with a dull ache in our hearts. We find ourselves asking, “Now what?” And often that question is accompanied by guilt, shame, or regret: I should have done more. I could have done better.
Jesus’ first followers knew this feeling. They had been there—at the Last Supper, in the garden, at the foot of the cross. They had seen the empty tomb. They had seen the risen Jesus. And still, they found themselves asking: Now what?
Jesus had told them so much. They had seen miracles, lives transformed, and glimpses of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world. But now, everything was changing again. Their first challenge was understanding that the Messiah wasn’t what they expected. Jesus was the Promised One, but not in the way they had imagined. He was the perfect, spotless Lamb of God, and His resurrection marked the beginning of something entirely new—a turning point in history.
In this time of waiting and wondering, the disciples did what was familiar: they went fishing. But they caught nothing. Then, a voice from the shore called out—playfully, knowingly—“Throw your nets on the other side.” Something about it stirred their memory. A miracle followed. A massive catch of fish. John whispered to Peter, “It’s the Lord.”
Impetuous Peter didn’t wait. He jumped in the water and swam to Jesus. On the shore, Jesus was already there—gentle, patient, preparing breakfast with fish and bread over a fire.
Then came a conversation. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Not once, but three times—perhaps echoing Peter’s three denials. Each time, Peter responded, and each time Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” At the end, Jesus simply said, “Follow me.”
That’s our invitation, too. In the middle of excitement, in seasons of adventure or boredom, in joy or guilt or exhaustion—Jesus comes to us. To redeem, restore, and resurrect.
And He says, again and again:
“Follow me.”
“Learn from me.”
“Feed my sheep, care for my lambs.”
“Go and make disciples.”
The resurrection isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning. So, now what?
We follow Him.
Pray: Thank you Jesus, the Resurrected King, for resurrecting me! Help me in my unbelief! Help me to cooperate with you as you are restoring and renewing me! Keep reminding me of who you are, and who I am in You!
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
- “Now what?” moments:
Why do you think it’s so common to return to the familiar when we’re unsure of what’s next—just like the disciples went back to fishing?
2. Peter’s Restoration:
In what ways do you see Jesus restoring Peter, rather than condemning him? How has Jesus done that for you?
3. The Call to Follow:
Jesus ends the conversation with Peter by saying, “Follow me.” What does following Jesus look like in your everyday life—work, school, relationships?
Are there areas in your life right now where Jesus might be calling you to deeper discipleship?
4. Feeding the Sheep:
What do you think Jesus meant by “Feed my sheep”? Who are the “sheep” in your life that you’ve been entrusted to care for, guide, or serve?
5. Resurrection Living:
In what ways can we live as resurrected people—bringing hope, light, and purpose into our ordinary routines?