I Can See Clearly Now – Family Devotion – May 6, 2022

Read: John 21:1-14

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
John 21:4

I Can See Clearly Now

 

Family Devotion – May 6, 2022

Devotion based on John 21:4

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine this: You are going about your daily business, and in walks Jesus. You’re at the kitchen table. Or with friends for lunch. Or in your room playing with your toys. And suddenly, Jesus is standing there!

Not long after Easter, some of Jesus’ disciples were in their fishing boat fishing. But they weren’t catching anything. They weren’t expecting to see Jesus either. In fact, they didn’t even recognize him at first. He was there, but maybe it was hard to see him through the mist. Or maybe Jesus did not want to be recognized until after the fish were caught.

Yet he was with them, blessing their work. Their fishing was wildly successful that morning.

Jesus is with us as we go about our work, too. It may be difficult to see him because we think of him as seated far away at the right hand of God where he rules over all things. We can’t see him, so is he really here with us? Whenever we ask that question, remember what Jesus told his disciples on the night before he went to the cross: “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me” (John 14:19). His disciples would always see him through the eyes of faith. They would see him when they remembered his teachings and lived their lives with Jesus’ words ringing in their ears.

When they heard his voice on the shore that morning, instructing them, they followed his direction to “throw your net on the right side of the boat.” And wow! A huge haul of fish! Suddenly, they realized something. Clearly, only Jesus could do such a thing! That’s when they recognized him.

The best way to see Jesus is through the eyes of faith. The Holy Spirit helps us see Jesus and know that he is with us. No matter how dark the night or misty the morning, no matter how frustrating our days, no matter what we are doing, Jesus is with us, blessing everything we do.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Risen Savior, help me see you clearly through the eyes of faith, and help me hear your voice as you speak to me in your Word. Let me never forget that you are with me always. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How do you know Jesus is with you, even if you can’t see him?
  • What can you do if you ever feel alone, or like Jesus is far away?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What can you do every day to make sure that you are seeing Jesus and hearing his voice?
  • Jesus blessed his disciples with a whole boatload of fish. Name at least two “blessings” Jesus gives you when you listen to his voice.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Review what happened yesterday. What got in the way of seeing Jesus clearly in your life?
  • What would you say to someone who is having trouble seeing Jesus clearly through the mist or darkness of everyday life?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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