
LIFE GROUPS WEEK 1 – WINTER 2026
LIFE GROUPS – WEEK 1
FULL SERMON – 34 MINUTES
ICE BREAKER:
What is a go-to excuse to avoid doing something that you don’t want to do?
SCRIPTURE:
Luke 5:1-11 NIV
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
KEEP IT UNCOMPLICATED:
Take turns reading through Luke 5:1-11 NIV.
Also read Luke 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Observation Questions
- What stands out to you about Simon Peter’s response to Jesus, either before or after the miracle?
- What do you notice about how Jesus approaches Simon Peter?
Understanding Questions
- Why do you think Jesus asks Simon Peter to obey and try again after a night of repeated failure?
- Why might have Jesus used Simon Peter’s occupation instead of calling him in a synagogue or temple?
Application Questions
- What does this story show us about how Jesus calls people into purpose?
- What are the excuses or barriers that keep you from obeying Jesus?
Spirit Lead Me
- The fishermen left everything to follow Jesus. What might “leaving the nets” look like in your season of life?
- What might God be inviting you to trust Him with right now? What is your next step in obeying Jesus?
Potential Next Steps
Life Journal Reading Plan
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Day 1: Matthew 1
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Day 2: Matthew 2
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Day 3: Matthew 3
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Day 4: Matthew 4
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Day 5: Matthew 5
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Day 6: Matthew 6
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Day 7: Matthew 7
