Objective
Students will wrestle with the challenge of trusting God when His instructions feel counterintuitive, and consider what obedience looks like in real-life situations.
Warm Up
Use an object lesson to explore the idea of trust or counterintuitive realities:
- The Hidden Check – Tell the true story of a doctor who gave each graduate a book with a note saying it would enrich their life. Hidden inside was a $100 check made out to the student—yet no student ever cashed one.
- What does this say about trust and assumption?
- True or False – Ask students to vote on this statement: “Watching sad movies makes you feel happier.” (True—because they highlight the importance of relationships, prompting gratitude for one’s own.)
Transition
Jesus often said things that went against worldly wisdom– “The first shall be last,” “Bless those who curse you,” and His life, death, and resurrection flipped expectations upside down. What if God still asks us to follow instructions that don’t seem to make sense? Let’s watch a moment in The Chosen where that happens.
The Clip
In this scene, Jesus asks Peter to cast his nets again after a night of catching nothing. (Pause on Peter’s “Really?” face and have students mimic it. Snap photos and award a prize for the best expression.)
Watch the clip “Miracle Of The Fish” from Season 1, Episode 4 of The Chosen.
- What emotions do you see on Peter’s face when Jesus tells him to try again?
- What do you think Peter expected would happen when he let down the nets?
- How would you have responded if you were in Peter’s shoes?
- What does this moment show us about how Jesus interacts with people who are frustrated or doubtful?
Transition
Peter had every reason to say no. He was exhausted, discouraged, and convinced it wouldn’t work. But he chose to obey—and everything changed. Let’s take a closer look at what happened and why it matters for us.
Bible Study
Read Luke 5:4-11
- Why do you think Jesus asked Peter to try again, even though it didn’t make sense?
- How did Peter respond? What happened next?
- What does this teach us about obedience and trust?
- When have you sensed God asking you to do something that didn’t seem logical?
Explore areas where living out faith seems countercultural:
Morality– Choosing purity and saving sex for marriage.
Wealth– Giving generously instead of chasing riches.
Self-Will– Surrendering desires to follow Jesus’ way.
Success– Defining success by obedience rather than popularity or achievement.
- How does the world react to these choices? Do they give you the “Really?” face?
- Which of these areas is hardest for you to live out right now? Why?
- How do you think social media influences your views on these things?
- Can you think of someone in your life who lives this way? What impact does it have on others?
- What helps you stay strong in your faith when you feel pressure to go with the flow?
Wrap Up
Take a quiet moment to think about the following question:
- Is there an area of your life right now where you feel like God is nudging you to trust Him—but it doesn’t add up on paper? Maybe it’s a friendship, a future plan, a habit you’re holding onto.
Ask God for the courage to trust and obey—even when it feels like casting nets into empty water.
Close in prayer.