"Now What?" - Week 1 Bible Reading Plan

Published April 18, 2026
"Now What?" - Week 1 Bible Reading Plan

SG GUIDE WEEK 1

WHEN LIFE FEELS NORMAL AGAIN

John 21:1–14

What’s one “normal routine” you do every day without thinking? After a big event (holiday, trip, or milestone), how long does it usually take before life feels “back to normal”? Most of life isn’t lived in big moments it’s lived in the ordinary.

Read John 21:1–14 together. Read it slowly and picture the scene: Early morning, Empty nets, A quiet shoreline 

DISCUSSION 

  • What stands out to you most in this story? 

  • Why do you think the disciples went back to fishing after seeing the risen Jesus? 

  • Where does this story feel like your own life right now? 

1. WE DRIFT BACK TO WHAT’S FAMILIAR

Key Verse: “I’m going fishing…” (v.3)

DISCUSSION

  • Why do we tend to go back to what’s familiar when we feel uncertain? 

  • Have you ever experienced “spiritual drift” that didn’t feel dramatic just… gradual? 

  • What are some signs that someone might be drifting spiritually (even while life looks fine on the outside)? 

INSIGHT: Spiritual drift rarely feels like rebellion—it feels like routine.

REFLECTION

  • Where in your life do you feel like you’re running on autopilot? 

  • What might be “missing” beneath the surface? 

2. JESUS SHOWS UP IN THE ORDINARY

Jesus was there… they just didn’t recognize Him.

DISCUSSION

  • Why do you think the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first? 

  • Where do you tend to look for God most, big moments or everyday life? 

  • Why is it easy to miss God in ordinary moments? 

INSIGHT:  We often miss God not because He isn’t present—but because we’re not looking for Him there.

REFLECTION

  • Where in your daily routine might Jesus already be present but unnoticed?  (Examples: work, conversations, driving, parenting, quiet moments)

3. OBEDIENCE OPENS YOUR EYES

Key Verse: “Throw your net on the other side…” (v.6)

DISCUSSION

  • Why would this instruction have seemed unreasonable to experienced fishermen? 

  • Why do we often want clarity before obedience? 

  • Can you think of a time when obedience led to greater clarity in your life? 

INSIGHT: Clarity often follows obedience—not the other way around.

APPLICATION

  • What is one small step of obedience you feel prompted to take right now? 

  • What’s holding you back from taking that step? 

THE MOMENT — BREAKFAST WITH JESUS

READ AGAIN (v.9–12)


  • What surprises you about how Jesus interacts with them here? 

  • Why do you think Jesus chose to meet them with a meal instead of a message? 

INSIGHT:  Jesus doesn’t just correct us—He meets us, restores us, and invites us in.

DISCUSSION


  • What does this moment reveal about the heart of Jesus? 

  • How does it change the way you view your relationship with Him? 

APPLICATION — WHERE IS YOUR SHORELINE?

Where does your life feel most ordinary right now?


  • Work? 

  • Home? 

  • Relationships? 

  • Daily responsibilities? 

Then ask: What would it look like to start recognizing Jesus there?

PRACTICES FOR THE WEEK

Choose one or two:

1. Pause in the Ordinary Take 1–2 moments each day to stop and become aware of God’s presence.

2. Look for God Daily Ask: “Where is God showing up right now?”

3. Take One Step of Obedience Even if it doesn’t make sense act on what you sense God is leading you to do.

4. Shift Your Expectation Expect God in the normal not just the dramatic.

BOTTOM LINE: You don’t have to leave your life to find Jesus, He meets you in it.