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Refract Sunday's Reflection
Third Sunday of Easter
May 4, 2025
John 21:4-19 (NRSV, Anglicized)
Refraction questions
Who’s your “Saul”?
Ananias had every reason to fear and avoid Saul, but God saw something more.
Who in your life, community, or world today do you struggle to believe God could use? What might it look like to see them the way God does?
Listening to God, even when it’s uncomfortable
Ananias didn’t like the assignment, but he obeyed anyway.
Have you ever sensed God nudging you to do something uncomfortable or counterintuitive? What happened—or what might happen if you said yes?
Jesus says, "Feed my sheep"
Jesus challenged Peter to care for people he would not have chosen on his own.
How do we discern who Jesus’ “sheep” are today? Are there groups or individuals we’ve unintentionally excluded from our spiritual care or outreach?
"Cast your net on the other side"
Jesus tells the disciples to fish differently—and it changes everything.
Where might God be asking you or your church to shift focus, methods, or priorities to reach those who aren’t currently being reached?
"Follow me … even when you don’t get to choose the path"
Jesus invited Peter—and Saul/Paul—into a life of radical surrender.
How are you learning to follow Jesus even when the road is uncertain, costly, or not what you planned? What helps you stay faithful in those moments?
BONUS: "Come and have breakfast"
When the disciples came ashore, Jesus has prepared roasted fish and bread and invites them to breakfast.
What does "having breakfast" with Jesus look like today? How could having breakfast with Jesus contribute to our renewal and preparation for life and ministry?
Prayer prompts for this week
"God, help me see others the way you see them …"
Pray for eyes to recognize potential in people you may have written off or judged harshly—just as Jesus saw potential in Saul.
"Jesus, give me courage to say yes, even when I’m afraid …"
Ask for the boldness of Ananias: to act in obedience even when God’s calling feels uncomfortable or risky.
"Lord, show me where you’re calling me to cast my net …"
Invite God to reveal new opportunities, communities, or ministries where your gifts can meet real need.
"Teach me to feed your sheep, not just care for my own …"
Ask for a heart that welcomes, includes, and ministers to those beyond your comfort zone—especially people you find hard to understand.
"Lead me, even when I don’t get to choose the path …"
Surrender your plans and expectations. Ask God to lead you in ways that build God's kin(g)dom, even when it’s not the path you imagined.
