What Now, Jesus? John 21:1

Sermon Title: What Now, Jesus?

Scripture Passage: John 21:1–14 (NIV)
Preacher: Brother Kiew Sieh Jin
Date: 9th November 2025

Summary

Brother Kiew began by addressing the question that many believers face after seasons of uncertainty — “What now, Jesus?” This was the situation of the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. They knew Christ had risen, yet they were unsure what to do next. Their hearts were caught “in between” — between the memory of the cross and the promise of a new beginning.

Just like the disciples, we too may find ourselves waiting, uncertain about the next step. But through this passage, Brother Kiew shared four key principles on how to respond when we are unsure of what comes next.

1. Go Forward (John 21:1–3)

Peter and several disciples decided to go fishing — returning to what they knew best. It wasn’t disobedience, but a natural move forward with what they already had.

Brother Kiew reminded us that God often uses our past experiences, character, skills, and knowledge to shape His future purposes for us. What we have learned and endured are not wasted. They become clues — signposts — pointing to what God may be calling us to do next.

Even in our “ordinary” activities, God is at work preparing us for greater things.

2. Follow Jesus in What You’re Doing (John 21:4–6)

As the disciples fished all night without success, Jesus appeared at dawn — but they didn’t recognize Him at first. When He told them to cast their nets on the right side, their nets overflowed with fish.

Brother Kiew emphasized that Jesus is always present in what we do — whether in our work, ministry, or personal struggles. We must cultivate awareness of His presence and listen attentively for His voice.

The challenge is not whether Jesus is near, but whether we are paying attention to Him.

3. Follow His Instructions (John 21:6, 11)

When Jesus spoke, the disciples obeyed — even though His instruction seemed simple and perhaps illogical after a long, fruitless night. Yet their obedience led to an abundant catch.

Brother Kiew pointed out that faith often involves obedience in uncertainty. We may not always see the best-case outcome, but obedience itself honors God and opens the door for His blessings.

True faith means trusting and acting even when we don’t fully understand.

4. Focus It All for His Sake (John 21:7–8, 10–14)

When John recognized Jesus, Peter immediately jumped into the water to meet Him. The others followed with the catch. Jesus had already prepared breakfast — a symbol of His care and fellowship.

Brother Kiew reminded us that everything we do — our work, success, and achievements — must ultimately point back to Jesus. We are called to put Jesus first in all things, giving Him both glory and gratitude.

Our lives become truly fulfilled when we center them around His presence and purpose.

Conclusion

Brother Kiew concluded that when we don’t know what’s next, Jesus invites us to move forward with faith, stay aware of His presence, obey His voice, and focus everything for His glory. Just as He met His disciples by the sea, Jesus meets us in our uncertainty — to guide, restore, and renew us for His mission.

When we put Jesus first, even the “in-between” seasons of life become sacred moments of growth and revelation.

Take-Home Message

When you don’t know what’s next, stay close to Jesus — follow, listen, obey, and let Him lead you forward.

Reflection and Discussion Questions

Reflect: How has God used your past experiences to shape you? How did He lead you before, and where might He be leading you now?
→ God often uses our past to prepare us for His future plans. Look for His patterns of faithfulness.
Practice: Spend 1–5 minutes each day alone with Jesus. How might this deepen your awareness of His presence and His voice?
→ Regular time with Jesus helps us discern His direction in our daily life.
Respond: What is one thing Jesus is calling you to do in the coming week? Will you act on it?
→ Obedience, even in small things, strengthens our trust and alignment with God’s will.
Surrender: Choose an area of your life that matters deeply to you. What would it look like if you put Jesus first in that area and surrendered it to Him?
→ Placing Jesus first brings peace, clarity, and purpose to every part of our lives.

Opening Prayer:

O Gracious and Loving Father, we thank Thee for this beautiful morning Thou hast graciously given us.
We praise Thee for gathering us together in fellowship and love, as one family in Christ.

Thank Thee for Thy presence among us and for the message shared by Brother Kiew Sieh Jin, reminding us through “What Now, Jesus?” to walk faithfully with Thee and to listen for Thy voice in every season of life.

We lift before Thee Pastor Danny and Pastor Aaron — may Thou continue to anoint them with wisdom, strength, and grace as they shepherd Thy flock faithfully.
Grant them renewed joy, divine guidance, and the peace that comes from serving Thee wholeheartedly.

We also give thanks for our church administration — for Sister Nancy Teo, Brother Simon Choong, and for our gardener team who serve diligently and faithfully behind the scenes.
Bless them abundantly for their labour of love.

We are grateful too for Sister Jasmine Tan who has travelled all the way from Muar to be with us — may her presence bring encouragement and joy.
And we remember Brother Loh Sen in the elderly home — though he is apart from us, he remains close in our hearts.

Lord, as we later gather for lunch and celebrate birthdays in this final quarter of the year, may Thy joy fill our fellowship.
Let this time be marked by unity, thanksgiving, and love.

Guide our discussion today, bless our sharing, and let Thy peace and Spirit reign among us.
We ask all this in Jesus’ most precious Name, Amen.
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Closing Prayer:
Our gracious Lord, we thank Thee for Thy holy presence and rich blessing throughout this morning’s meeting.
We are grateful for the word shared through Brother Kiew Sieh Jin — reminding us through “What Now, Jesus?” to follow Thee faithfully, to hear Thy voice, and to surrender all to Thee.

We thank Thee again for Pastor Danny and Pastor Aaron — bless them, O Lord, with renewed strength, divine discernment, and steadfast faith as they lead and serve Thy church.
May their hearts overflow with Thy love and their lives reflect Thy glory.

We also give thanks for the faithful service of our administration team — for Sister Nancy Teo, Brother Simon Choong, and for our gardener team.
Reward their diligence and faithfulness with Thy abundant grace.

Thank Thee for every person present, and for Sister Jasmine Tan who joined us from Muar.
We remember Brother Loh Sen in the elderly home — may Thy peace and comfort rest upon him.

As we prepare to share lunch together, we thank Thee for the food before us and for those who prepared it.
Bless our meal, bless our fellowship, and let our conversation be filled with grace and joy.

We also give thanks for those celebrating birthdays this quarter — may their new year of life draw them ever closer to Thee.

Grant us Thy protection and peace as we go forth, and bless our time of fellowship after the meeting, that our joy may glorify Thee.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

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