Scripture:
Vs 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.”
Vs 6 (Jesus) said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”
Vs 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
Vs 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Vs10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”
Vs 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.
Vs 17 … (Jesus asked Peter), “Do you love me?” and (Peter) said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
Vs 19 (Jesus) said to him, “Follow me.”
Observation:
The apostles are in an exasperated or somewhat bewildered mindset immediately after the resurrection.
Peter does what he does best, go fishing. His friends join him.
After seeing Jesus onshore they share a breakfast with him.
Jesus has a serious conversation with Peter resulting in two commands, “Feed my sheep” and “Follow me”.
Application:
One of my favorite verses on the bible is John 21:3 … “I’m going fishing!”
It’s just so blunt and it creates such a picture of Peter so frustrated he doesn’t know what to do next!
So what does he do? … what come naturally. What he’s good at? What he was used to doing.
“Muscle memory” is funny like that.
When I don’t know what to do I’ll just revert back to what comes easiest or what I’m good at or used to doing.
And Jesus will still meet me there!
Jesus shows up.
He gives me an opportunity to declare, “It is the Lord!”
Do I then run to Him? Focus on Him? … or the activity I was busying myself with?
Am I willing to do maybe the same things but in a different way?
“Throw my same nets from the same boat” … but throw them on the other side?
Peter is not doing anything wrong. He was simply fishing.
But when the Lord showed up, the Lord became the focus, not the activity.
And it allowed the apostles to do the same activity in a different way … a way of obedience.
And Jesus provided what was needed. Jesus has a breakfast prepared … with fish already there!
But Jesus asked Peter to bring some of His fish.
Do I bring my “busywork” to Jesus?
Do I bring everything I do to Jesus?
Not that Jesus needs it. He doesn’t need my “work”, but He is gracious enough to allow a participation in it.
He allows me to see Him in it … share time in it.
And then, as a result … love and serve Him by loving and serving others!
Prayer:
Thank you God for this beautiful scene of Jesus and His apostles.
Help me see you and listen to you and be obedient to you.
Help me to serve and love you by loving and serving others
In Jesus name
Amen