Forty Days to the Ascension - Pt. 4

 

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:1-7 ESV).

 

The time frame of the fourth appearance is somewhat vague. In our reading today, John merely says “After this.” Likely it is a matter of days or a week at best. The scene is at the Sea of Galilee. Not all the Twelve are present. They have gone fishing, and Jesus summons them from the lakeside. They come to shore and see him. Peter has a poignant discussion with Jesus in this appearance and is commissioned to tend the flock of Christ (vv. 15-19). It is the ultimate “breakfast on the beach”. It is also one of my most utilized passages of Scripture in counseling.

 

We must get past the many guilt-ridden sermons and studies we may have heard in the past concerning why the disciples went fishing; or why Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him; or the miracle of the record breaking catch of fish. While I know there are very specific reasons these things happened, none of them deal with our guilt. Jesus has already taken care of every one of our failures and sins on the cross. There was nothing left to be done on our behalf. This is not Jesus motivating the disciples by means of fear, obligation, or guilt. He is calling them to lives lived in freedom and power. He does this with an acknowledgement of who they are and who He is.

 

The reason for the breakfast is not lost on the disciples. Jesus is showing them they had no need to worry about such things (that’s probably the reason they went fishing in the first place… they were hungry and no place to secure food). Every provision would be made for their needs. Jesus is saying, “I know you’re hungry. Come on over by the fire, where it’s warm and safe. I’ve got breakfast started.” They did catch the fish. After all, Jesus does expect us to participate. He just doesn’t want us to worry. And, Jesus is showing them that He knows and cares for even the simplest of things affecting them. While the work of redemption is finished, Jesus is just beginning the long work of sanctification. He is preparing them for the Holy Spirit. We would do well to listen to His words to Peter later in the conversation… “Follow Me.” It’s the safest path!