In John 21: 1-14 we read about the third and final time Jesus appeared and spent time with the disciples after His resurrection before He ascended to the Father in heaven.
It was approaching evening when Peter told several of the other disciples ” I’m going fishing”. Thomas, Andrew (Nathanael Peter’s brother), James and John (the sons of Zebedee) got on board with him. They fished all night and caught nothing! How discouraging could that be? They were probably exhausted, hungry and disappointed… As morning approached, they saw someone standing on the shore (they didn’t know or realize that it was the Lord Jesus Christ). Jesus asked them in such an endearing way “Children, have you caught anything?”, they responded, “No”. Then Jesus said, “Cast your net on the other side of the boat and you will get some fish” So they did. But, little did they know that the net would fill so quickly with so many fish, they’d be unable to pull the net into the boat. Then Scripture says “The disciple whom Jesus loved– (John) said “It’s the Lord!” (v.7) Immediately Peter grabbed his fisher’s coat, wrapped it about him and jumped overboard. He was naked. The Word doesn’t tell us why. It’s possible he worked so hard his clothing was drenched in sweat or he maybe he quickly remembered some of the ‘unloving’ ( embarrassing) situations he created between himself and Jesus. The other disciples who were close by in a smaller boat grabbed the net and dragged it to shore. Arriving at the shore line, they saw Jesus standing next to a fire with some fish cooking and bread. The Lord Jesus told them to bring the fish they caught to Him. By this time Peter was at the shore so he dragged the over-flowing net in. Amazed they counted one hundred fifty-three fish and net wasn’t even torn.Softly our Gracious Savior spoke, “Come and dine.” I can only imagine what the sense was around the fire that early morning. In my mind’s eye I see an excitement and unexpected joy just being with the Lord Jesus again. Plus they were weary, hungry and discouraged from fishing all night, so Jesus supplied their need by providing them with a meal. He knew they’d toiled all night and caught nothing, so He blessed them with a miraculous catch of 153 fish– more than they needed! This teaches me three very important truths about our Lord’s gentle, giving love for us: 1. Our Lord always knows where we are and what we are doing. Sometimes, spiritually, we get lost… but He never leaves– He is always there. 2. No matter how much we “toil”… there are times we will always come up empty. Discouraged and weary, our Lord Jesus is ready to help if we just recognize that He’s with us. He will provide for our needs and bring us comfort. 3. When we’re lost, weary and discouraged… He is ready to give us “exceedingly, abundantly” above anything that we ask or even think. ( Ephesians 3:20)
I know these truths! There are times when I need to be reminded, and I guess today is one of those times. He sent me to this passage of Scripture… I pray this may help you. Our God is a wonderful, merciful, loving and gracious God. This song describes, at least for me, what this Scripture lesson taught me. ♥Streim
