JOHN 21:1-14 LORD AND PROVIDER
1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
The disciples returned to Galilee as Jesus instructed them through Mary (Mark 14:28; 16:7). While waiting for Jesus to join them they determined to return to fishing. We have no indication about their motive, but they were fishermen, Jesus had called them to be fishers of men and that was the manner in which they provided food for themselves and others. It was at the point when they resumed their duty that they learned about the lordship of Jesus and he appeared to them. The lesson for them and for us is that when we are uncertain as to what we are to do, our default action should be to do our duty and God will guide us. It is much like the ship that is moored to the dock. As long as it is not moving, handing the tiller over to the pilot will not accomplish anything. But once under sail he can direct it according to his plan.
A second lesson is that fulfilling our calling can only be accomplished if we involve God. By involving God, I mean obeying him. The fishermen fish on their own all night and catch nothing. The Lord calls to them and instructs them to throw the net approximately 8 to 10 feet to the side, and they make a catch.
The third lesson for us is that when the Lord is involved in our efforts, we are attentive to his voice and obedient to his will, he will provide in abundance. There is no question of “having enough” when you are following the one who produced an outrageous amount of wine for the wedding feast (John 2:1-11), fed the people on the mountain (John 6:1-13) and directed the huge catch of fish (v.11).
Jesus is Lord, as well as Savior. We can trust in him and know that it is his will and his nature to provide – according to his lordship and not ours. The Christian faith is an active faith – we are to follow. To follow is to get moving – to step out in faith. When uncertain, be what God has created you to be and allow him to steer you onto his perfect path.
Lord Jesus, direct my steps along the path of perfect obedience to your will so that you may be made known in my life and provide the abundance of your love to my neighbors. Amen.