Let’s Go Fishin’

John 21:1-7

Did you go fishing when you were young? I remember the thrill of catching a fish and reeling it in. I was so proud. Sometimes, I didn’t catch a single fish and felt disappointed. Fishing was a recreational sport but never a full-time career for me. 

After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, He appeared to His followers and instructed them to return to the Sea of Galilee. But what was next? Jesus recognized their wavering confidence, and His plan was to strengthen and encourage them. 

After this, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias … Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 

- John 21:1-2 

Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

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. 

- John 21:3 

Returning to his original occupation, Peter announces that he’s going fishing. He gets into the boat and plans to spend the night fishing on the Sea of Galilee. Notice Peter’s unofficial position of leadership. The whole group responds to his simple statement and climbs into the boat with Peter. 

Consider this question, “Did Peter believe he was no longer eligible to be one of Jesus’ disciples?” I believe he was struggling with the reality of his weakness and failure. Peter had denied the Lord three times, and now he walked in shame and humiliation. He had failed, and he was aware of his shortcomings! 

Friends, we have a Savior and Redeemer who pursues us. No matter where we might run or where we might try to hide. He knows us intimately, and He alone has the healing balm for the brokenhearted. Look at the following verses in John 21. 

As day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, yet the disciples did not know it was Him. Jesus said to them, “Friends, 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 a catch.” 

So they cast it, and they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

- John 21:4-6 

Jesus was there. He knew they hadn’t caught a single fish! It was part of His divine plan. Jesus wanted to remind them of His power. They had observed His miracles many times around the Sea of Galilee for three years, but this morning, He wanted to jolt their memories. And there were so many fish! 

The author of this book turns to Peter and exclaims, “It’s the Lord!” Peter jumps out of the boat and runs to Jesus. The Lord extends forgiveness, understanding, and healing to Peter. 

Head to Heart 

Has something happened in your life that causes you to question whether you are worthy to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ? Have you quit running in the race set before you? 

I invite you and urge you to get back in the race. Jesus knows all about you, yet He wants you to walk with Him. His eyes are filled with compassion, love, grace, and mercy. 

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. 

- Hebrews 12:1-2 

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