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After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 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 after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to 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 there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.” (John 21:1-19)
After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to the disciples and one of those ways is recorded in today's passage. The list of those present is shared as is their desire. Grieving and perhaps a bit disoriented, they choose to go fishing. For most of those in that list, fishing had been the occupation, and they knew that time on the water was a special time to reflect, think, and pray. Well, this trip turned out like my fishing history; all that night on the water they caught nothing. So, add disappointment to the grief. As they headed towards the shore, they see Jesus. Jesus addresses them as "Children," when He states, "You have no fish, have you?" The answer was obvious, no. Jesus said, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They obeyed and the results were more than they could have possibly imagine. It is at this point they realized the man with the plan was Jesus. All He had suggested was a different approach to what they knew. Things as usual sometimes gets old and stale and dies a sad death. And yes, this applies to the work in the church as well. Sometimes, new "fish" are caught when we try a different approach rather than the stale, "We've always done it this way before." Ouch, that involves change, and some church folks don't like change. I lie. It should be MOST church folks don't like change. But, that's a sermon for another Sunday!
When Peter hears his coworker say, "It is the Lord!" he dresses and jumps into the water and swims to the Lord. He wanted to be the first to be with Jesus, but the disciples who stayed in the boat made it to shore as well. And they discover that Jesus had already started a barbecue and nothing goes better on.a day like that, than grilled fish (Maybe fish tacos, but scholars differ on that point!). Jesus orders some fresh fish and begins to feed the disciples. He gives them bread and then fish. The writer notes that this is the third time they had seen the Risen Christ.
The passage then gets personal and intimate. The swimming disciple is asked by Jesus some personal questions. These questions directed to the only man to have walked on water with Jesus, and the only one of the disciples to jump in the water to swim towards Jesus. "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" Interesting and important question. Do you love me more than the other disciples? In some families, perhaps yours, someone may say, "I love you, " and some may respond with interesting responses. Nellie has a nephew who when she says to him, "I love you, " he responds, "I love you more!" The first time he said that to her she was taken aback with joy. Love is not really a competition, but our responses sometimes add some zest to the conversation. But, this was an honest question by Jesus to Peter. He answers, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Peter meant that. I have no doubt to his honesty in responding yes. But notice what Jesus says, "Feed my lambs." Interesting command. Jesus loves all who need Him and He knows of the care and feeding that is involved in caring for a flock. So, a second time, Jesus asks, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter again says, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." This time Jesus says, "Tend my sheep." The command is not only to feed the sheep, but to tend to them. Talk to them, guide them, nurture them; show that you love them. And these are instructions for all who are baptized members of Christ's Church; we have a responsibility to the full care of one another.
One last time, the third time, Jesus asks again, "Simon son of John do you love me?" This one hurt Peter. And again, Peter answers, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus responds, "Feed my sheep." And adds to it a truth to come, "Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." The writer adds that Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God; which was crucifixion as well, though Peter asked to be crucified upside down. The last command given to Peter by Jesus, "Follow me."
The Risen Christ, offers to Peter, who loves Him, the same invitation that took him away from his fishing life and family life, to a world in need of knowing the truth and love of God. Peter accepted and did his part to grow the kingdom and Church of Christ.
How many of us would have said to Jesus, "Yes, Lord, whatever may come, for Your sake, I will endure and face; I will follow You." Some of us may not see death by martyrdom, but we face something just as tough; to speak to someone who has hurt us or shunned us. It may be to cross the aisle in church to greet those who we do not know (yet) but who have still come to our church and even in clothes that we don't like. And the list could grow, but what is more important is that our love for Christ and all of God's people increase. We should glorify God in all that we do, and live a life that brings honor and hope to those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I pray today, I pray that I might be faithful and fruitful. May I receive the courage that I need to do all that You have outlined for me. Grant me boldness and strength. I pray this in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be one who shines bright the light of the world, Jesus!
Eradio Valverde
