John 21:9-14

John 21:9-14

Therefore as they got out into the land, they see a charcoal fire while resting on the land and fish while resting upon the fire and bread.  And Jesus said to them, “Carry from the fish as many as you all just now caught.”  Therefore Simon Peter went aboard and hauled into the land the net full of large fish – 153!  And while there were so many, the net was not being torn.  Jesus said to them, “Come!  Eat breakfast!”  And none of the disciples were daring to inquire from Him, “Who are you?” after knowing that it is the Lord.  Jesus comes and takes the bread and gives to them, and likewise the fish.  Now this is the third time that Jesus was being revealed to the disciples after being raised up out of the dead.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

There is a basic point to this story that many of us overlook.  We might wonder why it is that John would put a strange story of Jesus on the shoreline in his Gospel.  The reality is that this story illustrates that this was no mere vision.  A vision of Jesus doesn’t produce a real fire with real bread and real fish to eat.  You can see those things in a vision, but to partake of them means that they are real.  Jesus was physically raised, not just spiritually raised.  The Gospel would be challenged regarding whether Jesus was truly bodily raised.  This story helps us understand that He was.

Why is it important to realize that Jesus was raised – both body and spirit?  If God can do this for Jesus, what does this mean for you?

Second Thought:

Today we get to see the other side of Peter.  Yesterday we saw the impulsiveness, today we see the submission.  Today we hear Jesus give an order and Peter is the first to act.  He is obedient.  Nobody can question Peter’s heart.  He is fiercely loyal to Jesus and willing to do anything He asks.  His judgment might occasionally falter.  His focus and concentration might occasionally be one-dimensional.  But when Jesus gets to the point of giving marching orders, Peter is ready, willing, and able to serve.

How does this make Peter inspirational?  Why is it important to take note of both the negative and the positive that Peter brings to his discipleship under Jesus?  How can this help you learn about yourself and deal with others?

Third Thought:

When Simon goes about and hauls out the net, the nets don’t break.  John, who was a fisherman and would know such things, writes this in his Gospel because it is an amazing fact.  The thing to learn from this is that when Jesus calls us to do a task, He equips us.  We may not always get it right.  Things may not go perfectly smoothly.  But we are equipped with what we need to be successful in His calling.

When have you been amazed at how the things God equips us with are enough to do the job?  How can this lead to God’s glory?

Passage for Tomorrow: John 21:15-19