4/30/11 John 21:1-7 Fishing again

¹ Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as 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!”

(Konrad Witz Swiss Altarpiece 1444
Museum of Art and History, Geneva)

Thoughts: Jesus appeared at the Sea similarly to when he appeared at the Sea when called the disciples at the beginning of his ministry (Lk. 5:1-16). Peter and the disciples- who once left their nets- are fishing once more.  Jesus tells them to fish again, and Peter recognizes him.  Jesus was in reality calling them again to leave their fishing nets and feed his people.  Jesus continually calls us back to serve Him when we feel like leaving or when we in fact leave Him.  The resurrection is a second chance, and He gives us a second chance as well. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you continually call- even when I do not answer.  Give me ears to hear your call.  Strengthen my resolve to put you first.

John Calvin Abridged: When Christ breathed on Peter, he ordained him to apostolic office.  But he abstained form the exercise of his office for a short time, until he received power from God.  That Peter fished is not inconsistent with his call but was a part of his private life. God permitted them to toil all night and not catch in order to perform the miracle. Christ does not command, but rather gives advice, and they still tried again with great perserance.  So we should persevere when we are weary- expecting God to continue to work. If we dislike our calling because it seems unproductive or unfruitful, we should learn here to persevere.