Third Sunday of Eastertide | Day Fifteen of the Great Fifty

From the moment of His Resurrection until His Ascension, a period of 40 days, Jesus is said to have appeared to His disciples at various times.  The post-resurrection narratives do not tell how many times, though (John’s Gospel does mention at least three).  So was it daily?  Every other day?  Weekly?  No one knows for sure.  What is known is that He appeared to many believers.

John 21:1-14 records what is the “third time” (v. 14) that Jesus appeared.  It is an unspecified early morning and Jesus is standing on the shore of Lake Galilee in the vicinity of Tiberias or Capernaum in all likelihood.  Seven of the disciples have been fishing all night and have caught nothing.  As day is breaking with the sun rising they see, perhaps, Jesus on the shoreline, but don’t recognize Him.  He, of course, sees them and is well-aware of their situation.  He calls out asking if they’ve caught any fish.  Maybe a unison answer from seven voices was shouted back, “No!”  He tells them to cast the net on the right side and they would find some fish.  They do and catch a net full – so full it cannot be hauled aboard and has to be towed through the water to shore.

They are probably thinking, “Who is that guy?”  John quickly figures it out and exclaims to Peter, probably in the hearing of the others, that it is Jesus.  Peter is so excited that he puts his cloths back on (he had been fishing naked!), jumps in the water, and swims to the shore while the other six follow in the boat pulling the net full of fish.

They arrive at the shore, see a fire burning, and the Master Chef, Jesus, cooking some fish, presumably that He caught, and bread.  He tells them to share some of the fish they’ve caught and they do.  After the fish and bread have been cooked, Jesus says, “Come and have breakfast” (v. 12a).  They respond to His invitation, but dare not ask Him, “Who are you?” (v. 12b).  They know!  He gives them bread and fish.

In this third appearance there are Eucharistic (Lord’s Supper) overtones.  There is a word about trusting obedience.  A theme of getting to the Lord as quickly as you can whenever you realize He is near could be developed.  Trusting Jesus to prepare food for us that will sustain us in our journey through life is another possible theme.  There are all kinds of possibilities in this appearance.  The net is full of large fish – 153 to be exact.  And the net had no tears in it!  Some propose a symbolic meaning in this.  Others say no.  It is just an observation the writer makes.

Whichever of my observations you may choose to go with at this moment (I hope it is all of them to some degree and that you come up with some of your own!), remember that Jesus is always standing on the shore of your life to encourage you.  He calls out to you and instructs you.  Hear His voice and instruction through, say, some teacher and/or preacher today.

You may not end up with a ton of fish or a breakfast of catfish filets and hush-puppies, but you will receive what you need from the Risen Christ who is constantly providing for you.  And just as He knew what those seven needed that morning, rest assured He knows exactly what you need at this moment and every moment.

Gary Chapman sings the hymn “Come and Dine” (also called “Jesus Has Spread a Table”) by Charles B. Widmeyer.  It is three minutes six seconds.

I’m beginning a series of four sermons this morning at Garden Lakes Baptist Church in Rome, GA.  Under the theme How to Be a Local Gospel Church, I’ll be exploring leadership, caring for one another, right attitudes and actions, and listening and responding to God’s word.  This series is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28.  Today’s sermon, “Understanding and Responding to Pastoral Leadership,” is based on verses 12 and 13.  Two worship gatherings are provided – 8:45 a.m. in The Chapel and 11:00 a.m. in The Sanctuary.  Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m.