Jesus on the shore

John 21:1-14 

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!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Today, I meditated on John 21:1-14, where Peter’s story of redemption comes full circle. This passage mirrors his first encounter with Jesus, marked by an abundant catch of fish. Through this, Jesus not only forgives but restores and reconciles His disciple. Here’s what stood out to me:

Insights:

1. Jesus Pursues and Restores His Followers
   Jesus doesn’t stop at forgiveness; He actively reconciles. This reminds me of how much work I still need to do when it comes to offering forgiveness to others—not just letting go of wrongs but seeking reconciliation when possible.

2. Worldly Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom
   Peter, relying on his knowledge as a fisherman, may have been focused on finding the best fishing spots. Yet, it was Jesus who made the miraculous catch happen. This demonstrates that true blessings come from the Lord, not from human effort or expertise. As Genesis 18:14 says, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” It’s a humbling reminder that what may seem monumental to me is small in God’s sovereignty. Trusting Him is vital, as His word never returns empty.

   • Deuteronomy 8:18: “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
   • Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

A Curious Detail: Jesus Already Had Fish and Bread

When Jesus called Peter and the others to Him, He already had food prepared but still asked them to bring “some” of their catch. This seemingly small detail revealed two powerful truths:

• Participation in God’s Work
  Jesus could have provided everything Himself (as He did with the feeding of the 5,000), yet He invited the disciples to contribute. This reflects how Christians are called to actively participate in God’s work. We are not merely recipients but co-laborers in His mission.

• Tithing: Giving Back to God
  Jesus only requested “some” of their catch, leaving the rest for them. This reminds me of the principle of tithing. As Malachi 3:10 states, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
  However, tithing isn’t about expecting blessings in return. Instead:

  • We give because God gave first (Deuteronomy 8:18).
  • We acknowledge that all we have is His and trust Him for provision.

Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Peter planned to fish, but it was God who ensured his success. It’s a powerful reminder of Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” My efforts alone are insufficient. True abundance comes from the Lord’s blessing and guidance.

I’m reminded to trust God not just for results but for direction, to participate actively in His work, and to honor Him with all that I have. As I go forward, I want to hold these lessons close, acknowledging that my plans, though important, are ultimately established by His might.

Reflection questions:

1. How can you be more like Jesus when it comes to forgiveness? What’s holding you back?
2. In what ways have you relied on your own wisdom instead of seeking God’s guidance this year? How did it turn out?
3. How can you more actively participate in God’s work and give back to Him in the year to come?