John 21:1-14 Inspiring people with grace and gentleness

After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right- hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish. So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty- three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead. John 21:1-14

Background

After Jesus had appeared to the disciples the second time, and having sent them out to do His work. The disciples decided to return to their old trade. However, Jesus came and revealed to them a life without lack if they would follow His way of life. He came to them gently and nudged them in a spirit of love and grace.

Observation

1. They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. It is astonishing that even after Jesus appeared to them the second time and having sent them out into the world to do God’s work, they went fishing. It was Peter, of all people who suggested going back to their old trade. The disciples were probably discouraged because the Kingdom they envisioned was different from what God had intended: the Kingdom that dwells in the heart as opposed to a political kingdom. Nevertheless, they encountered a fruitless night of toil without catching anything.

2. And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” Jesus appeared and suggested that they cast the net on the right hand side of the boat. The disciples obeyed even though they did not yet know that it was Jesus. The result was a catch that they were not able to contain with their nets. This scene reminded the disciples of how they first met Jesus.

3. … and although there were so many, the net was not torn. The passage tells us that the catch was so huge that the net would have been torn. However, the net miraculously held up without breaking else the catch would have been lost. The author would have liked us to come to the understanding that it is the presence of Jesus that prevented the loss.

4. “Come and have breakfast.” Jesus had such grace and patience with the disciples despite them having ignored His commandments. He made breakfast for them and served them with grace and love.

Truth

1.  Life without the knowledge of the way is full of toil and poverty. The disciples having rejected Jesus’ commands, decided to return to their old trade. In view of their fruitless toil, it seemed that the disciples were forced into a corner. However, we know that it was only with Jesus’ help that they gotten an extraordinary catch. The lesson here: it is Jesus’ desire that the disciples prosper in whatever they do, but only when they continue to walk with Him. This does not imply that all believers must work in a full-time ministerial capacity. But in whatever vocation we are called to, if we would walk with Jesus and do His Kingdom’s work, we will prosper in our career and profession.

2.  Not only does God gives us things, He gives us the ability to enjoy them. Despite the size of the catch, the net continued to hold up. Many possess much wealth, but they lack the peace to enjoy it. They may have the capacity to fly anywhere in the world, but they do not have the time or the freedom to do so. They could afford good food, but their health would not permit them to eat it. For those who love God and obey Him, He gives them the peace and the ability to enjoy every drop of blessing He showered on them.

3.  Jesus knows how to deal with His children with truth and grace. He deals gently with us, and sometimes He disciplines. But He never condemns or provokes His children. Let that be an example of how parents and pastors ought to deal with their children and their flock.

Application

1. Learn to be gentle when dealing with people. Not as a perfect person, but one very much prone to weakness as they are. People are moved by empathy and humility with a firm disposition. They need the space to make up their minds for themselves and will not succumb to coercion and peer pressure. But when the truth is taught, they will find occasion to confront their darkness and turn towards God.

2.  Even though we may not possess many things, but we are able to enjoy what little we may have. Make a list of things that you truly enjoy. You will realize that these are not things that are expensive or extravagant.

3.  When in doubt, discern the posture of your heart. At any point in time, we may not be sure that we are doing the right thing all the time. However, as long as we love God and desire to do His will, we are certainly on the right track.

Dear Lord, lead me in the way of truth and do not let me go astray by my own ideas and passion. Prosper me and use me to bless my family and organization. I thank you for blessing me with loving people and friends. Help me to be a blessing to others. Grant me patience to use love and grace to inspire others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this:
Skip to toolbar