Text: “This is the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead” (v. 14).
The first time Jesus appeared to his disciples was the evening of Resurrection Day. This took place in Jerusalem or someplace near Jerusalem where the disciples were gathered behind closed doors. “…the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews…” (John 20:19).
Eleven of the disciples gathered together to try to console or comfort one another. Thomas was not present in the room on this occasion. Their Shepherd was no longer with them and they were like wandering sheep.
They were without direction, without leadership and not knowing their future. They feared what the Jews might do to them because they followed and believed in Jesus whereas the Jews were against Him because of whom He clamed to be, the way He did things and the message He taught.
At this time, Jesus said to them “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). He said this to calm their nerves knowing that the fear that was in their heart. Also, He wanted them to believe that it was really Him.
After Jesus showed them the nail holes in His hands and the wound in His side, they were convinced that this was the same Jesus they had known before. He was not dead, but he was alive. Jesus also breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and commissioned them to go out into the world and continue the mission He had begun.
When the disciples met later with Thomas, they told Thomas that they had seen the Lord. Thomas was not convinced and said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).
Eight days later, or the next Lord’s Day, all the disciples, including Thomas, were together in the room, with the doors closed. This second meeting was somewhere in the surrounding area of Jerusalem when Jesus appeared in the room. Again, Jesus said, “Peace to you!” (John 20:26).
Jesus knew Thomas and what his thoughts concerning His being alive. Without waiting for Thomas to say anything, Jesus said, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:21). Thomas’ eyes were opened and he believed.
The third time Jesus appeared to the disciples was not on the Lord’s Day, but instead, a weekday. Simon, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John and two other disciples were together when Simon decided to go fishing. He said, “I am going fishing” and the other disciples said, “We are going with you also” (John 21:3).
Although the disciples had been commissioned to continue Jesus’ mission, the time was not now. In other words, Jesus was still here so their mission would not start until Jesus ascended up into the heavens.
In the meanwhile, time was valuable and at some point in the future they would have to give account of their time, so they chose not to stand around doing nothing. Instead, they chose to do what they were accustomed to doing and that was fishing. This was their means of income. Fishing was their occupation.
Let’s read in-between the lines and see what this is saying to us today. They were given a mission just as we are given a mission. They were to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Aren’t you and I given this same mission?
These disciples were to tend the sheep. Aren’t we supposed to do the same thing? The disciples were to look after the interest of the people so that none would be lost. Isn’t that what we are commissioned to do?
It was not their time to begin their mission, but that time would soon come. They did not want to waste time because time is of the utmost importance. Time cannot be reclaimed. What is gone is gone.
Isn’t this the same for us? Jesus has ascended a long time ago and it is our responsibility to continue with His mission. We are not to stand around and wait for some sign or some revelation. We are to get busy and utilize our time for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
There will come a day when you and I will have to give an account of what we have done with our time and what we have accomplished during our earthly journey. We have been breathed on by the breath of Jesus and He lives within our heart in the person of the Holy Spirit.
We have the power and the authority to carry on with the work Jesus began. We are to do the earthly work God has given us so as not to be a burden to society or anyone in particular.
We are not to waste our time. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years pass by and can never be recovered; therefore, the time given us by Almighty God should never be wasted. We are to be good stewards of all God has provided for us.
Simon Peter, Thomas, James, and John were fisherman by trade, but Nathanael’s occupation or trade is not specified. The two disciples not named could have been fishermen, but since we don’t know their names, we have no way of knowing.
It is interesting to note that Jesus third appearance would be to only seven of the twelve disciples. The third appearance would not take place in a room with the doors shut. Also, it would not take place in or near Jerusalem, but it would take place on the Lake of Tiberias also known as the Sea of Galilee.
The seven disciples did go fishing, but did not have good luck. Scripture tells us “They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing” (John 21:3). They must have been very disappointed. Have any of you ever gone fishing and gone home with nothing to show for your efforts?
Those of us who have fished can testify to the fact that a “no catch” day is rather disappointing. As a young fellow, I used to fish in Lake Erie. Some of the days were hot and sunny and after sitting for hours, I would go home with nothing.
I have fished in the rain and in the cold only to leave with little or no fish. I did it because I enjoyed fishing, but I also enjoyed just being out there by myself with nothing else to think about, with no one bothering me and with freedom to enjoy what God provided for me and for everyone else.
I was not fishing for a living, because if I had been, I would have starved, but I was fishing for pleasure. The disciples were fishing to earn a living, so I can imagine they were very disappointed after fishing all night and catching nothing.
Was this planned by the Lord? Did Jesus do this to illustrate a truth or to show the disciples something? Did He do this just to reveal Himself again? Did Jesus want to teach the disciples that failure is not all bad or that disappoints will come, but He is still in control?
My personal opinion is that the disciples’ night of unsuccessful fishing was planned by the Lord. I believe Jesus intended to show them His power and authority by providing the morning catch.
I also believe Jesus was revealing to them that disappointment is indeed real. They would encounter disappointment while carrying out their mission, but there was no need to worry because God was still on the throne and this was all a part of His plan.
There are times when adults try their very best to accomplish some feat or achieve some goal, but unfortunately, it never happens. Many times they just give in to defeat. Those of us who have children know that in most cases children are very persistent.
When they have their heart set on doing something like learning to ride a bicycle, attaining enough balance to stay on a skateboard, overcoming fear of the water and learning how to swim, or figuring out how to operate and beat the computer games they try and try until the results are positive.
The disciples fished for a livelihood and did all they could to bring in a catch by morning. Unfortunately, this particular night they caught nothing. I don’t know if there were other times this same thing happened, but it probably did.
There are times when we, too, return with an empty hand. When this happens, we, as adults, must keep in mind that the Lord has something better and greater in store for us just as He had for the disciples.
As the darkness turned to light, the disciples noticed a figure standing on the shore. “The disciples did not know that it was Jesus” (John 21:4). Jesus was about to make Himself known to the disciples at a time when their morale, their self-esteem, their confidence was at a very low point.
Jesus does the same thing for His children today. Think about your own life. Have you ever reached a point in your life when you felt like all was lost and you were at the very bottom of life? Were there not times in your life when something did not work out as you thought they should and you started to worry because no one seemed to care?
Perhaps you didn’t get the job you were hoping for, or the one you wanted so badly to date was taken by someone else. You felt sad and worthless. Maybe a member of your family was ill and you did everything you could possible do for that person, but felt you had not done enough, so you became distressed and troubled.
Perhaps the doctor gave you words that you did not want to hear giving you the feeling that the end was coming and you weren’t ready. Most of us, in the processing of raising our families at times have become distraught or worried because the money ran out before the next payday and there were still obligations to be met. The list goes on and on.
I believe we have all experienced times similar to the ones just mentioned. Think for just a moment. What did you do? You might have been a Christian or perhaps not, but it doesn’t make any difference. During these times, Jesus is trying to make Himself known to us just as He was making Himself known to the disciples.
Jesus said to the disciples, “Children, have you any food?” (v. 5) Jesus knew they did not catch any fish, but nevertheless, He asked them so they would respond in an audible manner. Of course they said they had not caught any fish.
Jesus didn’t just say, “Okay” and walk away. He said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some” (v. 6). Jesus was ready to help them and by helping them, He would reveal Himself to them. He says this very same thing to us when we are faced with some disappointment or we feel defeated.
If we listen to the wee small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to us, we will hear what we should do next. We will know in which direction to cast our net of concern and when we follow through, we will encounter a shower of blessings. God’s blessing will be greater than we could possible imagine. His blessings will never be too much for our net of concern.
When we are at a loss or when we are at the lowest in spirit and morale, we need to look upward and outward because this is the time Jesus is waiting to reveal Himself to us. The disciples looked toward the figure standing on the shore. He talked to them and gave them direction.
When they followed His words, their unsuccessful night of fishing became a morning of abundance. They were blessed with more fish then ever before. Also, the weight of the many fish did not break their net. The disciples knew that only Jesus could bring about such an amazing accomplishment.
Jesus calls to us as he called to the disciples. He will speak to us any time we want. We just need to look in His direction and when we do we will be able to see Him in our mind just as the disciples saw Him on the shore. If we will pay attention and listen, we, too, will receive an abundance of blessing.
Jesus knows what we have encountered and how we feel. He wants us to have everything we need. He wants us to be at peace with ourselves and with everyone else. He wants to lift our burden and give us a lighter load. He wants us to know we are not alone to drown in life’s troubles.
Jesus knows life is not easy for us and we will witness various storms that will make the waters of life rough. It is during these times that He is waiting for us to come to Him.
I want you to notice something. Notice that Jesus did not go the disciples in their time of need, but He stood on the shore and waited for them to come to Him. They had to make the move. He could have walked upon the water as He had done previously, but this would not have demonstrated their belief and their faith.
Jesus will not force Himself upon us. He doesn’t move from us, but when we sin or err, we move away from Him. He is always present whereby we can call upon Him to help us in our time of need. This demonstrates our belief and faith in Him. The shepherd does not leave his sheep, but sheep do have a tendency to wander.
The disciple who recognized that it was Jesus standing on the shore was John who was also known as the “beloved disciple”. What did John do when he recognized Jesus? He was excited and shouted, “It is the Lord!” John wanted others to know who the figure on the shore was. Those of us who know Jesus should be excited about sharing Him with others.
Peter was the first disciple to reach Jesus. He jumped out of the boat and waded or swam to Jesus. Peter, who had denied knowing Jesus three times, was forgiven for his acts. He had much to be thankful for. Now he was willing to do anything to show Jesus how much he loved and appreciated what Jesus had done for him.
The other disciples came to shore in the boat. They brought with them the net full of fish. All the disciples came to Jesus. Jesus did not go to them. This is the same with us. He stands with His arms stretched forth inviting us to come to Him.
Remember the story of the lost son who received his part of his inheritance, left home, and misused the money in wild living. He, too, reached the point in his life when he thought he was unworthy, but then decided to step out in faith and go to his father.
He said, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’ And he arose and came to his father….” (Luke 15:18-20).
His father’s arms were open to the son. Furthermore, he gave his son far more than what the son ever expected. His father gave him a robe, a ring, sandals and a joyous feast with food, music and dancing.
Jesus did this for the disciples, but they had to come to Him. He will do the same for us. We are always welcomed into His presence and He will provide and take care of our needs and our concerns. We step out in faith believing His Word.
When a child leaves home an empty place is created in the life of those parents. Parents wait with excitement for their child to come home. The anticipation of the reunion is heart-warming. When the child arrives, the parent stretches forth their arms in a gesture of welcome and of love. There is joy and happiness with parent and child just as there is in heaven when one sinner repents and comes to the Savior. The rewards are great.
When the disciples reached the shore Jesus had already prepared for their well-being. He had already made breakfast for seven hungry and tired fishermen. He was ready to feed them with what He knew they needed. “Then as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread” (v. 8).
It is interesting to note that none of the disciples asked who He was. They knew who He was because He had prepared a meal for them before. They recalled that night in the Upper Room when He invited them to come and dine with Him.
During this beach-side breakfast Jesus said to the disciples, “Come and eat breakfast” (v. 12). He not only fixed the disciples a meal, but He also served them as He had done previously.
Conclusion:
As Christians, we place our faith and trust in our Lord and Savior who went to Calvary in our place. We were not there to witness the event, as were the disciples, but we have all the evidence we need. We have His words written in red and we take those words to heart.
We have accepted those words as truth. He has performed miraculous events in the life of each of us. I say that because each of us has had something happen which benefited us, but we cannot explain why or how.
We have been directed by the prompting of the Holy Spirit living in our heart. We have been told to cast our net in another direction and we have been showered with blessings.
We have the privilege of participating in Our Lord’s Supper which reminds us what He has done for each of us. He feeds us and takes care of us when we look to Him. He has prepared a place for us in His heavenly mansion and we will spend eternity with Him.
In our mind’s eye, we see Him. In our heart we hear Him. In our soul, we long to be with Him.
Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples on three different occasions, but He reveals Himself to us every time we look up to Him and talk to Him.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
We are His children and He always welcomes us to come to Him.
Amen.
