A Voice Still Calls
Series: A Journey with Jesus (through the Gospel of John)
Brad Bailey – May 15, 2011
If you didn’t hear the news… this month, Godrej and Boyce, the last company in the world to produce typewriters, finally shut down its production plant. They’re located in Bombay (Mumbai) India…and still have an inventory of a few hundred machines—mostly in Arabic—if you need to buy one. This marks an end of an era for a piece of equipment that dominated the office communication scene… now left behind in the new era of computers. The manager of Godrej and Boyce said, "We are not getting many orders now." [1]
I can’t help but feeling a little for these typewriters. On the one hand… they had a great run… they were depended upon for capturing and communicating so much of the past century…but their time has passed.
> As we continue in our series ‘A Journey with Jesus through the Gospel of John’… I think that gives us a sense of where we find Jesus’ first disciples. Maybe they thought they were done with… God had drawn them into what was certainly the most meaningful work they could have ever imagined being part of… but now it was over.
Now if you’ve been following through this journey, you know that we are near the end of John’s testimony… Jesus has risen and already appeared to them. So we may think all their loss has changed. But while the resurrection of Christ certainly declares more than they had ever imagined about Jesus… what about them? He had appeared to them now twice… greeting them with peace… and revealing he had risen just as he said. But as for what was to be of their lives… nothing seemed the same. He had only told them one thing… go and wait in Galilee.
That is where we pick up.
John 21:1-14 (NIV)
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called 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. 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 Simon Peter climbed aboard 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.
[Several parts of the sections below describing the events have been drawn from Richard Tow.]
[Waiting in Galilee as instructed but nothing happening]
The story begins with the disciples obediently waiting for the Lord in Galilee.
Even before his death Jesus had said to the disciples in the upper room (Matt. 26:32) “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” That’s directive was confirmed by the angels who appeared to the women at Jesus’ tomb in Matthew 28. In verse 7 they told the women, “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Later, in verse 10 Jesus himself told these ladies to tell the disciples to go to Galilee. The Customs of the Passover Feast forbade their instant compliance with that command. And the Lord accommodated that even appearing to the group twice in Jerusalem [2] as recorded in John 20.
So here they are in Galilee—waiting and waiting and waiting—just as they were told to do. Nothing was happening. No one seemed to know exactly how long they were supposed to wait there. Some may have begun to wonder if they had misunderstood the instructions. Surely he would have come by now. We can assume that they weren’t feeling the sense of tragedy and heartache that were when their Master Jesus was crucified. The tragedy of the cross had been turned to the triumph of the resurrection. They have seen the resurrected Christ. But again, they likely had no sense that they had any role left to play. [3]
> Like any of us, they may have felt like life has passed you by. There had been some exciting times… a lot of anticipation… but it seems like the potential is over.
[Peter says he’s going fishing…. Might as well get back to the same old life]
Well, Peter just blurts it out, “I’m going out to fish.” An amplified version of that statement might sound something like this, “I can’t take this sitting around any longer. Do whatever you want to do but I’m going to work. At least something productive will be going on. I’ve got a family to feed [4] and I’m going to feed them.” There were at least six others feeling the same thing so off they went. I don’t think they were directly rebelling against God’s calling on their lives. But they were a little confused about what God was doing and perhaps very restless.
The place they went is called in our text the Lake of Tiberias…better known as The Sea of Galilee—13 miles long and 7 miles wide. These disciples knew this lake very well. James and John had probably grown up helping their dad fish on these waters. If they could do nothing else they could fish. And they certainly knew how to fish in these waters.
“They caught nothing.”… ‘unusually bad’… emptiness
Then what one writer calls “a miracle in reverse happened”. To their absolute amazement they were catching nothing at all. They were fishing during the night, which was the best time to fish. They were working hard at what they had done successfully many times in the past. But nothing is working. What I picture going on in that boat is a bit humorous. Can’t you just see these disciples about 2:00 am in the morning pulling the empty net in one more time? With a puzzled expression on his face, John looks at Peter and asks, “What in the world is going on?” They inspect the net closely to make sure the fish are not somehow slipping through an unobserved tear somewhere. They try again and still the net comes up empty. They pick up the pace and work even harder. Nothing is working. By 5:00 am they are totally frustrated and baffled. The sun is beginning to come up in the east but still they have not caught one fish.
The whole experience could be summed up in these words, “they caught nothing.”
Then a voice calls out… that changes everything.
As the morning breaks a stranger greets them from the shore. It was common for the fish-traders to come early in the morning and buy fish from the fishermen to sell that day in the market. So they naturally assumed that was the situation here. [5] “Friends, haven’t you any fish?" ….“No” was their curt answer. Then came a suggestion, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” Now I don’t know much about fishing… but I do know that most men don’t like being given directions… and most fishermen might find such simplistic advice a bit offensive. At this point, they did not know that the stranger was Jesus. Perhaps they found enough humility to consider the advice.
When they did… shazaam… the net filled with fish—so many fish they could not pull them into the boat. One hundred and fifty three fish. Why does John tell us it was a hundred and fifty three?” There has been some wild speculations about the meaning of that particular number… but I believe that that is simply how many they counted!
[Re-calls their original calling - Luke 5:4-11]
It was at that point that John put the pieces together. It was an immediate Déjà vu moment… because three years earlier almost exactly the same thing had happened in these very waters. In Luke’s account we read,
Luke 5:4-11 (NIV)
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Here they are…. in those very boats again…
It all speaks to the very depths of Peter’s life… and he literally leaps
John looks at Peter and says, “It’s the Lord! It’s the Lord, Peter!”
Peter threw on his outer garment and jumped in the water heading for Jesus.
We see the personalities of John and Peter distinguished in their reactions: John (as usual) understands first: “It is the Lord!” Peter (as usual) acts first: jumps in the sea and wades/swims to shore.
It’s interesting that we have these two lives … both of who are shown to reflect devotion… but in different ways… through different personalities. I can’t help but see that we should accept the same type of different personalities and expressions of devotion in our relationships as well. Some may reflect a quieter reflective nature… and others more freedom of expression. I see Johns and Peters… and God enjoying both.
One thing we can see in both… is that while they were likely excited about the fish they caught… they were more excited about Jesus.
John tells us that the boat was about a hundred yards offshore…so Peter had to work through a long stretch of water. When he arrived…
There is Jesus with a warm fire and breakfast cooking. Peter, and each of those who followed were tired and hungry. They are cold and wet. Just imagine Peter walking up on that shore with water dripping off him looking at that warm fire--smelling the Jewish version of bacon and eggs. It’s a warm invitation to companionship with Jesus.
It is the voice that re-calls them… into life with the risen Lord… same calling… but new form of relating. That is what he has for all of us. When Jesus spoke out… and what he did… reflects what was essential in what he brings to every life.
There are…
Three things that become very defining about what comes with his voice.
1. His voice calls forth our dependency on his GUIDANCE.
His voice establishes that He is still at work…and can guide them.
His directive leads to great catch…. And with it comes the reality that life is meant to be dependent on God… to be obedient. That is how Jesus had lived… totally dependent on the Father… and obedient as one would wisely do when the one who is sovereign over all bears nothing but good… and love for us.
Even Jesus, according to Hebrews 5:8, was subject to this matter of obedience! The verse says “Though HE was the Son of God, yet HE learned obedience!”
If we are going to hear his voice still calling us… it will call us into that life of dependence… where we lay down our control… or illusion of control… and move our nets if he tells us to. [6]
Example – A few years ago… as parents we had to decide which grade level to have one of our children in. They had gotten ahead of the grade we had planned… and their teacher noted the challenge. It was a significant decision because it would effect all of his years of schooling. We gave it a lot of thought… talked to friends… I had a sense of which way I believed was best… which side of the boat to throw the net on. And then we stopped and prayed. And I heard what clearly seemed to be the Lord saying “Let him rise.” It was so opposite of what I had believed… but so clear… I stopped and immediately told my wife. So we put our net on the other side of the boat… kept him ahead… and on the last day of the school year… he won the award for the most improved student as well as honors.
It wouldn’t be the first or last time that God directed us to do things that called us to be dependent on him. If we want to hear his voice… we will have to bring our self-competency to the altar.
2. His voice calls forth our purpose in his MISSION.
By re-enacting the moment when he first called them, Jesus’ voice establishes that they are still called to change lives.
His directive was an echo of three years earlier when he first revealed his power…called them to follow…and called them into a higher purpose… to that of fishers of men. The adventure that had changed their lives was still at hand.
It is very easy to lose our sense of mission in life. Jesus had so radically redefined their lives. Fishermen… farmers… merchants and business people… each had been invited to follow him and he defined that it was a joining into the very rescuing of the entire created world by God. It was going to cost them everything. It made joining the US military look mild in it’s calling. It became a constant experience of Jesus drawing them into what the Father was doing… and learning how to participate.
Following his death… it was like being discharged and sent home… fishing was just fishing. It’s the difference many of us feel between when we just get up and go to work and try to take care of life’s business… and when we really sense that God is at work… and drawing us into what he is doing around us.
His voice calls forth our purpose in his mission. Like these first disciples we are awakened by his life at work… the one who saw the crowds and had compassion… who saw the blind man on the side of the road… who said let the children come to me… who said LOOK… the fields are ripe.
It’s not that he only sees us as workers. He has a lot to say about his love for each of us…as a Father to his children. But like that father… part of our special relationship is being part of the family business… joining our father in what he is doing. So if we want to hear his voice… we need to hear his heart to join in what he is doing. Just as the disciples appear headed back to the old life… he says no… the mission is on. Don’t go back to civilian life… your still deployed… but I’ll work with you in a new way.
3. His voice calls forth our companionship with his PRESENCE.
It’s significant that Jesus came to these seven disciples that very normal morning as they did something that was very normal for them — fishing. He met them where they were, doing the ordinary things of their lives. We have a tendency to forget — or at least we fail to fully appreciate — what Jesus really meant when he promised he would always be with us. We don’t look to him — or for him — in the ordinary and common events of our lives. Instead, we often only look for Jesus when we’re going to a gathering of the church… or facing a critical problem. He’s there for us everyday when we get up… when we go to work… when we run errands.
As they walked onto the shore and sat down around that fire… I can only imagine what they must have felt. With his voice he had made it known that he was still there with them… that they can still enjoy his companionship and care.
We see the same care for his followers that he had before his death and resurrection. We see the Lord of glory still willing to stoop down and prepare a meal for those he loves. We see one who cares about our practical needs. The same Jesus who had washed their feet before his death now serves them breakfast.
They probably wondered what their relationship with Jesus would be now that he was resurrected and glorified. Jesus has just conquered death and hell. He is the glorified Lord of Glory, the God of all flesh, the Master of the Universe, the King of all kings. The One so worthy to bow before… is still caring for them. Let that revelation of Jesus soak in. It is a model for the call on these disciples life. If he gets his hands dirty with humble service for others, is it beneath his follower to do the same? (Adapted from ideas by RT)
Notice the amazing blend of natural and supernatural in this manifestation of Jesus. Jesus could have just made breakfast appear. But we see him cooking it on a fire. Jesus could have supernaturally moved the net of fish ashore. But instead he told the disciples to do it. He even tells them to bring some of their fish. This is very instructive as to the way God works. Jesus doesn’t do magic shows…because it is never just about power… but about love. As we join in the power of the Holy Spirit at work through us… we are to operate in a blend of the supernatural and the natural. As the work of the Spirit becomes an ongoing part of our daily lives we can discover more and more what it means to be naturally supernatural. (Adapted from ideas by RT)
He has fires for us to make… and circles of lives to gather.
And with this meal he reaffirmed the bond of relationship. In that culture to eat someone food created a bond of friendship. Have you been around His table? Have you eaten the food He has provided for you? John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. – if you have then a bond of friendship has formed that no one can break.
CLOSING:
He would soon more personally deal with Peter… restoring him from the shame of his unique denial… and then send the Spirit… but this was how it began… with Jesus’ naturally supernatural work.
His voice will always call forth these works in our lives. This is the unchanging voice of God to human lives. They thought it was over because it didn’t seem the same… but in fact… it was a transition into Jesus becoming incarnate not in his own flesh… but theirs. He was giving them a final reaffirmation before he would send his Spirit… that while they would miss his bodily presence… there were three things that were not changing.
His voice still calls. When we think it’s back to life as usual… his voice is calling forth that we are still called into ministry with him… friends who serve him as he serves us.
Ministry / Prayer: Have you felt like the life you began with Jesus seems lost? Maybe you had a good run… but it seems to have ended. Maybe you still have a few encounters… but you’re mostly just back fishing without any sense of your calling.
Resources: Richard Tow - His description of the events is a great blend of the facts and feelings involved… which leads to the points made. While I neither memorize nor read this as a manuscript, but rather use it as a general source of thought, I want to acknowledge my indebtedness for his development of the storyline of this text. Others whose ideas were helpful were Glenn Durham and Jeffrey Samelson.
Notes:
1. The end of the line: Last typewriter factory left in the world closes its doors
By Daily Mail Reporter, 27th April 2011
“India-based company has just a few hundred machines left in stock. It's an invention that revolutionised the way we work, becoming an essential piece of office equipment for the best part of a century. But after years of sterling service, that bane for secretaries has reached the end of the line. Godrej and Boyce - the last company left in the world that was still manufacturing typewriters - has shut down its production plant in Mumbai, India with just a few hundred machines left in stock.”
'From the early 2000s onwards, computers started dominating. All the manufacturers of office typewriters stopped production, except us.
'Till 2009, we used to produce 10,000 to 12,000 machines a year. But this might be the last chance for typewriter lovers. Now, our primary market is among the defence agencies, courts and government offices.'
The last in a long tradition: Godrej and Boyce's Prima typewriter is the last machine of its kind to be manufactured
The company is now down to its last 200 machines - the majority of which are Arabic language models.
The firm began production in the 1950s - when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru described the typewriter as a symbol of India's emerging independence and industrialisation. It was still selling 50,000 models annually in the early 1990s, but last year it sold less than 800 machines.
The first commercial typewriter was produced in the U.S. in 1867 and by the turn of the century had developed into the standardized format - including a ‘QWERTY' keyboard - that we know today.”
2. Regarding the two appearances in Jerusalem prior to the meting in Galilee as directed, Richard Tow cites F. B. Myer, Gospel of John (Ft. Washington, PN: Christian Literature Crusade, 1983) p. 367
3. Richard Tow cites Leon Morris, Reflections on the Gospel of John (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2000) p.725
4. In Mark 1:30 we read, “Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her.” From this we can assume some level of responsibility he bore in his life in caring for others.
5. Richard Tow cites Myer, p. 369
6. Jesus often concluded his teaching stating, ‘let those who have ears to hear’ listen… implying those whose heart is open and responsive. A dependent and humble responsiveness is essential. Note: Isaiah 57:15, Psalms 34:18, Mark 12:33, and Isaiah 66:2.
