Come and fellowship with Jesus
John 21:1-14
Last time we saw the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’s resurrection
Their faith gives us great hope to apply to ourselves and work towards as well
It is in faith that we find strength – and the ability to overcome today’s issues
∆ Let’s Go Fishing
In this event we see 7 disciples who experienced this event
Their mode of relaxing is simple: “I’m going to fish”
It’s incredible that even today, this same mode appeals to so many
However, after a long night, they’ve caught nothing
The disciples notice someone on the shore, but can’t tell who it is
Lots of pondering about this – but I think it was just dim and hard to see
Now, one thing I know, is never to ask a question (v5) like this
APP: If they had some fish, they certainly would’ve shown it/celebrated it
But something interesting comes from this stranger (v6)
When it is suggested that they toss from the right side, wonder what they thought
Consider: Had they only been fishing on the left side? Of course not!
Curiously, these men not only caught fish – but an abundance of them
Could this be because Jesus appeared? Or because He knew the water?
Or perhaps, it was because they believed enough to try this suggestion?
Whatever the reason, their catch yielded more than fish
They realized who is was that suggested this attempt to them
John said – in a shout of excitement/proclamation – “It is the Lord!”
Peter – in absolutely excitement – grabs his cloak
Note: He would’ve been dressed to work, probably with an under garment
Grabs his outer cloak, puts it on, and jumps into the water to swim!
The remaining disciples pulled their fish (and the boat) to shore
Upon their arrival, a fire had been built and fish were cooking
∆ An invitation to breakfast
Having arrived at the shore, these men have breakfast together
IMP: If Jesus were not alive, He could not have eaten food with them
Nor could he have prepared the fire when they arrived
APP: He is not a poltergeist – but a real being with flesh and bone (glorified body)
This fellowship is what I would like us to really take note of
The church, much like this group, gathers to enjoy one another’s company
While this meal accompanied a miracle, it is no different than us today
We are called to join together just the same, to spend time encouraging/learning
Acts 2:46, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”
I think we lose sight of this APP in our modern day
Personal: I’d like us to gather more often, to share in fellowship like this
Consider: How easy is it to get distracted and fall apart/become strangers?
It’s times like this gathering that something unique comes from it
It is not that we get our bellies filled … (by-product)
But that together, we agree that Jesus is our Lord in our fellowship
His invitation to “come and have breakfast” comes with no strings
It is an open invitation to gather, to enjoy, and to love … just as He did/does
What a beautiful picture of His invitation to you and me tonight
∆ Big Idea
I’m often most amazed at stories like this which are so transparent
There is no other reason to see this except that they were invited in
And in that invitation, they gathered together to enjoy one another’s company
Sunday’s message is my favorite from this gospel – hope you will be here
Pray
