Series: Through The Eyes Of Jesus [#4]
JUBILATE SUNDAY THROUGH THE EYES OF JESUS
John 21:1-14
Introduction:
For denominations that use liturgy each week, the 3rd Sunday of Easter is called Jubilate Sunday. As we look at our text this morning, the disciples were not jubilate. Jubilate means to show great happiness. Instead of jubilate, the disciples were just trying to get on with life. They were feeling like they had wasted 3 years of their life and they were just going to try to start over.
John 21:1-3 (NIV)
“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. "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.”
Jesus saw…
1. Some going back to their old ways.
Following Jesus every day is not easy. There are many times that God asks us to do things that we’re not even sure if we can do them. Walking by faith and not by sight is difficult. It’s much easier for us to go back to things we know- Things that we are comfortable doing. Peter was a fisherman by trade and that’s what he went back to.
John 21:4 (NIV)
“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.”
Jesus saw…
2. Some who did not recognize Him.
Here are these men who had followed Jesus every day for 3 years and they did not recognize Him. This was the 3rd time Jesus had appeared to them after His resurrection and they still did not recognize Him. Before we become too judgmental of these disciples, how often do we not recognize Jesus in all that happens? Do you thank God each time you have a victory? Do you even realize that it is because of Jesus that you can have victory? We need to see like Jesus, think like Jesus, and behave like Jesus. Maybe, that is why you are not experiencing the joy of the Lord.
John 21:5-14 (NIV)
“He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 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. 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. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 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. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.”
Jesus saw…
3. Some who still needed Him.
They were fishing and having no luck and Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side. They did what He asked and they had more fish than they could handle. At this point, John realized that it was Jesus. After he told Peter that it was Jesus, Peter dove into the water to see Jesus. Peter realized that Jesus had been taking care of them for 3 years and that He was not going to leave them on their own. Jesus took care of their physical needs and then their spiritual needs.
Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we still need Jesus. Jesus takes care of our needs. Without Him we would have nothing.
Conclusion:
Do you want today to be a Jubilate Sunday? It can be if you will recognize that Jesus wants to be in your life and provide for you. I know walking by faith is not easy; but it is where you will find true joy.
