Lest We Forget
John 21:1-14
Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz
John 21:1 After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. 2 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. 3 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.
John 21:4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “aCast 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. 7 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. 8 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.
John 21:9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. 10 Jesus *said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” 11 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. 12 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. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus 1was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
We are in the last chapter of John’s Gospel. Many scholars consider this chapter an add on to the original writing. Some believe it is a logical epilogue of the Gospel. It serves an interesting purpose. When Jesus was crucified, John, who loved him, remained with him while the others scattered. But Jesus appeared to them on Easter evening. Therefore, they knew Jesus was the true Messiah and a part of what became the Trinity. So, the question is why would they return to fishing at Capernaum?
I am assuming Capernaum because the Gospel says that they were at the Sea of Tiberius. This was another name for the Sea of Galilee. Therefore, it is logical to assume that they are home, well, at least Peter’s home. Seven of the disciples are mentioned in the narrative. There are four missing from the group. We don’t know where they were at that moment. Interestingly, the narrative mentions Nathanael. We have heard nothing about him since chapter one. We learn he was from the town of Cana. Let me refresh your memory. Cana was where Jesus and Mary, his mother, attended a wedding and changed water into wine. This is the first miracle in the Gospel.
It has been suggested by scholars that the disciples did not know what to do. That seems odd. The scene has the men going back to their occupations. They were fishers. This outing was a difficult one because they did not catch any fish. This is odd because the Sea of Galilee was full of fish. They heard a man from the shore telling them to toss their nets out again. This time they caught so many fish that the net almost tore. Then they recognized Jesus.
A fish fry follows, and the men recognize they are in the company of Jesus. Pretty cool story. However, what does it mean as a spiritual lesson for us? The narrative suggests that the disciples either forgot about Jesus and the mission or believed the mission was over after his death. Both seem unlikely, but the story is not about them evangelizing the Gospel but they went back to their old lives.
How could these men have traveled with Jesus, seen all the signs and miracles, witnessed Jesus’ rising from the dead, and then return to their old jobs? Wait a minute, doesn’t that happen today to many people? How many people come to a church worship celebration on Sunday and by Sunday afternoon they are back to their old lives and ways?
At 35 years old, after my baptism, I was eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of Christianity. That search and Jesus’ calling brought me into a new life. Yes, I left my computer engineering position to become a pastor and biblical researcher. For me coming to know Christ had a major impact. I am not saying that everyone who claims to be Christian must go through such a transformation. I say that as Christians, we need to remember that we have a divine purpose besides a career or work.
How many of you think about Jesus during your week? I have met so many Christians who will give one hour a week to God. The last church, appointed by the bishop, insisted on holding the annual congregational meeting on Sunday. That worked well for me, too. So, worship was at 8:45 AM, the meeting at 10:00 AM, the second worship was at 11:00 AM.
It surprised me to see how many people of both worship celebrations only came to the annual meeting. I asked one lady about why she did not come to the 8:45 AM worship, as she always did, and then stay for the annual meeting. She said to me that she gives one hour a week to God. Therefore, she could not go to worship and the meeting. The annual meeting was more important to her. Since the church was incorporated it required an annual meeting for business reasons. We elected officers for the next year and if a proposed some major change, this was the time for the congregation to vote on it.
Wow, about 55% of the congregation gave one hour a week to God. That was shocking. So, during the week, they gave ZERO TIME to God. Well, at least they give one hour. How many Christians give ZERO TIME to God, all the time? Since 60% of the U.S. population identifies as Christians, our local churches would need to hold six or more worship celebrations on Sunday to accommodate everyone. Maybe we should be grateful that only 2% or so of Christians go to church on Sunday? That’s a sad statement.
I think that this narrative at the end of John tells us that our service to Jesus is an addition to our regular occupations and obligations. The disciples had to discover how to add Jesus’ mission into their lives. The disciples went back to fishing because they needed an income to survive. However, they must not forget their obligation to Jesus! If they did not add evangelizing to their list of duties, then we would not of Jesus today.
The next generation looks to us to discover Jesus. How can that happen when apathy is acceptable in Christianity? I was baptized in a church that boasted 1,000 members. However, on Sunday about 150 came to church. That is apathy! That is what our churches are showing. A lot of those 150 people only gave one hour a week to Jesus. 15% of a Sunday worshiping congregation will take part in the activities of the church.
So, how do we change this? That is a hard question to answer because it has been going on for decades. Church leaders have not addressed this situation and still like to avoid it. I increased membership participation in a church I was appointed to by adjusting the worship celebration to the needs of the younger generation. Unfortunately, the one-hour people became furious with me. Why? Don’t laugh, but the complaint was that other people were sitting in their spots. It reminds me today of Sheldon on the show the “Big Bang Theory.” Sheldon had his spot that no one else could sit in. That is another problem that I don’t have the time to discuss.
Those of you hearing or reading this should think about the time you give to God each week. If you are a one-hour person, how can you increase that number? I know everyone fills their schedules today with all kinds of things. Perhaps when you lay out your week, you can put God in it first. Oh yes, besides Sunday morning. Jesus needed the disciples' help to spread the Gospel. Jesus needs us to do it today. The Gospel message of love can help cure the hatred in the world. When we spread Christ’s love the Holy Spirit will take over and change hearts.
Let us never forget the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Instead, let’s add Jesus and the spreading of the Gospel to our lives.
