John 21:6b-10

Posted by DJL on Jun 4, 2015 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the lake. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”

As in Luke’s account of the miraculous catch of fish, so also here: recognition of the miracle prompts recognition of the miracle worker. So as the they grapple with a net full-to-bursting that was empty just moments ago, the disciples recognize Jesus. Actually, it’s all the disciples, but rather the beloved disciple – naturally – who perceives it is Jesus standing on the shore.

At the revelation shared by the beloved disciple, Peter – impetuous Peter who first drew the others to fish with him – clothes himself and jumps into the water to swim to shore to see Jesus (and leave the others to haul in the net!)

Once the others come ashore, they are greeted by what must have been an odd site – their resurrected Lord…by a camp fire…with a breakfast of fish and bread already prepared.

Perhaps this is symbolic of Jesus’ promise of provision and providence. Interestingly, though, he doesn’t only give them breakfast but also asks them to share some of their catch.

Which I think is actually quite wonderful…and important. Because I believe Jesus continues both to provide for us but also to ask us to contribute what we have. And that invitation to contribute – of our time, our talent, our insights, our passion, our very lives – both honors us by drawing us into Christ’s mission while simultaneously conferring on us the gift of meaningful, purposeful work.

Jesus invites the disciples to receive what he has to give them and asks them to contribute some of their own. As far as I can tell, it still works that way.

Prayer: Dear God, let us hear your invitation to give ourselves to you and to those around us and let us respond with all that we have and are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.