A reflection on John 21...
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ 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.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
...When they finished eating, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”
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Can’t you just hear Peter, “I’m goin’ fishin’.” He says it with a mix of frustration, confusion, maybe even throwing his hands up in the air. He didn’t know what to think. What else could he do? He had given up everything he knew as a fisherman for this guy Jesus, and now everything was, well, weird. Jesus had unbelievably risen from the dead and showed up twice trying to convince everyone of that. Peter still couldn’t wrap his brain around it.
And so he went to do what he knew best. I’m goin’ fishin’. I need some time out on the water to clear my head. To think.
But then that doesn’t even go well. They catch nothing. These men, whose profession was fishing before they had left to follow Jesus, catch absolutely nothing! So, what’s Peter to do now? His fallback, that thing he’s most familiar with, isn’t even working out the way he thought it should.
THEN things get even weirder. Some stranger calls from the shore and tells them to fish on the other side of the boat. Hey, why not? It can’t be worse than we’ve already done because WE HAVEN’T CAUGHT A THING. So they cast again and holy cow – the net is full. This isn’t just some random guy offering advice. It must be the Lord!
So Peter, ah impetuous, enthusiastic Peter, jumps out of the boat and swims to Jesus as fast as he can. Can’t you just see the scene? The others are struggling with this huge net FULL of fish and Peter just jumps ship (literally) to go to Jesus. As if right on cue, this impulsive, crazy Peter-esque display of enthusiasm seems to show us how Peter really feels about Jesus. But later, sitting by the fire, just hanging out, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”
He repeats this question to Peter three times, reminiscent of the opposite that had occurred to Peter just before Jesus’ crucifixion, when he denied knowing Jesus three times. This can’t be a coincidence. Both Peter and Jesus know what transpired. Jesus, surely had already forgiven Peter, but Peter surely still carried the guilt of that night with him and hadn’t forgiven himself.
And this is the brilliant beauty of following Jesus:
When all hope seems lost. When everything you thought you believed appears to be untrue. When you've messed up and made some bad choices. When you feel all alone and confused as a result of those choices - - He is there. He is sitting by a fire prepared for you with a meal ready. And he invites you to join him.
Do you love me?
Despite what you may have done in your past. Despite the mistakes you’ve made.
Do you love me?
Despite how you’ve treated others in my name. Despite your prejudices, selfishness or greed.
Do you love me? For that is what really matters. I can transform you, forgive you and use you, if you just love me – truly love me.
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