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The Risen Lord Eats with the Disciples on
the Shore of Tiberias – Breakfast on the Beach
John 21:1-21 1-3 (The Message): After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.” 3-4 The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him. 5-6 Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast? ”They answered, “No.” He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.”They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in. 7-9 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Master!” When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren’t far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.
10-12 Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn’t rip.12(a) Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready.” ….
Jesus told his disciples to meet Him in Galilee, so off they went. They decided to get a little fishing in as well. After following Jesus around for three years, and after Judas ran off with all their money, they were probably broke or in serious debt. Maybe their skills were rusty, maybe the boat was leaking, but the boys were not getting it done. I have never had much success at night fishing either.
Then Jesus arrived and directed their net casting, with instant success. This encounter with Jesus would be their last day on the pro circuit, their last day of fishing – for fish. After this day, they probably sold their catch, the boat, the nets and rigging to follow Jesus for good. Somehow I think this catch also puts their finances over the top to get their new profession started. That seems to be how Jesus does things. He knows how to put things in balance, He knows all about paying debts for others.
You see, the most important thing that morning was not catching fish, it was getting to shore and sitting with Jesus. There is nothing, nothing that matters more to Jesus than getting you to that fireside to sit with Him. Whatever you need to get there, He will provide. Do you need forgiveness? Done! Courage? He offers that! Wisdom, or bunch of fish? All you need is to ask. Just get there, get to that fireside, whether you have to swim or drag your 153 fish behind you. For once you are with Jesus you will see He has all you need, even breakfast. Then, allow Him to get you started on the wildest journey you will ever know.
Peace.
Phil Parsons