David Bahn – Reflections

John 21:1
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.

Jesus appears to his disciples three times in John’s Gospel. This third time provides a pattern for his presence in our lives. He goes to the disciples in the midst of their futile pursuits (they had caught nothing after a night of fishing), and invites them to admit their lack of success. He then offers a different approach. Finally he invites them to join him for breakfast.
It should not be lost on us that the disciples’ fishing expedition was futile. Just so we’re clear about that, Jesus has fish already on a charcoal fire when they join him on the shore! It should also be clear that he is teaching us something about God’s control over all things: the previously-illusive fish were suddenly abundantly present when they threw their nets on the right side of the boat – at Jesus’ direction. We also do well to remember that Jesus sought out the disciples in the midst of their time-killing and unfocused pursuits.
This should challenge us to think about our lack of focus or purpose. Am I living as a disciple of Jesus with any sort of intentionality? It should also open our eyes to consider where a new approach to our daily pursuits might be in order. But most of all we ought to be listening for Jesus’ invitation to be with him, to allow him to awaken our need for him, and to enjoy the blessing of his supply.
Not only does Jesus reveal himself, but he reveals himself as the One who calls people to himself and provides blessings with his presence. If you read further in John 21, you will see, also that he call us to love one another and to follow him. That’s not only a blessing. It is a life-long calling.

John 21:1-8
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, 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 go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on 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 of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.