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.

The third of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, Return of the King, has at least three “endings” – one right after the other. Just when you think all the strings are brought together, and all the answers are resolved, a new scene opens with yet another denouement. To some extent the Gospel of John has two endings: Chapter 20 has Jesus alive and appearing to the disciples and convincing Thomas, together with John’s reasoning for writing his gospel account. Seems like the end, right? Not so fast. Here comes chapter 21. There are further implications to Jesus’ resurrection and the apostles’ developing faith that will be explored: John 21.

The apostles will go fishing all night, having nothing to show for their efforts. Jesus will appear, directing their expedition to the other side, and a haul of fish that they can’t even get into the boat. Yes, this is Jesus: Son of God, raised from the dead. Reigning over all. When he recognizes Jesus, Peter jumps in the water and swims ashore. They will have breakfast. Then will come quite a conversation between Jesus and Peter.

But for today we can take this to heart: Jesus is not finished with his work in the world or in our hearts. He will show up in unexpected circumstances and times. He will direct us to old and new endeavors. And he will always call us to himself. Sometimes it will be “the least of these” (cf. Matthew 25:40). Sometimes it will be in worship, and still others in a small gathering as his disciples (Matthew 18:20). But Jesus is not finished with his work in our world or our lives – until he returns on the Great Last Day.

I wonder where he will show up for you and me today…

John 21:1-14

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.

⁹ When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.