John 21:1-14
This is now the third appearance of the risen Christ to His disciples.
The setting is simple. Jesus appears amidst the everyday occupations of a
fisherman.
He performs a miracle, in which they recognize Him as the
Lord. Once again, Jesus shows that He is concerned for us in our everyday
lives.
Peter is so overjoyed when He recognizes Jesus that he
immediately swims to shore. The disciples eat breakfast with Jesus, the account
once again proving the bodily resurrection of our Lord, as ghosts simply do not
eat food. Truly, there is joy for the disciples in meeting the risen Christ.
How satisfied are you with your life? Interesting question
isn’t it? Consider the disciples of Jesus. They had given so much to the cause
of Christ. They had followed Him for years; sacrificing career choices, family
commitments, and their status among peers.
And for what? They had seen Him die and then rise again. But
where did that leave them? Peter the (concernment) spokesperson for the
disciples says to his friends, “I’m going
fishing”, as if to say “I’ve had enough…I’m going back to a life and a
world that is at least predictable.” Peter was looking for a life that was
safe, secure, sheltered
Where do you find yourself today? Can you identify with these
1st Century followers of Jesus? We see a
contrast between life without Christ and life with Christ. This begs the
question – are you living BC – before Christ, or AC – after Christ has come
into your life.
1. BC – life before Christ entered your
life – I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll
go with you.” So, they went out and got into the boat, but that night they
caught nothing. Vv. 1-3
A. This may describe a life of
discouragement frustration and hopelessness – “I’m going fishing.”
1. Peter and his friends had
invested three years of their lives following the Savior. Those three years
seemed to be a lifetime.
2. But what had that in investment
of time produced? They had witnessed Jesus’ passion, suffering, death and
resurrection. But what did it mean to them? Had there been a significant change
in their lives? Peter was content to get back to a familiar way of living, his
former life. “I’m going fishing.” The kingdom had not arrived, and they had to
make a living. They were seeking a predictable life.
B. The result of such labor and
effort – “he caught nothing” But the former life proved to be fruitless for
Peter. His enthusiasm ended in frustration, for no fish were caught.
1.
What he thought would bring him contentment, joy, and peace lead to nothing.
2. He had nothing to show for all of
his effort. All his labors were fruitless.
Transition:
There was life for Peter before Christ entered his life. Notice his life after
his encounter with Jesus.
2. AC – life after
Christ enters your life – Vv. 4-14
A. There is a fruitfulness pm account of Christ. A miracle of fish! 153 fish to be exact.
Jesus originally called Peter after he had caught a great amount of fish. The
Savior had said to him, “from now on you will catch men!” Once again, Peter is
called into kingdom work. Now Peter is given a re-call. These are encouraging
words for us to hear. Peter was given another chance. The Savior is the author
of second chances. Peter who was content to drop out is re-instated. Having
been recovered he is re- charged for future kingdom building.
B. The food - Jesus provides it – it
is given to provide nurture, growth, and strength. Daily the Savior feeds us as
He give us His Word not only to strengthen but to encourage us to go back to
where we work and live to be witnesses for Him.
C. The Savior offers us an
opportunity for fellowship, “Come and have breakfast” with Me! This is why you
have come this day. To re-connect with the Savior; to have hear His voice, to
be strengthened by His Word and Sacrament.
With a single-minded purpose, the
Savior comes to His own to provide for them. Had He not come to these friends
His cause would have been lost and His mission in vain. Peter experienced not
only the Lord’s forgiveness but also the opportunity to be used by Him for a
second time. May the Lord continue to use you to speak His word of peace in
this world.
Words –790
Passive Sentences – 9%
Readability – 75.7
Reading Level – 5.5
[1] Jesus
appears by the sea, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted
for personal and congregational use
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