Monday, April 28, 2025  

Today's Scripture
John 21:1–19

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. 5 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 sea. 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. 10 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 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. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.” (NRSV)

Reflection

I love this passage, because it reflects the humanity of the disciples and ultimately reminds me I am part of the bigger story. The disciples knew Jesus was alive, yet things were different. I can almost see them sitting around in the uncomfortable unknown, wondering what to do next. It makes sense they would return to the thing they knew well. I wonder if they found comfort in the movement of the boat on the waves, the feel of the nets on their hands, the smell of the sea. They had just met the risen Christ, and yet they returned to their old lives. I feel the same when faced with the chaos of life: I return to what I know, even if it means going backwards, because it feels better, safer, normal.  

Jesus is on that shore to remind them (and us) that everything has changed, nothing is normal. He does this gently, reminding them who they are fishing for. Jesus’ invitation is to be in community with him. Get warm, have a snack, remember I have invited you into something bigger than you can imagine.  

As I ponder what it means to be part of a new community this Eastertide, I find comfort in the fact that I also know that Voice inviting me into the new life. There will still be snacks, the coziness will return, and I will get to know these people around the fire. There will always be chaos and uncertainty; what remains certain is the love of God and the power of a community who shares that love with the people around them.  

Prayer
Spirit, may I jump wholeheartedly into the waters of community and love, knowing you will be there with me, always. Amen.

Written by Nancy Bartell, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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