Revelation on the beach

Nathan Bright shares some lessons from a fishing expedition.

Key text

• John 21:1–14

There is something about being around water that feels good for my soul, whether that’s running along the seafront, walking around our local rowing lake or just lazing by a pool.

As we look at our study passage, it is worth keeping the backdrop of the Sea of Galilee in view, for it would have held emotive memories of miracles and transformation for the disciples.

For some, it was where Jesus had called them to become fishers of men. It was where the Sermon on the Mount was voiced, so perhaps there were echoes of the Beatitudes ringing round, as well as that first recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. It was where Jesus had calmed a storm and, notably for Peter, where he had walked on water.

I wonder if it felt like a perfect place to process the events of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Galilee was somewhere the disciples were still able to connect with Jesus.

Pause and reflect

• Which locations are helpful or important for your daily connection with God?
• Are there places that remind you of your calling?
• Are there places that remind you of God’s faithfulness?

We meet Peter at a vulnerable moment in his experience. Just as Jesus predicted, Peter had denied his master and friend. He had witnessed Jesus suffering the most inhumane treatment, culminating in his death on the cross. Following his resurrection, Jesus had appeared behind locked doors to the disciples twice (see John 20:19–26). However, in John’s account of these appearances, there is no conversation with Peter.

Peter was most probably feeling a host of emotions – shame, guilt, loss, confusion, isolation.

Pause and reflect

• What do you do when you feel like that?
• What might that teach you about how you process things?

John 21:3 tells us what Peter did. He says to his companions: ‘I’m going out to fish.’

Was he being practical and thinking about the next meal? Was he looking to take a few hours to wallow in self-pity? Was he returning to a previous way of life, believing that he no longer deserved the life in all its fullness that Jesus had offered him? Perhaps it was all those things.

As Peter attempts to skulk off to the water, his friends and fellow disciples rally round and insist on accompanying him. Together, they set out and they begin fishing.

Pause and reflect

• Can you think of a time when people gathered around you when you most needed it?
• What can this teach us about community and the nature of being with one another?

The disciples spend all night fishing unsuccessfully, before Jesus appears and offers advice that ends with a haul of fish beyond their imaginations. What can we learn from this?

First, escapism doesn’t achieve what we hope. There could be an argument to say that, in setting sail, Peter is trying to escape reality. You might know what that is like. Peter’s actions aren’t inherently bad – unlike some methods of escapism – but returning to his way of life before Jesus doesn’t speak of the renewed identity and purpose that Jesus had given his disciples. What does this yield? Nothing!

There is nothing wrong with a lack of productivity; it is the lack of perspective that is problematic. When things aren’t going well, we must not revert to what once was in our lives but continue to live in a way that reflects the work of Jesus. Notice how it is only when Jesus comes into view that the disciples discover what they are looking for.

Second, as always, Jesus goes beyond human expertise.

I always imagine the disciples react somewhat dismissively to his advice. Despite their current plight, they know how to catch fish. They would have tried all the tricks of the trade that night and so patronising suggestions – such as those in verse 6 – might have jarred their pride. However, they are humble enough to try it out. To their delight, it pays off.

Sometimes, what might feel like a basic, obvious command from Jesus is the one to follow, irrespective of whether we’ve tried it before or whether we think we know better. Jesus works in a realm that is beyond our human logic and understanding. We simply need to trust in him.

Third, Peter doesn’t wait for a personal call. Throughout our study passage, Jesus speaks exclusively to the disciples as a group. Repeatedly, we read that Jesus spoke ‘to them’. Peter, however, doesn’t wait for a personal call. He hears Jesus and makes a personal response. When Peter recognises Jesus in verse 7, he jumps out of the boat. This action mirrors Peter’s experience in Matthew 14:29. Perhaps it symbolises Peter saying: ‘Lord, I’m sinking – save me!’ He is so keen to act for his Saviour.

We can sometimes find ourselves lost in the group when Jesus speaks. We can be slow to act unless he calls us by name. Peter demonstrates to us that even when Jesus talks to the collective, it is still up to us to respond personally.

Pause and reflect

• Next time you want to escape, how can you remind yourself of Jesus?
• How could you build humility to respond to Jesus’ profound promises?
• When have you overlooked an opportunity to act in God’s name that wasn’t spoken directly to you?

In listening, responding and recognising Jesus, the disciples were able to sit down and eat breakfast with him as friends. Perhaps doing likewise might offer us the opportunity to spend some quality time with him too.