John 21
Luke 5:4-10 records the calling of Peter, which involved throwing the fishing net and bringing in a big haul. Peter realized that Jesus was holy and felt unworthy to be in his presence, but Jesus said to him, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (v10). In this passage in John 21, Jesus appeared to the disciples again when they were out fishing. He showed up at daybreak, and the disciples hadn’t caught any fish. He told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and like 3+ years prior, they caught a big haul of fish – 153 big ones (to be exact!).
Peter was the one who initiated the fishing trip, and I wonder if he was heading back to his old career instead of continuing the work that Jesus taught him to do. The similarities between the first haul of fish and Jesus commissioning Peter and this haul of fish must have caught his attention. After they finished a breakfast of bread and bbq’d fish, Jesus took Peter for a walk and re-commissioned him for the ministry, telling Peter to feed and tend his sheep.
Our calling from Jesus too is to “fish for men” and to “tend his sheep.” Matthew recorded the final commission of Jesus to the disciples, and I leave it with you as our call to be led more by Jesus, to lead more like Jesus, and to lead more people to Jesus:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:19-20)
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