Food for Thought
Following Jesus requires change.
The Word of God for the People of God
John 21:1-22
Reflection on the Word of God
Many sermons have been and could be preached from this chapter. It is hard to zero in on a central thought because so many things rush into the foreground of our thinking. If nothing else, there are many baffling questions, such as why the disciples did not recognize Jesus, with whom they had spent so much time for at least three years. This was not the first resurrection appearance, so I think I would have been looking for him in every corner! It was only in the miraculous catch of fish that the light dawned in Peter’s mind and he exclaimed, “It is the Lord!”
I always wonder why Peter put on his outer garment before jumping into the sea. Wouldn’t you expect him to take it off first? I also marvel that he was not afraid to jump in with so many fish around him. Did they not have any dangerous creatures in the Sea of Tiberias who would have been hungry for such a large school of fish? And yes, we always wonder how Jesus already had fish, built a fire and was cooking—in his post-resurrection state.
One thing does not puzzle us. We are not surprised at Peter’s decision to go fishing, nor that the other disciples so quickly jumped in the boat with him. After all, they had been through a lot and just needed the comfort of the familiar. It is all too easy for us to return to the comfort of the familiar when things get tough. Some people are overweight for that very
But, there is more to be gleaned here than answers to the many questions we could raise. This is not just about resurrection revelation. It is about how to follow Jesus. And it is not just in the dialogue about taking care of sheep that we get the central message. It is a story about change. Peter could not follow Jesus and continue to fish, no matter how lucrative fishing might be. Even if he could have counted on miraculous catches from then on, his goals had to change if he was to follow Jesus. He had to love something else more than fish. His perspective had to change. His love for Jesus had to overcome his love for the familiar. He had to work for what mattered most.
We all chuckle at the popular saying, “The test of insanity is continuing to do the same things and expecting a better outcome.” Jesus was demonstrating and teaching an important lesson. Continue to fish for what you need in order to eat (hence, the small amount of fish on the fire), but go beyond that and focus on what you need to do in order to love and care for others. Don’t be stuck in the past. Trust in Jesus’ forgiveness and venture forth into a new life. Forgive yourself and others, and then move on. Don’t keep going back. Put God’s will before yours and move forward. Put the needs of others and the will of God first, and don’t worry about the future. The main word to take from this passage is: Don’t worry about what others are doing or not doing. Leave that to Jesus. “You follow me,” He said.
Our Response to God
Lord, help me move forward and give up attachments to the past that hold me back from truly following you. I hear in your challenge to Peter the words of calling that you have for me. Help me give up any sense of unworthiness, release all resentment, anger and hurt, let go of judgment and release criticism. I turn to you with fresh courage to embrace change and put on a new way of being. I want to put on a new coat of faith, jump into the sea of your love and surrender my desire to change anyone other than myself. Enlarge my understanding until I welcome all that comes as the gift and plan of God for my life. Grant me the wisdom to choose what is needed and helpful every day as I follow Jesus all the way!
For the praise of Jesus Christ, Amen!
