The crucifixion happened, three long days ensued, the resurrection happened, Mary saw Him, the other women saw Him, Peter saw Him, the Emmaus Road travelers saw Him, and finally the disciples saw Him. It was a busy few days. Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, there were about 11 appearances we know about in the Bible.

One of my favorite times of His appearance after the resurrection was when He appeared to some of the disciples in John 21:1-25. Peter announced he was going fishing and some others decided to join. After fishing all night they caught nothing. A random man standing on shore called out to them asking if they had caught anything. John recognized the man as being Jesus and announced it to the others. Peter immediately jumped into the water and swam to Jesus.

What’s the coolest to me is that Jesus already had breakfast waiting for them when they arrive at the shore. The fire was going, the fish were cooking over the charcoal, and He had bread for them.  As they came to the shore, Jesus asked them to bring Him some of the fish they caught.

This story sticks out to me for several reasons.

1. Jesus watches. The disciples were doing their job as Jesus stood on the shore watching. They were fishermen and this is who they were and what they chose to do. After Jesus left them, or so they thought, they grew tired of waiting on Jesus and went to do what they knew how to do best: fish. I think we tend to do this when we find ourselves waiting on God: reverting back to doing things that come naturally. The disciples could fish in their sleep; they were fishermen. I can do laundry in my sleep; I’m a mom. These are the sometimes mundane, working activities of our lives. They are necessary to living at times and yet we sometimes use them to go through the motions when we don’t know what else to do.
2. Jesus shows up. The disciples were not expecting Jesus. They were not sure what to do, so they continued on with who they were before they met Jesus. At times, when I feel confused about life and where to go, I revert back to what’s comfortable. Yet, Jesus always seems to show up when I’m not necessarily expecting Him. Sometimes I’m like John in the story and recognize Him immediately. Other times, though, I’m Peter and have to have someone else tell me He is there.
3. Jesus provides. He provides food to all the fishermen whether they initially recognize Him or not. Like them, Jesus provides me the food and nourishment I need for my soul as I go about the mundane and normal activities of my life; whether I recognize Him or not.
4. Jesus invites me to participate. He asked the disciples to bring Him some fish even though He already had some for them. He could do it all on His own, but He asks us to minister with Him. Our work, like the disciples fishing, is not in vain. Jesus uses what we have so that we can actively participate with Him in feeding others. We are in this together.
5. Jesus challenges. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him three different times. After each affirmative from Peter, Jesus asks him to feed His lambs/sheep and take care of His sheep. Jesus desires not only to have a relationship with us, but a relationship with all of His lambs and sheep. Therefore, we are charged with taking care of other people along this journey.

Jesus lovingly watches us, shows up when we need Him, provides for us, invites us to participate in His ministry, and challenges us to love and care for others. So, when I think I’m waiting on Jesus, it’s probably on my timetable that I’m waiting. Jesus is always active. It’s just whether I’ll recognize when He’s there.

Are you a John or a Peter today in the boat?

Do you recognize Jesus standing on the shore waiting for you?

© 2016 Susan M. Sims

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