Jesus Revealed Pt. 19 - He Has Risen!Sample

Jesus appears in Galilee  

Thoughts on the Passage

Fishing.

This is an important concept when it comes to Jesus commissioning the apostles for their work. We do not know why only these went fishing or where the others were. John wants to tells us something very important with this concluding story. 

First, they went out and caught nothing. They are good fishermen, but they caught no fish. When Jesus told them where to put their nets – they caught a huge number of fish.

Second, they catch 153 large fish, but the nets do not break. The number 153 has fascinated people throughout history wondering why John mentions the number. It has significance, but there is no consensus on what it means. It likely has something to do with the nations of the world, but we really do not know. However, the net not breaking is significant. The net catching such a large number of fish can easily handle everything. Again it likely has something to do with the mission God has for them.

Third, Jesus promised to meet them here. They came as He instructed, but they went fishing while they waited for Jesus. Nothing works until Jesus shows us – then they catch fish. They needed to learn to wait for Jesus.

Waiting for Jesus was not just a problem for the disciples. It is a problem for all of us. We have great plans for how God will use us. We need to wait on Him. Wait for His plan and timing. Wait… When He comes, then there is fruitfulness.

Application

What has God asked us to do? What is His timing for the work that we have been given? If we do not know, then wait and pray.

Is there a lack of fruitfulness in our lives? Ask if we have gotten ahead of Jesus.

Remember, the net will not break. No matter how fruitful.

Time to Pray

Father, the issue is not desire, not passion, and not willingness to work. The issue is whether Jesus is present. So much of my life has been spent doing rather than waiting upon Jesus and walking with Him. Today, I see afresh the cost of just running off and doing. It is a frustrating time. It is a fruitless time. I am tired of that kind of work. I want to have Your presence with my so that everything I do has Your presence attached to it. Forgive me for running ahead; forgive me if I push people to run ahead when I should be challenging them to run with Jesus. Help me not to worry about the net either. In Jesus’ name, Amen.