I’m going out to fish
“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3)
We’ll look at that situation when Jesus appeared to His disciples for the third time after He rose from the dead. That was, when Jesus showed Himself to the disciples at the sea Tiberias. Peter said in the place with another six were together, “I’m going out to fish.” And they acted with Peter according to his proposal. After then, Jesus appeared to them who had caught nothing all night. And yet they caught a lot of fish after throwing nets according to Jesus’ instruction. Nevertheless, even then, they still didn’t realize that He was Jesus.
Jesus the resurrected appeared to His disciples a few times, as the written in John 20:19~29. It was first when without Thomas with others, and the next was when they were with Thomas after eight days. But at the most first time before giving Jesus’ display to the disciples, He had shown Himself to Maria, who was crying outside Jesus’ tomb. Among all who were around Jesus, Maria followed Him bravely and hard much more than others including the eleven disciples. Not only did she had followed the cross procession, but she also visited the tomb and even looked inside the tomb crying. Someone’s true faith reveals for itself even if there’s without intention to show it on purpose.
However, how did the disciples behave after Jesus’ Crucifixion? Even though they had already heard through Maria that Jesus had risen, they were in despair and discouragement as ever. They were hiding because of the fear for Jews, closing tightly the doors of the place gathered. Jesus, who appeared to the disciples of such pitiable situation, gave them three gifts; “Peace be with you,” “Receive the Holy Spirit,” and “Stop doubting and believe.” These are the words of blessing and gift and command from Jesus not only to the disciples, but for all the believers of these days. In order for a man who has lived in fear to overcome any difficulties, he must gain peace in Christ and live in faith. It is made only possible by receiving the Holy Spirit of Jesus. Remember in heart clearly what Jesus, who is before the Crucifixion, said worrying about disciples’ weakness, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
The disciples’ attitude did not change much than before even though they had met the resurrected Jesus and heard what He ordered. Peter’s words were only this “I’m going out to fish,” and the people next to Peter also said following him, “We’ll go with you.” It would might be too hard to be a man with solid faith. It makes sense if they had not a leader who teaches right. But they had followed Jesus for three years, and they met the resurrected Jesus after died, and even heard a special order from Him. But they say what they have to do is go back to the old life, oh no, which is too pathetic and heartbreaking. Would why Jesus have said, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” in Luke 18:8. Please don’t just criticize others from now, but look at yourself through Jesus’ words. If you do as you please without obedience in faith, you will not catch a single fish all night long.
Jesus came near and ordered to disciples who hadn’t caught a single fish. And they threw nets again on the right side of the ship according to Jesus’ instructions. And they caught so many fish that they couldn’t lift up them. Those who believe in Christ must obey only God’s word to be happy and successful. Most of people think commonly everything will be fine if they do as they please. And they think will be happy if they fulfill something according to their own plan. But God prevents the foolish from thinking. Think the verse Luke 12:20 “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” Let’s be the one who remembers this meaning.
Even though Jesus taught just next to His disciples, they did not recognize Him for a while. At present, Jesus is just near me and with me as the Holy Spirit who is Paraclete. The Holy Spirit always knocks on the door of my heart, grabs me up when I fall, and teaches me when I face difficult problems. But, because some cannot see the Lord, they can have no certainty, no ability, and no clear decision. Now, listen to John’s shouting, “It is the Lord.”
(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on June 13th 2021)