Amazing Jesus
In John 20 an amazing story is told. This story takes place after Jesus has risen from the dead. Following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, He spent 40 days appearing to His followers; this was an incredible and much-needed time of instruction. While we (followers of Jesus today) readily embrace the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection, this was a huge concept for Jesus’ followers in the first century. This 40-day time of instruction allowed the impact of Jesus’ new teachings to settle in. John 20 shares the story about a few of Jesus’ disciples who went fishing. After an all-night fishing excursion, the disciples returned to shore empty-handed. Little did they know that Jesus was waiting for them on the beach. The story details another amazing miracle by Jesus. Jesus orders the disciples to throw their nets back into the water, resulting in a huge catch of fish. This miracle reminded them of one of the first miracles that Jesus performed. Realizing Jesus was on the shore, the disciples hurried to meet Him.
Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance in John 20 seems to be one of encouragement and uplifting events. Jesus had made a Hebrew favorite for their breakfast - roast fish! After breakfast, Jesus invited Peter to go for a walk. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than “these.” There is debate regarding what the “these” refers to. Was Jesus asking Peter if he loved Him more than the other disciples loved Jesus? Most likely not; Jesus discouraged such vain, competitive thinking. Was Jesus asking Peter if he loved Him more than the fish? This would be a reference to the lifestyle of fishing that he had done for many years. Perhaps this was the case, but I want to draw your attention to the fact that Jesus questioned Peter’s love three times. Undoubtedly Jesus was pointing out the three denials that Peter made on the night Jesus was arrested and put on trial.
In response to Jesus’ questioning of his love and devotion, the text says that Peter was hurt. Peter had built his self-worth on being more faithful to Jesus than all the others. Recall that the Apostles had often quarreled over who loved Jesus the most and who followed Jesus most faithfully. This was a big deal to Peter. Notice what Peter does not do. He makes no excuses. There is no defensiveness. No blame shifting. He does not say - Yes, I denied you and that was terrible, but remember all the other ways I served you. It would seem that Peter was learning to live in the grace and forgiveness that Jesus had spent three years teaching His followers. I’m not saying that John 20 shows that Peter had mastered the art of living in the grace of Jesus, but it does appear that the process was moving along.
Let me offer a thought. It is obvious that Jesus spent 40 days teaching the disciples what their work as “Kingdom builders” would entail. Jesus was putting the finishing touches on His three years of teaching the disciples. An essential part of those “final touches” by Jesus was to hammer down what it means to find meaning in Him. We are all tempted to find peace and glory in our efforts and victories - to say that Peter was vainglorious is an understatement. Then again, we all have moments of conceit and arrogance. How could Peter move forward? Peter had to give his failures to Jesus. Peter had to repent of his old haughty thinking.
To a speechless Peter, Jesus offered restoration. Jesus simply told Peter to tend His sheep. This was a call back into service to Jesus, a return to discipleship. Jesus called Peter to be a “fisher of men.” For Peter to be effective in this endeavor, he would have to humble his heart and be transformed by the amazing grace of Jesus. What about you and me? Yes, we fall and fail miserably in this thing called life. We think too highly (or lowly, at times) of ourselves. We would do well to remember that Jesus is our King and Savior. He is the great King we bow before each and every day. He is the Savior that we find refuge in each and every day. Keep looking up!