We have been looking at the story of the risen Jesus, what it took for the disciples to believe in the resurrection, and what it takes for us to believe. This week we looked at John 21, after the empty tomb, after Jesus reveals himself, after he breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit, after Thomas feels the wounds. And what did the group do next? They went fishing.
As I reflected on the group dynamics going on at that time, it occurred to me that I probably would have been more comfortable engaging in an activity that could be explained as necessary, that would allow me to avoid thinking about everything that had just happened, and that would perhaps restore some of my lost self-image and self-worth. I am definitely more Martha than Mary, always busy, seeing and feeling the value of doing. As fishermen, even though they had spent the last three years in ministry, I think that same work-ethic-comfort would have been deeply ingrained in the disciples.
By this time it was clear that Peter was going to be one of the leaders, if not the leader. But how could he effectively lead when he had denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times? If he doubted himself and his worthiness to serve, how could he lead? How could he ever redeem himself from that awful betrayal? In the face of all that tumult, emotion, doubt, misery why not go fishing? It was something concrete, familiar, comforting, that he knew how to do well, that could help him retrieve a little self respect. I imagine the others felt the same way because they just went along. No discussion, just followed.
And what happens? Peter and the others are a failure, catching no fish all night. Nada. Zip. Zero. None. BUT, when they listen to the stranger on the shore and face the failure the net comes back full. There are many explanations for the significance of the number of fish - 153 - but I think it really means that there were so many it could have broken the net. And it didn't. They trusted and followed, from where they were, engaged in a familiar activity in which they were proficient and comfortable, in their broken, dejected confused and overwhelmed state.
When they recognize Jesus he doesn't chastise them for fishing instead of following the commission he gave them. First he tells them what to do in order to be successful, then he sets the stage, a charcoal fire on the beach that mirrors the fire where Peter denied him. And then three times He asks the question, and three times Peter answers, finally feeling the redemption from his betrayal. No matter what state of broken-ness, doubt, failure, Jesus still sees value and cares about each one. Each one still has the ability to go out and carry The Message to the world. And I can't help wondering, if Jesus reached out and thoroughly redeemed Peter then what will He do for us? For me?
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