Have You Caught Anything?

The light had replaced their darkness since they had seen the resurrected Christ. He had appeared twice to his disciples. Peter was now hopeful but still trying to process how this would all work with Jesus going to heaven. The fisherman traveled 80 miles to Galilee to do some fishing along with six other disciples who decided to join him.

Though it had felt good to be back on the water, it turned out to be a fruitless night as they caught nothing. The disciples were tired and frustrated and ready to call it a day. They probably were not thinking of the Lord, but unknown to them, Jesus was thinking of them and was watching them. Early the next morning, Jesus, standing on the shore, called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered (John 21:4-5). That was a critical moment to admit their failure. Failure only works in our favor if we are willing to accept it. Jesus was planning on turning things around for these seven, but it would start with their admitting failure.

Jesus instructed them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat. They still had not recognized him, but they obeyed, and when they did, “they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish” (John 21:6). At that moment, John recognized that it was Jesus which prompted Peter to dive in and swim to the shore. Though they had caught 153 large fish, the net did not break because Jesus was directing their work. Things are so different when we follow God’s direction after admitting our own failure.

After landing, they saw a fire of burning coals with fish and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught” (John 21:9-10). Interestingly, Jesus asked them to bring some fish they had just caught. He didn’t need them, but he wanted them to know they were needed and wanted by him. God doesn’t need me, but he wants me, and that thought is enough to change my world when I realize it.