The Resurrection Speaks Life to His Disciples

John 21:4-6 As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.”
 
DOES Jesus stand close by you, but you don’t recognize him? The disciples were busy at their work, but they were unsuccessful. Then Jesus comes to help.
    Does he mock them or ask them what’s wrong? No. He knows what’s wrong. So Jesus began with a question to affirm he is aware of their circumstance. Then he responded with help. “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.”
    Being Jesus’ disciple means we listen to the Master when he speaks. His words are always helping words, even when he may be rebuking us for lack of faith or understanding!
    Jesus is Son of Man, and he knows what is wrong with mankind. He spoke us into life to bear God’s image. He witnessed the Fall. He then came to correct the wrong, to cast our nets into the truth of his salvation. He knows that sin, as on that day, keeps his disciples from knowing him. So he came that day to give his disciples a way to live into his resurrection authority.
    “Throw your net out on the right side of the boat, and you will catch some.” is a command that applies to much more than fishing. This is Jesus’ urging them – and us – to love God, to live life to the full. We will truly become “fishers of men”. (Mark 1:17) when we listen to the Lord’s call for true and righteous living.
    Now let’s listen to Jesus’ “full life” words to Peter: John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”  19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me!”
    See the Lord’s love for his disciples. Hear his compassion and command to the heart-broken, misdirected Peter. And know this: the Lord’s restoring words for Peter are also for you. He wants you to hear his love, his forgiveness, his urgings, and his passion. He wants you to speak your love. And Jesus wants you to live your love for him. To affirm the truth of, “Lord, you know I love you.” Peter and all of us must live into the risen Lord’s gracious words that honor us with the opportunity to love and to serve him.
    You can hear Jesus’ abundant love speak from the Bible through his Helper, the Holy Spirit. We have many opportunities to meet Jesus with Bible reading, Bible study, church attendance and prayer. Serve God’s people. Serve those who don’t know him. Be of faith to believe the Lord’s will is directing you to a full life in his commands.
   
Resurrection Truth: Jesus is “on the shore” available to help you. Listen. Know he is your friend, your Lord, your Savior.