Jesus is Essential
John 21:9–11: Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.
Although Jesus had fish laid on a bed of coals for their breakfast on the shore of Galilee, He also asks for some of the fish which they had caught. He accepts their service. When they had fished at His command, He accepts what they bring. There was another time when Peter caught a miraculous number of fish, recorded by Luke. It was in the early days of Jesus’ ministry, and He was calling Peter to be a fisher of men.
That time the net broke. I think Peter was to see that many would follow Jesus, but they would not all be believers. The net would break and many fish would swim away. This time the net did not break but was drawn to land, “full of great fishes.” Peter is being called to feed the sheep and feed the lambs. With what? With the Word of God. With the gospel of a risen, glorified Christ. The gospel will not only save, but it will hold. Even in their failures, believers are kept by the power of God through faith. If we obey, He will bless and have wonderful fellowship with us. He is the Lord of our wills. 1
Walking with Jesus
The Lord teaches us with practical lessons, because He is actually preparing us for greater opportunities to trust Him. If we are faithful in the little things, He will trust us with the bigger things. What “little thing” is Jesus using in your life today to train you for greater responsibilities in the future? It took three years to train Peter to give a Pentecostal Day message of salvation.
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:41
He blesses our giving when we offer it to Him with joyful obedience.
Praying
Lord, thank You for giving me everything I need; teach me to be a good steward.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville.
