John 21:1-14 (NRSV)
Read John 21:1-14 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 21After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Verse 2Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Verse 3Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Verse 4Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Verse 5Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." Verse 6He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. Verse 7That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. Verse 8But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. Verse 9When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Verse 10Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." Verse 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Verse 12Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Verse 13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. Verse 14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Devotion
In my conversations with intern pastors about ministry, we note that sometimes ministry is just showing up and being faithful. Sometimes we call it ministry of presence. Ministry isn't about having the right words to say, it is about being fully present. In this story, the disciples were in need. They didn't know what to do next, so they went back to what they did know, fishing. Jesus just showed up on the beach by the Sea of Tiberias that day not long after the resurrection, helped the guys with their fishing and made breakfast. There wasn’t much conversation. But they all knew it was the Lord. He really was alive. He had beaten death at its own game and emerged victorious over the cross.
How has Jesus shown up in your life? Who has shown up just at the moment when you needed someone to lean on?
Prayer
Lord God, help us to witness to your grace and mercy by helping someone in some practical, ordinary way today. Amen.