Peter... and Breaky with Jesus

John 21:1-3After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing."

3-4The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him.

5Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?"

They answered, "No."

6He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens."

They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.

7-9Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Master!"

When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.

10-11Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip.

12Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master.

13-14Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.


Been stewing on this passage this week.. Love the thoughts in this story.. Watched a video earlier this week that brought the following thoughts forward:

First of all the God of the Universe.. the Master of the Storm, makes his disciples breaky.. I mean really... talk about a servant's heart in a Savior. I love that our God has servanthood at the core of who He is. He is constantly looking out to us to minister to us, to serve us, to find ways to take care of us. I love that so early in the morning, Jesus is sitting around a fire, making something for His friends to eat. It's such an amazing gift, to know that His heart is all about service.

Then the storyline with Peter & Jesus also knocks me out.. Peter & Jesus had tension, they had "issues".. but here we see Peter throwing himself out of the boat and trying to get to the very One that he had betrayed such a short time before. Obviously they had a discussion previously to this, obviously Peter spent some time with Jesus talking about his "discretions".. and then this meeting. Peter so excited to see the One who has forgiven him and assured him yet again that he is a part of the family. Then Jesus starts asking probing questions - do you love me? He brings up Peter's greatest insecurity - Peter probably felt like i have many times that i have messed up i have been a looser - there's no way that i can ever be put into use again. why would God ever bother with me again. That's what Jesus is saying here.. I know your heart Peter.. i know that you love me, that your heart is set on me. Your love is what i am looking for - don't worry about the rest.. get out there, serve, get out there and minister.. I know you are not perfect, I know that you don't have your stuff together. I'm notrequiringg that.. just love me.. the rest will follow.

That's awesome.. so reassuring to me. Jesus the servant.. is looking for my love.. the rest.. He'll deal with, and use.. just love on Him.. that's the work.. the rest is up to Him.