April 12, 2023

Today's Reading: John 21:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Ex 16:13-35, Heb 10:19-39

3 Simon 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.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Christ is Risen! Simon 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.

How much proof do you need to believe something? If someone proves something to you, do you believe it or return to your old thoughts, beliefs, and ways?  In the Gospels, Jesus’ disciples were with Him for three and a half years.  They heard Him teach, saw and participated in the miraculous, and heard Him speak plainly about His Death and Resurrection.  Now in the whole course of the Resurrection of Jesus, we see Jesus over and over revealing Himself to His disciples once again. Just before today’s reading, Jesus reveals Himself to Thomas and the twelve and shows His hands and side.  He even tells them, “Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27).  At the very beginning of John 21, the disciples have returned to their old life of being fishermen before Jesus ever called them.  How much proof do they need to believe that Jesus is true God and true Man and the King of Kings? There is confusion, chaos, and indecision in their minds regarding what this all means. Yet, notice that Jesus doesn’t try any new tricks to convince them. He goes back to Luke chapter 5 with the disciples.  Just at the beginning, the disciples catch many fish John 21.  They have come full circle to where it all began with them.  

Instead of bashing these disciples for ignorance, take comfort from this passage.  Faith in Jesus is always a challenging road.  The Holy Spirit is willing, but our sinful flesh is always weak. We are constantly battling to return to the old ways of our Old Adam.  When we find life burdensome and question who Jesus is and has He truly loved us, we find ourselves like the disciples.  Yet, Jesus does not have any new tricks. He reminds us of our Baptism, where we were crucified and resurrected with Him and called to walk in the “newness of life” (Romans 6).  Your Baptism points you back to the waters where Christ gave you new birth from above. The baptismal font reminds you of who you are in Jesus despite your questions, doubts, or uncertainty.  Jesus also prepares a meal for you.  Just as the feeding of the 5,000 and the preparation of breakfast on the seashore (notice the bread and fish again!) Jesus feeds us as well.  Even after seeing the resurrected Lord Jesus and being invited to breakfast, one disciple dares to ask, “Who are you” - John 21:13.  Likewise, Jesus bids us to the feast even with our fears, doubts, questions, and uncertainty. In the Eucharist, He forgives you of all your sins and strengthens your faith in Him. Blessed are you who have not seen and yet believe. Christ is Risen! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

For today among His own  Christ appeared, bestowing  His deep peace, which evermore  Passes human knowing. Neither could the gates of death  Nor the tomb's dark portal  Nor the watchers nor the seal Hold Him as a mortal.  - LSB 487 vs. 4

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Jonathan Lackey is an LCMS seminarian.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.