What is Jesus asking us to do?

I will confess I am not much of a fisherman! I will leave that joy to other members of my family who love to fish. In fact, if I went fishing today the outcome would be the same as the disciples’ overnight attempts in our Gospel reading, I would come home empty handed! I do however remember, as a kid going fishing with my dad and one of his mates on several occasions. These occasions were mostly successful. I caught one or two fish. On one occasion I even managed to catch a large boat being repaired at the old Ballina Slipway site while casting out my fishing line! With any great fishing adventure, I learnt the art of exaggerating a good fishing story to make the occasion all that more worthwhile.

It is said that John chapter 21 as a chapter is a strange one. The gospel account comes to an end at John 20 but begins again with John 21. Unless there is special meaning there is argument that the writer of John 21 may never have needed to include this chapter as part of the gospel. William Barclay speaks of within John’s gospel there are often two meanings, a meaning that sits on the surface, and a deeper meaning that lies beneath[1]. Friends, our gospel reading today is divided into two parts. First, the fishing scene that incorporates Jesus appearing to his disciples for a third time following His resurrection. And secondly the interaction between Jesus and Simon Peter. Both scenes have important meanings for us. I want to explore these meanings further with you this morning. In the sense I will be focusing on the reality of the resurrection, the universality of the Church and the shepherd of Christ’s sheep.

The Reality of the Resurrection

I mentioned just now that John chapter 21 as a chapter is a strange one, especially when it was added to an already completed gospel. It was added to demonstrate and reinforce the meaning behind the reality of the resurrection. Across history many have said that the appearances of the Risen Christ, were nothing more than visions which the disciples had. Some would even argue that the disciples were hallucinating at the events being experienced.

Friends, we know that the Bible as a text is God's Word, that God breathed life into his Word in the form of a real person, Jesus! It speaks of the truth. We know from the resurrection account that the tomb was found to be empty, and the Risen Christ had a real body which bore the marks of nails and the sword thrust into his side. No vision, no spirit could direct the disciples where the fish were to be caught. No vision, no spirit could kindle a charcoal fire on the seashore. No vision, no spirit could cook a meal and share it with others. But, in our gospel account today we learn of Jesus commanding his disciples to cast their nets again after an unsuccessful attempt during the previous night. It was Jesus who had kindled the charcoal fire on the seashore, he prepared breakfast and invited the disciples to join Him. The Risen Jesus was present in this scene and those present with him knew who he was. It was Jesus who conquered death and who had come back to make it real for the disciples.

The Universality of the Church

When considering the universality of the Church, I would like us to focus in on the casting of nets. Again, there are many meanings behind what this means in the gospel text. The meaning that encouraged me and I hope it encourages you is that when casting out of the nets Jesus is asking the disciples to build the church.[1] When I refer to the word church here it is with a capital C. The disciples, including us, are tasked with growing the Church in number, that the Church is open to all, not just a select few. It is not an exclusive club. The very foundation of the Church is one built on love. God’s love! God loves all and welcomes each and every one of us into a special relationship with Him. God is not an exclusive God, choosing who He wants to love but rather he is an inclusive God who loves all!

For Alstonville Anglicans we have beautiful examples of how we cast our nets and make connections with our wider community – PlayPlace, Messy Church, the Op Shop, the Community on the Verge – the garden outside the church here, our varying and different worship services that occur each week and of course next Saturday we will all come together as God’s team for our annual Mother’s Day Fete. Each of the ministries or events have their own uniqueness and creative style. Underlying each is love and a desire to make that love known and experienced as we encourage and connect with each other and with those who come within our midst. We are actively casting our nets and as we do so the nets are filled, and the church grows.

 The Shepherd of Christ’s Sheep

Throughout John 21 verses 1 to 19 we see Simon Peter playing a pivotal role in the unfolding scenes. It was Simon Peter who wanted to go fishing. It was Simon Peter who the disciples accompanied that night. It was Simon Peter who leaped from the boat when he was told that his Lord was on the shoreline. It was Simon Peter who went back to the boat and brought the full net in so there was more fish to share at the breakfast meal. It was Simon Peter who interacted with Jesus. Simon Peter has been described as a great leader and given the responsibility of being the shepherd of Christ’s sheep.

Our passage tells us that Jesus asked Simon Peter three questions all centred on love. Each of these questions have meaning. The first question …do you love me more than these? This question suggests that Jesus is asking Simon Peter is he prepared to walk away from his life as a fisherman, give up what he has been doing and be a person who loves and cares for others - God’s people.[1] The second question …do you love me? We see Jesus graciously forgiving Simon Peter for his denials and allowing him the opportunity to declare his love for Jesus.[2] The third question …do you love me? Simon Peter recognises that while he may have done his own thing deep down, he has always loved Jesus.[3]

Friends, love is the greatest privilege a person can give to another. But with this privilege also comes great responsibility. To put others needs first before our very own. Jesus calls Simon Peter to feed the lambs, tend the sheep, and feed the sheep. Jesus calls us, you and I to do the same. Out of love and care for others we feed the lambs, we tend the sheep and we feed the sheep of God’s pasture. For Loretta and I recently we were able to show love and hospitality

to an elderly couple and their son during the first big flood. Yes, Loretta and I were impacted by the floods and still are, but this elderly couple’s circumstances are far more significant than ours. They lost far greater than what we did! With the rising flood waters coming into our house and property we had lost power, running water, tank water and our onsite sewerage had failed. This elderly couple came to us with significant health issues and a small number of their possessions for an unknown stay. Despite this, Loretta and I welcomed them into our home and showed them love and hospitality under very trying circumstances. To them and their family, they are very thankful for our Christian charity. We feel blessed that they stayed with us and that we could assist them in their time of need as a love offering.

The reality of the resurrection, the universality of the Church and the shepherding of Christ’s sheep can be woven together to give us meaning and a deep sense of purpose. I don’t believe John chapter 21 is a strange chapter as some commentators have described it, but rather one that reinforces the message of good news for the world - that God loves each one of us!

As we journey through this season of Easter can I encourage each one of you here this morning and watching online to continue to meditate on Jesus’ death and resurrection in our daily lives as we love and care for others.

Mark Stuckey, LLM

[1] Barclay, W. 1960 p 331

[2] Barclay, W. 1960 p 331

[3] Barclay, W. 1960 p. 325

[1] Barclay, W. 1960 p.329

[1] Barclay, W.  The Gospel of John – Volume 2 – The Daily Study Bible, 1960 p.325 Saint Andrew Press