Journey to Pentecost

April 21, 2010       John 21.9

There are some dynamics here that in this passage of scripture that should cause us to ask some sincere questions.   Let me highlight some of them for you to ponder with me:

• Jesus originally showed up and asked the disciples if they had any fish and they said, “no.”
• He progresses his visit by telling them how and or where to fish.  They do so and the result is an absolute mega load of fish.
• When they get the “haul” to the shore line it is very clear that Jesus has a fire, fish frying and some fresh warm bread waiting for them.
• Jesus then tells them to get some of the fish they caught and bring it to the fire.
• Jesus then invites to have fresh fried fish for breakfast – a normal breakfast for these middle eastern fishermen – (Thank the Lord for Bob Evans! Yuck!  Fried fish for breakfast?!?!)
• Where did the fire come from?  Did Jesus build it?  Create it?  Where did the bread and fish come from that were already on the fire – before the disciples got to the shore line?
• Why did Jesus ask these guys for more fish when He already had fish frying in the first place?
• Had Jesus been there long enough to build the fire, fry the fish and bake the bread?  Did He provide it miraculously?

To these and other questions we may never have the answers…at least here on earth.  We can only speculate and all of us are good at doing that!  I imagine that Jesus appeared in celestial form.  I believe He miraculously provided the fire, fish and bread.  I think He was making a point with these guys who abandoned him earlier in their relationship with Jesus.    Jesus introduced the first Long John Silver’s to us!  He had prepared a meal – miraculously or by physical labor – it doesn’t matter how but we know it was there for the men when they brought their ship to shore.  He fed these men fresh fish and bread.  Probably some Starbucks coffee too!

Why did He ask them for some of their fish?  If Jesus provided fish miraculously – wouldn’t He had provided enough?   The issue here is obviously feeding.  He was feeding them.   But this feeding thing was something Jesus needed a cooperative relationship with them in order to do it right.  Jesus could have spoken into existence or created somehow a truck load of fish.  But what we know is that He asked for some of their fish.  Mind you – Jesus had fish already on the fire!  But He wanted some of theirs also.

Look at it this way.  Originally they had none.  He had some.  Then they had lots of fish.  He had some.  Then he asked for some of their catch.  Then He had enough.  Here’s my take on this.  He will always have “some” to give us, to feed us.  His Word will feed us.  His word will sustain us.  His word will guide us.  He is there to always bless us.  He will always have something to give us.   When we started out we had nothing.  We had no “fish.”  We had to learn.  We had to go fishing.  We had to put forth an effort.  Then we brought our “fish” to the shore line – not expecting to use any of our catch.   Jesus does several things here.  First, He shows up unexpectedly.  Second, He provides unexpectedly.   Third, he asked you to share unexpectedly.  Fourth, He challenges unexpectedly.   It’s all about provision.  It’s all about our cooperation.  It’s all about your willingness to surrender to the work of the supernatural.  What would have happened had the disciples said, “You don’t need any of our fish dude!  You already have some on the fire!”

The fullness of the Spirit came out of His abundant supply.  Although the disciples were in the upper room expecting something – they didn’t have a clue as to what really to expect.  They were expecting the unexpected.  Jesus had some.  They had none.  Then they had some and Jesus simply asked for some back in return.  After they received they were told to share their blessing with others (you shall be my witnesses).   Jesus was making a point here about supernatural provision.  He will do His part.  He will be there – always be there!  He will provide us because it is His nature to provide for us.  He wants us blessed beyond the norm. But He will always expect us to share that blessing with others – rather it is fish, income, talents, skills or our callings.  He will bless us beyond our wildest imagination – but He also expects us to share – He wants some of our fish.

What are you giving Jesus from your catch of “fish”.   When He blesses you what are you willing to part with?  He will always do His part but will you do yours?  The net was full and running over only because these fishermen were obedient to His word.  But they gave back to Him from their supply.  Oh yes, He has plenty already on the fire – but He really wants is some of ours.  He wants us to bring some of what we have to the table without reservation, complaint or question.  Can you do that?  Really.  Honestly.  Can you do that?