Resurrection Life: Fisherman’s Friend – John 21:1-17 – Rev Dave Stedman

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“The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”” (John 21:17)

Despite everything Peter and the other disciples had seen and heard in the post-Easter confusion they got distracted from fishing for men and went back to fishing for fish. In times of stress and uncertainty there is a tendency for all of us to go back to what we know, forgetting that Jesus is our provider. But when a stranger on the shore calls and the nets bulge with tilapia they realise the fisherman’s friend is Jesus. Peter dives in the water, the others tow the catch back to the beach: both have a desire to be with Jesus, which cannot, must not, be ignored. After the breakfast barbecue, Jesus takes Peter aside and there is an honest evaluation of loyalty, which Jesus accepts is OK!