City Life Starter

The Word

⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. ⁹ When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

Exegesis

You can spend a lot of time thinking about the significance of the number “153”. Though, focusing on a number of fish will not get you very far and will miss the main message between Jesus, Peter, and His disciples. They were told by Jesus earlier that He would meet them in Galilee (Matt 28:10) and so they made their way there.

While waiting for Jesus, they spent their time fishing, as most of the disciples were fishermen by trade. Filled with many thoughts on what they were to do, they could only go back to what they knew best, which was the life prior to following Jesus.

The moment John recognized Jesus, Peter was the first to take action. He jumped out of the boat and swam to shore, only to return to the boat to help the rest when Jesus asked for some fish. He was quick to follow and quick to obey. Peter wanted badly to make amends for what He had done by denying His Savior. Thus, the miracle wasn’t how many fish, it was how Jesus re-affirmed His calling to Peter and the rest of the disciples, and doing so with a miracle.

Jesus, just like when He first called them while they were fishing(Matthew 3:18-22), so He is here to call them once again. Not only to be fisher’s of men, but also to lead these “fish” like sheep. Not to throw any of the fish back into the water, but instead to tend and care for them like sheep.

Application

You may have lost your way and moved away from God’s calling in your life. It’s not too late to repent and turn back to God. He is faithful, even though we may sometimes be faithless(2 Tim. 2:13). Jesus has the ability to do a miracle in your life which will allow you to seek His will once again.

Do not let any mistakes in your life keep you separated from God. See the story of Peter and His love for Jesus. He had a heart that truly sought repentance and God honored this and called Him once again to follow Him. Will you do the same if the situation arose?

Prayer

Father, help me to seek your will. Help me to repent from sins in my life that have turned me away from you. Help me to be like Peter and rush to you, even when I have done wrong. Allow me to trust and obey and to love you beyond anything else that this world offers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.