From the Pulpit: 'Follow me'

“Friends … have you caught any fish?” John 21:5

It had been a long night of nothing. In fact, it had been several weeks of nothing. After all the miracles of the Passover, the cross and the empty tomb, we find the apostles back in a familiar place, going back to what they know best. The morning dawns, and we find them out on a lake fishing.

“Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you will find some fish.” John 21:6

Seasoned fisherman are not always that appreciative of unasked for advice. “Try this lure, fish in this spot, it is too early or too late.” Yet they listened, and the first miracle of the day happened. The nets were so full, they couldn’t get the fish into the boat. Peter swam ashore first, the rest followed, dragging the net full of fish as they rowed.

“Come and have breakfast.” John 21:12

Waiting for them was a warm fire, roasting fish and some hot bread. Also, there was Jesus. This was the third time he had met with them since he was raised from the dead.  

For the rest of the day, fish stories were told. Memories of long-ago moments, and thoughts of the giant fish that got away. But always, they came back to this morning, when no one had ever witnessed anything like these 153 fish, in one net.

“Do you love me……?” John 21:15

Jesus Christ and Peter took a walk along the shore. As they strolled, Peter was forgiven, restored and challenged.  “If you love me … feed my sheep.” Christ called him out, put the past aside, and set him on a journey that changed the world.

“Follow me”. John 21:19

Three years ago, Christ saw some men out fishing and said, “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” On this day, he repeated that call. He said once again to Peter, “Follow me.”

I guess that is the call for us today. 2,000 years have passed since Christ walked the earth. But his message to us is still the same: “Follow me.”