🌿BREATHE TRUTH🌿
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, ‘Fellows, have you caught any fish?’
’No,’ they replied. Then he said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will get done!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish.” —John 22:4-6
🌿LIVE THE REAL TRUTH🌿
The first time Jesus calls some of the disciples is when they are near their fishing boats. Peter and his brother Andrew are washing their fishing nets. John and James, sons of Zebedee, are repairing their nets. The first time Jesus speaks to the disciples about catching fish:
He said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
“Master,” Simon replied, we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
Jesus replies to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” (Luke 5:4-6,10)
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Several similarities exist between the first and final meeting at the Sea of Galilee with Jesus. The stage is set for the disciples’ ministry to embark: “Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed Him. (Matthew 4:19-20) Initiation of the disciples’ calling takes place in the first encounter. Confirmation of their calling occurs in the latter encounter.
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Geography. Both encounters reside at the Sea of Galilee.
Goal. Both encounters revolve around fishing endeavors that fail to produce.
Gift. Both encounters result in a grace gift of an abundance of fish by Jesus.
Gear. Both encounters require dropping their earthly nets and drawing up the Gospel as their new net.
God. Both encounters reveal God’s power and provision. To make the impossible possible.
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The message of the first meeting is: I will show you how to fish for men. The message of the latter meeting: Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will get it done.
Jesus’ time remaining on earth is short. He is about to leave for heaven. He reaffirms their calling and reassures them they are ready to go fish for men without Him. He won’t physically be in the boat with them or minister along them wherever their boat takes them, but He is watching. Just as He did from the shore. Jesus sees. Jesus knows. Jesus cares.
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Final casting and catch with Jesus.
The first and last gathering at the Sea of Galilee endures a nighttime process of struggling to catch fish. Fishing is a laborious effort. Saving souls is hard work. In the darkness and through human power, the disciples will not accomplish what they set out to do. But if they persevere in the light and put Jesus in the equation of their plight, they will find a resolution. Trust not in the process, but in the personhood of Jesus Christ. To the very end, Jesus is still teaching and building their character.
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Full circle of their calling with Jesus.
Jesus convenes with seven of His disciples by the Sea, the location where they initially receive their calling to fish for men. Jesus powerfully reminds them that the miracle of catching fish or saving souls is done through the power of God.
With Jesus, the impossible becomes possible. With the Real Truth, catching souls is possible for you and I if we entrust the outcome of our fishing expeditions to Jesus.
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Copyright 2019