John 21 and the Challenge of Jesus (Part 2)

As we continue through a very curious passage in John 21, let's turn our focus from the invitation and revealing (last week's emphasis) to Peter's response when he learns that it is Jesus on the shore.

Let's go back to the first eleven verses and watch for how Peter responds:

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 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 out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn. - John 21:1–11

Now that is a bold response! We might use all kinds of words to describe his behavior - impulsive, fearless, daring, careless, and reckless just to name a few.

Numerous elements in this passage are quite curious. For instance, why was Peter the only one to jump? It was John (usually designated in his own narrative as the disciple whom Jesus loved) who first recognized Jesus - what was it about the appearance of the resurrected Jesus that might have been hard to discern? Why did Peter put on his outer garment seconds before jumping in the water and presumably swimming a hundred yards?

Despite the lack of details and the various unanswered questions, one thing remains clear - Peter didn't waste any time chasing after Jesus. While we can't know for certain his motivation for jumping, we are sure he jumped. We don't understand his sense of urgency, but we get a glimpse into his priorities.

Can you think of another time Peter stepped out of a boat to reach Jesus?

In the gospel according to Matthew, we read:

Immediately after this (the feeding of the 5000), Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. - Matthew 14:22–35

While there are many differences in the accounts of Matthew and John, there are also some similarities that might be helpful for us as we continue to follow Jesus.

In both stories, Jesus is acting in a way that is surprising and not immediately recognizable. In both accounts, Jesus speaks and demonstrates His power and, as we will see next week, challenges Peter to demonstrate his faith through obedience and action. In both narratives, Jesus is present with His disciples, and when things don't seem to be going according to plan, whether the storm or lack of fish, Jesus is still present. His presence is not dependent on their circumstances, and their circumstances don't determine His presence.

As a concluding thought, let me ask you - if you had a clear sense of where Jesus was calling you to demonstrate your faith in obedience and action, would you jump out of the boat you are in (metaphorically)? Even if you knew nobody would follow you? Even if it didn't make sense to others and seemed a little impulsive or reckless?

Maybe we can learn something from this fascinating little passage in John 21 about a follower of Jesus willing to abandon everything to seek after his Lord and Savior. As we pray this weekend, let's ask God to reveal Himself to us in such a way that everything but diving in head first would seem careless and impulsive. What if we asked God to give us clarity in the things we should pursue and those things we should abandon, and in some way, allow us to recognize Jesus in the unexpected invitations?

I will be praying for you, our church, and our community this weekend - would you join me in flooding heaven with our prayers for more of Jesus and a stronger desire to know and love Him?

See you Sunday!

-Bradley