The Net of Grace
John 21:1-11
Have you ever been in a moment that feels eerily familiar, almost like you’ve experienced it before? Such a feeling might have resonated with the disciples as they heard the man's call on the shore, bidding them to cast their nets upon the other side of their boat. This story may be recognized from a moment earlier in the gospels.
Within scripture, we encounter two instances where fishermen are presented with this peculiar task. In Luke 5:4-11, Jesus called Peter to cast his net to the other side of the vessel, resulting in an exceedingly abundant catch of fish. Although initially hesitant, the miracle left Peter astounded. At this moment, Peter recognized the divine presence of the One he spoke with. He then called Jesus “Lord” and accepted the invitation to follow Him–leaving everything behind. Now, Peter’s calling was to be a fisher of men.
Through many chapters in the gospels, it becomes clear that Peter is a man of fiery determination. Jesus harbored a special plan for him. As a natural leader, God used Peter to draw many to the Lord as the early church was established.
Many months had passed since this instance, and the disciples found themselves in a moment of “in between.” Not only had they witnessed His crucifixion, but they were also greeted by their resurrected Savior in the days following. Now what?
Wrestling to understand what should be done next, seven of them revisited their previous occupation–fishing.
Likely, Peter bore a unique burden as he recollected his three denials of Jesus (John 19:15-18, 25-27). This is starkly compared to his expressed zeal for the Lord in John 6:66, “We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” But within hours, Peter denied Jesus when asked if he was one of His followers. Surely, Peter’s mind would have been riddled with disappointment that he couldn’t stand up for the one he declared as Lord. Jesus knew the pain, discomfort, and perhaps shame that Peter was feeling. Our greatest heartaches are not unfamiliar to God (Psalm 139:7-12).
As Peter spent time on the Sea of Galilee doing what he grew up knowing, Jesus approached him. Peter and the Lord had shared many moments together–moments of joy, sadness, victory, and denial, all packed into three years of walking closely together. Now, Peter was without the physical presence of the one he believed to be the Messiah and one of his last significant moments was one of denial. Yet, still, this didn’t change the plan that Jesus had for Him.
Jesus replicated that same miracle from all those months ago, meeting him in the midst of discouragement. Lovingly, his Master reminded and affirmed Him of his true calling–to be a fisher of men.
Even when we fall short and deny our Lord, Jesus forgives us time and time again. He cherishes His beloved and will not change the way He views us based on our mark of obedience. He calls us to rest in His love and His finished work on the cross. Though our sin may be wide, the net of grace is wider.
When was the last time that you remembered the first moment or season when Jesus’ love became clear to you? Perhaps He is calling you to remember. As sinners, we often forget our first love for the Lord, but His love never changes. Remember today the goodness of our Lord in His pursuit of you, and be spurred on to joyful submission and obedience to what He calls you to do. May He remind you always of His love, and may your days be filled with childlike joy because of it–enough that you might even leap out of the boat you are in just to reach the embrace of your Savior but a moment sooner.
