A popular expression once said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Sometimes, however, “When the going gets tough, many turn back to what was easier.” That was the case initially with the apostles following the crucifixion of Jesus. John gave an account of this third time (John 21:14) Jesus appeared to His disciples following His resurrection. “After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias… Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We are going with you also’” (John 21:1–3a).
The Sea of Tiberias was another name for the Sea of Galilee (John 6:1). Jesus told the apostles before He was murdered that He would meet them in Galilee after He had risen (Matthew 26:32). Thus, it should not have been a surprise when He appeared as He promised, but this, among other things, showed that the apostles were not able by themselves to continue the work where Christ left off (John 16:12–13). When Peter said, “I am going fishing,” he seemed to have had the attitude, “Jesus is gone. It’s over. What a great ride it was, but now it’s time to get back to what I was doing before.” Peter’s attitude also influenced six other apostles who went with him (John 21:2). Those apostles fished that night and caught nothing (John 21:3b). John continued:
But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. (John 21:4–8)
Perhaps there are several possible reasons why the apostles did not recognize Jesus standing on the shore, even after He spoke, but at the root of it all was their not expecting Him (Luke 24:13–35), despite His instructions to them before He died (Matthew 26:31–32) and the angel’s instructions to the women at the empty tomb, which was conveyed to the disciples (Matthew 28:5–8). The scene with the net is reminiscent of when Peter was initially called to be a fisher of men (Luke 5:1–11). The main difference was on that initial occasion Peter hesitated following Jesus’ instructions by interjecting, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing” (Luke 5:5). Once the net was placed where Jesus told them, the result was the same, a huge catch of fish (Luke 5:6–7; cf. John 21:6, 8). On that former occasion, “Simon Peter… fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men’” (Luke 5:8–11).
On this second occasion, John was the first to recognize Jesus, but Peter was the one who could not get to Jesus fast enough (John 21:7). Given Jesus’ ensuing discussion with Peter (John 21:15–17), his rushing to see Jesus was initial evidence of his repentance over denying Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69–75). Incidentally, the fact that Peter was working without wearing “his outer garment” (“naked” KJV) but put it on to visit Jesus, showed that, at least in their culture, appropriate working attire was not always proper ‘Jesus meeting attire.’
Prior to the boatload of fish these disciples received from following Jesus’ instruction, the apostles were in danger of turning back from their commission to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19–20) to the familiar, less demanding life they knew before their approximately three and half years of working as Jesus’ hand-picked helpers. Sometimes, Jesus’ disciples today become dangerously close to turning back from the work, especially when drastic change has taken place, but remember these important truths.
Jesus Is Still the Same
Even though our character and circumstances can change, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). As the song declares, “Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” Though our flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41), Jesus was God in flesh (John 1:1–3, 14; Matthew 1:21–23). He was in complete control of His body, being “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He will never lead us astray! Jesus was undeniably “a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22). Even an honest Pharisee could conclude, “We know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:1–2). Ultimately, Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power… by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). No matter how our circumstances may change, the faithful have assurance from God’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus is still the same. Let us serve Him with renewed vigor (Matthew 22:37)!
The Mission Is Still the Same
Even though culture and conveniences may change (like having no church building, parts of buildings being unavailable due to emergency construction, etc.), God’s mission for His people has not changed. First and foremost, our mission is to glorify God. While referring specifically to Israel, Isaiah revealed a principle that applies to all mankind, “Whom I [God] have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (Isaiah 43:7). Paul wrote, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The only way to glorify God is to fulfill the instruction, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). “In the name of the Lord Jesus” means everything we do must be according to His authority, not according to what we think pleases Him (Matthew 7:21–23). Second, we must live the Gospel. To the world, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). To the church, “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called… endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3). Third, we must be “fishers of men.” Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), and so should we (Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15–16).
The Outcome Is Still the Same
As illustrated by the catch of fish (Luke 5:1–11; John 21:1–8), God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). He has “given to us exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4), which He will always fulfill (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:17–18). Let us place complete trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5–6) and follow His will (Luke 6:46)!
