Jesus Will Provide

Introduction

(Read) A wonderful advantage of parenting in our day is that we are blessed with a wealth of excellent Bible materials for children. There are so many Bible story books with great text and illustrations that kids love and that help them know God’s Word. It’s great!
But I have a small bone to pick. Very often, the story ends with the resurrection. Obviously, the Passion is important, but many Christians and even pastors act as if Acts and the epistles are little more than an epilogue. 
You see that in how people view John 21. In John 20 Jesus rose from the dead, he proved it by his appearances, and vv. 30–31 conclude the chapter with a powerful appeal to receive Jesus as Savior. So, many scholars think that’s it. That’s the climax. So much so that they wonder why chapter 21 is even there. In fact, most critical scholars argue that John didn’t write it, that someone added it later. They do so even though every ancient manuscript includes John 21. 
It’s silly, but even conservative scholars often question the importance of John 21. I heard a preacher a highly respect refer to it this week as an epilogue that ties up loose ends. I don’t get it because over the past 14 months, we have seen time and again that Jesus’ didn’t see his mission as ending with the resurrection. No, his mission would continue and grow exponentially greater through the apostles’ gospel ministry. 
Therefore, chapter 21 is crucial to the book because Jesus is preparing the 11 to fulfill the Great Commission. He gives them vital encouragement and instruction for the mission ahead, and John preserved it because we need it also. Today’s text does that through another powerful story. It is filled with rich symbolism that Jesus uses to love you, encourage you, and inspire you for our gospel mission. So, my T-H-T today is, trust the resurrected Christ to sustain us and use us to reach the world for Christ. I’d like to divide the story into 4 lessons Jesus wants to teach. The first is…

I.  We are nothing without Christ (vv. 1–3).

That’s the disciples when this story begins. Some people think they rebelled by going home and going fishing, but I strongly disagree. Matthew and Mark both say that Jesus told the disciples to return to Galilee after the resurrection. That’s what they did after the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 
And they didn’t sin by going fishing. Some claim that they intended to abandon their mission and return to their old profession. That’s ridiculous. They were probably hungry, and they needed some cash. Fishing was natural way to provide both since they were professionals.
So, there was nothing sinful about the fishing trip. But it’s also true that the men we meet in John 21 are a shell of what they will become after the Spirit comes at Pentecost. They will become bold, decisive, articulate, and strong. But not yet. The disciples of John 21 have…
No Direction: Try to imagine their mental state on the journey to Galilee. They know Jesus is alive, but they still felt like they just got hit by a Mack truck. The Passion Week was traumatic. Jesus was not with them like he had been before, and they don’t understand what’s coming next.
All they know is that they are supposed to wait for Jesus in Galilee. So, they get home, and they must provide for themselves because fundraising probably became far more difficult after Jesus got crucified. So, Peter says to six of the other disciples, “I am going fishing.” That’s what he, James, and John knew. It makes sense. 
You may wonder where the other 4 disciples are, but it’s pointless to speculate because John doesn’t say. Maybe they were looking for other work. Regardless, these 7 head out on the Sea of Tiberias (which is another name for the Sea of Galilee). They probably left at night, hoping for a catch they can sell at the morning market. 
It’s not wrong; in fact, it makes sense. But it’s strikingly different from what we see in Acts where they are razor-focused on advancing the mission. But without Jesus and the Spirit, they have no direction. Sometimes you feel the same way. You’re not really sure what God wants you to do. And when they start to fish, they have…
No Success: They fished all night. Again, this is not a recreational trip. They’re hungry. But, “they caught nothing.” 
I’ve not done much fishing, because I’ve never had the patience. But maybe you know the feeling of watching your bobber for hours without a single bit or of sitting in a deer blind all day and not seeing one deer. It’s discouraging. 
Peter, James, and John were professionals, but think about the fact that they never catch a single fish in the Gospels without Jesus’ help. And in our story, their failure is clearly symbolic. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Without grace, you will never become holy as God is holy. And unless the Spirit gives life, we can’t save anyone. Unless the Spirit convicts, we can’t mature any disciples. 
You know how the disciples feel. Sometimes we feel lost and worthless. We don’t know where we are going, and it seems like we are accomplishing nothing. Without Jesus, we have no direction and no success. But Jesus did not abandon his friends, and he will not abandoned us. Instead, the 2nd lesson is…

II.  Jesus will give success (vv. 4–8).

Notice that twice in v. 1 and again in v. 14, John says that “Jesus manifested Himself to the disciples.” In one sense, this is simply the 3rd time they have seen the resurrected Christ. But manifested means more. Through this story Jesus loved his disciples, he encouraged them, and he provided for them. He wants to do the same for you. It begins with a striking miracle.  
The Miracle: The disciples are exhausted and deflated. Then they see a man on the beach. It’s Jesus, but they don’t recognize him. The light is dim, they are 100 yards from shore, and the glorified Christ looked different. 
Then Jesus called out, “Children, you do not have any fish do you?” That’s not what any man wants to hear after a failed fishing trip. “Wow honey, where’s the fish?” Or “Dad, it doesn’t look like you caught anything.” “I know!” They were frustrated, so they give a tort reply, “No!”
(v. 6b): Imagine what the disciples are thinking. “Who are you? We know what we’re doing. Do you think the fish can’t swim under the boat?” I’m surprised they listened. But they were exhausted and desperate. They probably thought, “What do we have to lose?”
But immediately, the net started to move and pull down the boat. It was loaded with fish. They couldn’t believe it. 
The Recognition: And John immediately thought, “Hmm, I’ve seen this before.” In Luke 5, Peter, Andrew, James, and John had only begun to get acquainted with Jesus. They were reeling after another failed night of fishing, and they were on the shore washing their nets. Jesus told Peter to take his boat out into the water and cast his net into the “deep water.”
Peter replied, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say.” Like the right side of the boat, there was nothing special about the deep water. But Peter’s net grew so full that it began to break and sink his boat. James and John had to rush over and fill their boat with fish. 
So, John has seen this before. He declares, “It is the Lord!” Köstenberger says, “In characteristic fashion, the beloved disciple displays spiritual discernment, while Peter exhibits decisive action.” John recognized Jesus, and Peter did something about it. He dove in the water and swam to shore. 
It’s a powerful image because a few days prior, Peter had fled in shame after he denied Jesus. And now, he’s stripped down to nothing or down to very little while he fishes (Why would John include that detail). But Peter isn’t ashamed, and he doesn’t run from Jesus. He swims toward him. It’s a beautiful picture of a sinner coming home. 
Maybe you are bearing a weight of guilt and shame. You have failed the Lord, and you are running away. When Jesus filled that net with fish, he was calling Peter home, and he is calling you. Jesus is full of mercy, and he is waiting with open arms for you to repent and run to him. So, fly to Jesus. He will receive you and forgive you. We have a wonderful Savior! He doesn’t hold grudges, he loves to forgive, and you can run to him whenever you fall. Praise the Lord!
The Significance: But considering the clear parallels with Luke 5, more is going on with this miraculous catch. After the first miraculous catch, Jesus said, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Jesus used that miracle to redirect his disciples toward giving their lives to gospel ministry. 
In John 21, they were just days away from beginning that ministry in earnest. But they didn’t feel ready. They didn’t have the zeal, the courage, or the persuasive power they needed. Who is going to listen to them? How in the world were these fishermen going to turn the world upside down? 
But when Jesus filled their net, he assured them that he would give success. Jesus is promising to fill their spiritual nets with a huge catch of souls.
And that catch continues today. Jesus is reaping a massive harvest all over the world. And Jesus can save many people right here among us. You must believe him. Pessimism makes for poor evangelists. So, behold the sovereign Savior. He filled that net with fish, and he will fill ours with souls. Jesus has many people in the High Desert. I hope you believe that, and I hope you will share the gospel this week like someone who expects God to save.
Jesus visited his friends to encourage them, and he is doing the same for us. Jesus is with us. He will strengthen you like he strengthened the apostles. Expect him to save the lost and transform his people. Jesus will give success. The 3rd lesson Jesus teaches is…

III.  Jesus will empower us (vv. 9–11).

Jesus Provides: You have to love Peter. He takes off swimming and leaves his friends to drag the boat and the fish to shore. He’s passionate, but he’s not always aware.
Well, Peter swims to shore, and the other 6 men eventually roll in behind him. Remember that these men are tired and hungry. They’ve been working hard all night long. Jesus knows, and Jesus cares. He has campfire burning with fish and bread. Jesus made breakfast.
And John specifies that it’s a charcoal fire. That’s an odd detail, and I don’t believe it’s incidental. The only other mention of charcoal in the NT is in John 18:18. A couple weeks prior, Peter was warming himself by a charcoal fire when he denied Jesus. That charcoal fire symbolized Peter’s worst moment, but now Jesus builds another one as moves to restore Peter. 
It’s beautiful. Jesus is full of grace and mercy. He wasn’t bitter at Peter; he was ready to forgive and restore. That’s our Savior. Satan loves to turn your guilt over sin into despair. He wants you to run away from Christ. Don’t listen. Jesus is eager to forgive when you come in repentance. So, run to him.
That said, Jesus had breakfast ready for his disciples. It’s not a big thing, certainly not as big as 153 fish, but imagine how special it was for these 7 men. The past few days had been traumatic, Jesus was gone, and they’re tired and hungry. But the Lord of creation cooked breakfast for them. He cared. 
I love breakfast, and I’d love to have Jesus cook me breakfast. Unfortunately, that’s not happening until the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. But Jesus cares for you just the same. When you are overwhelmed, exhausted, and dismayed, think of Jesus cooking you breakfast. He is near, he cares, and he is full of grace. Hebrews 13:5–6 say, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Jesus will provide.
We Participate: But notice the odd detail that Jesus had not cooked enough fish for everyone. The other 6 men are still struggling to drag the net to shore, and Jesus told Peter to get some of the fish they had caught and put it on the fire also. 
Peter thinks, “Oh yeah, the fish!” He ran over and helped pull this massive catch of 153 fish to shore. Many people have tried to find some kind of symbolism in the number 153, but none of their answers are persuasive. It’s just a fun detail from an excited fisherman. It’s what you would expect. No man would ever catch 153 fish and not count them and talk about it. John says 153 because that’s what they caught. This story happened. 
But I do believe there is symbolism in the fact that Jesus included some of Peter’s catch in the preparation of breakfast. Jesus could have caught a couple more himself. And he specifically tells Peter to “bring some of the fish which YOU have now caught” even though Jesus caught them. 
So, when you compare this breakfast with Luke 5, Jesus is making a point about fishing for men. Jesus is the Lord of the harvest. He alone saves, and we are powerless without him. But Jesus began the church through the ministry of Peter and the apostles, and he continues save the lost through the ministry of the church. We can’t sit back and wait for Jesus to save. We must go fishing. 
It’s amazing that anyone would embrace Hyper-Calvinism. The apostles preached persuasively, and they compelled people to be saved. It’s absurd to think we can sit back and wait for God to save the elect. We must find them and tell them, and then watch Christ save them. 
The Great Commission belongs to us, and it belongs to you. God has called you to share the gospel with someone who is lost. Don’t wait for God to do something. Go make it happen. God has gifted many of you to disciple and encourage a brother or sister in this church. Don’t sit back and wait for them to change. Pursue them. 
The Bible is clear. God has called us to participate in the mission, but we don’t do it alone. Jesus will provide. He will empower us to be successful. The 4th lesson of our text is…

IV.  Jesus will sustain us.

We will know Christ and still have questions (v. 12). Can you imagine what that breakfast was like? You’re probably wondering why they would even consider asking who Jesus was. Wasn’t it obvious? Again, part of their wonder was because Jesus looked different. God didn’t merely resuscitate him like he did Lazarus. No Jesus was glorified, and they saw the same body that we will see someday in heaven. 
Beyond that, the disciples were mostly in awe of the fact of the resurrection. John watched as the Romans beat Jesus to a pulp. He saw Jesus breath is last breath and then hang lifelessly on the cross. He saw the soldier drive a spear into his side without Jesus making the slightest flinch. He saw the blood and water pour out. Jesus died.
But now he is alive, and he is fully healed from all that brutality save for the scars of his crucifixion. They can’t believe their eyes. Jesus is right there, and they are eating breakfast with him. They didn’t believe, but they did. They knew it was the Lord.
That same conflict continues for us all. I appreciate how Edward Klink describes it, “Living the Christian life is to live in a constant combination of belief and doubt, of worshipping and wondering. This combination will only be finally overcome when the Lord appears to us at his return, when all questions and doubts are fully removed by the fullness of his presence. Until then our faith is sustained by the trustworthiness of its object, Jesus Christ, whom we cannot fully know or see, yet in whom we believe.”
If you think that mature believers never struggle with doubt, you are wrong. If you think that you can’t have true faith until God answers all your questions and you will never doubt again, you are wrong. There will always be a level of mystery involved in faith; otherwise it’s not faith. True faith is not the absence of doubt; it is the ability to press through the questions to the object of our faith, Jesus Christ. He’s worthy of your trust. He rose again, and John saw him. Someday you will see him too. Jesus is the Lord. Keep your eyes on him, and he will strengthen your faith. 
Jesus will sustain us (v. 13). Verse 13 pictures this fact (read). Jesus takes all the action in that verse. Do you notice the stars next to the verbs? The literal idea is “Jesus is coming and taking the bread and giving it to them, and the fish likewise.” 
The disciples were weary physically but especially spiritually. Jesus cared. He fed their bodies, and he fed their souls. A couple weeks later, he gave them the Spirit and transformed them into mighty evangelists. 
And the Lord will sustain you. Some of you are enduring awful trials and temptations, but Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Jesus will not leave you hungry. He will strengthen you. 
And every Christian is in the ministry. You have a role to play in the Great Commission. You might be afraid. You might think you don’t have time. Maybe you think you have nothing to offer. Jesus will supply your daily bread. He will strengthen you to do what he desires. Maybe you are hiding behind a list of excuses. Stop it. Trust Jesus and step out by faith. Grace is sufficient.

Conclusion

Through this passage, Jesus is challenging you, trust the resurrected Christ to sustain you and use you to reach the world for Christ. See him in his love and power. Run to him for grace. Then let’s go and storm the gates of hell.