This coming Sunday, we have John’s story of Jesus appearing to the disciples on the seashore after his Resurrection. In John’s version, this is the fourth and last recorded appearance. The first was to Mary Magdalene in the garden on the morning of the Resurrection. The second was that evening when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the house where they huddled “for fear of the Jews.” The third was a week later in the same house, except this time Thomas is present. And then, some time later, as John puts it, “After these things...”
Have you ever wondered where Jesus was the week between his first appearance to the disciples and the second? I have. I always wonder about those kinds of things. But, I haven’t worried too much because I think the intervening week is primarily a literary device to have the Thomas doubt and confession make sense. That story is in the Gospel for a reason. We can find ourselves in that story and we might do well to do so.
But, this isn’t about Thomas; it’s about the strange events at the seashore. Seven of the disciples have gone fishing. We don’t know where the others are and we can’t be sure why Peter and the others have decided to fish. They weren’t likely out for recreation because they are fishing at night and with a net. That’s what commercial fishermen do; that’s what they were before their call by Jesus.
Whatever prompted them to fish, they have no luck. In the morning as they are heading toward the shore, they see a figure who asks if the fish are biting. A negative reply gets them some advice--try the other side of the boat. The net is immediately filled and the Beloved Disciple recognizes it is Jesus who gave the advice. Peter then jumps into the water and heads for shore. Of course he does. He’s nude, by the way, because that’s the way the commercial fishermen worked to avoid soiling their clothes.
They beach the boat and Jesus invites them to bring him fish from their catch so he can cook them over the little fire he started. This is when we learn there were 153 fish in the catch. Google “153 fish” and you will find lots of interesting, and a little bizarre, interpretations of this odd number. And when did they count them and why are questions I might ask.
But strange things continue. Jesus quizzes Peter about his love. Three times. Again, if you Google this, you’ll find commentaries that suggest Jesus uses different words for love each time and that has a special significance. Or you may find a note that since Peter denied Jesus three times, he has to reaffirm his love three times. Each time Peter is perplexed and is told by Jesus to “feed my sheep.” One commentary mentions that Jesus uses different words each time for that get translated as “feed” and that they have subtle meanings that when taken together have great implications for ministry.
I’m not sure what to make of this story. For one thing, at the end of the Chapter 20, the chapter just prior to this story, John writes, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” This sounds like the epilogue to the Gospel. But then Chapter 21 tells the stories I’ve been commenting on. Were these stories added to John’s Gospel to bolster faith, or to establish Peter as the forgiven leader? I don’t know. In any event, they are interesting and can be both comforting and challenging.
Happy Easter, Jerry
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