4/23/14 Disciples reinstated

7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^c 9When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. (John 21:7-9)

Thoughts: "The disciple whom Jesus loved" is another name for the disciple John.  He was placed next to Jesus at the Last Supper. He was with James and Peter going up on the mountain of transfiguration. His mother asked Jesus for permission for him to sit at his right or left in the kingdom- with the assurance that he was loved.  Jesus had such a trusting relationship that on the cross He entrusted His mother to John's care. The title is not a bragging one, but a way of speaking of himself as the author in the third person.  21:24 says that this person wrote the book. Tradition is strong that this "disciple" is the Apostle John.  When Jesus called John, James, and Peter (recorded in Luke 5) he similarly told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.  So John recognized Jesus from a distance in the early morning lake fog.  John's exclamation was an exclamation of worship- "It is the Lord."  Jesus is John's friend, but also His Lord and Master.  
     Peter was so excited to see Jesus again, that he wouldn't wait for the boat to turn around and pull in- he jumped in the water and swam to the shore.     
     When the disciples landed with the fish Jesus helped them catch, they found a hot breakfast waiting for them.  Jesus was no ghost, and no hallucination.  A ghost/hallucination cannot cook breakfast.
      This is a reinstatement of all the disciples.  When Jesus called his disciples (Mt. 4) he asked them to drop their nets and follow Him.  He called them to go out and be fishers of people.  In Luke 5 this calling was portrayed as Jesus showing His divinity and provision by telling them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. It was as if Jesus was calling all of these seven disciples to follow Him once more.  This time Jesus not only provided the fish, by telling them where the fish were, he also cooked fish for them.  Those who seek to serve Christ do not need to fear of lack of provision.  The risen Christ wins in the end.    

Prayer: Lord, may I trust in your provision, and may I love you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.