John 21:1-14

The risen Jesus appears to the disciples for a third time, this time while they are fishing. They have been casting their nets overboard all night, but with no luck. When Jesus appears, their nets are finally filled with fish.

"Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all; even though there were so many, still the net did not tear." (21:11)

Jesus asked his followers to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), and in this moment, he is giving them a great example of what their ministry will contain:

The net contains 153 different types of fish, representing the diversity of people who will be in the church. The message of the Gospel is for every person, regardless of age, gender, or status.

There are so many fish, yet the net does not tear. No matter how many people come into the church, it will not break. It can safely hold all of us, even with our diverse backgrounds and opinions.

The net was so full, it probably took all the disciples to pull in it. The church needs to be run by a team. It cannot be a showcase for one person. We need the involvement of the whole body of Christ to make it work.

And finally, it is not until Jesus speaks that the net is filled. The church will be empty unless we fill it with the spirit and words of Jesus. Without Him, the church is just a building full of pews, pulpits, and social programs.

We need Jesus to fill every part of the church, for it is only through His guidance that we can find the best path for our ministry. It is only through Jesus, that our nets will be filled to overflowing.