Jesus shows up on the seashore, and he sees his disciples in the boat, so he asks them, “The fishing thing - it's not working out, is it?” When they answer no, Jesus says to them, “why not try it my way?” And sure enough, the disciples try it Jesus' way, and they end up with 22 fish for each of them. If you have ever tried to eat 22 fish in one day, you will recognize what a huge surplus Jesus provides, proving to the disciples that they will be provided for as they follow their teacher.
And then, Jesus gives to Peter an opportunity to turn back the clock. Peter, who denied Jesus three times on Good Friday, is led by Jesus to deny his denial, and profess his loyalty. The most shameful event in Peter's life is thereby erased, and the way is cleared for Peter to receive the trust that Jesus places in him.
And that sets the stage for Jesus to give Peter new direction. “Feed my lambs, tend to my sheep – be the shepherd that you saw me being to the flock. Be a good shepherd to my church, and in the end, be prepared to follow me, and suffer the anger and scorn from a violent world, just as I did.”
Jesus calls out to us, “that thing you're doing, that you insist on doing your own way, it's not working out, is it? You say the pews aren't full and neither is the collection plate? Why not try it my way?” Jesus has given us in his life, the template for abundant life, so that as apprentices, it's as simple as copying what we have seen. The way Jesus treated people – always truthful, merciful to the repentant, opposing the prideful and powerful - that is the best possible model on which to base our relationships with people. Jesus' attitude towards money and possessions – temporary tools for family and kingdom, not to be hoarded, to be left behind if necessary – that is the healthiest attitude we can hold towards money and possessions. And the way Jesus spent his time exercising his God-given gifts, in service and prayer and teaching and healing, is an example for us that the most rewarding way we can spend our time is to exercise our God-given gifts. Jesus has a huge surplus of blessing waiting for us as we try it his way.
And Jesus gives us an opportunity to turn back the clock. Each time we renew our baptisms with confession and forgiveness, Jesus removes the shame from our lives, and clears the way for us to receive the trust he places in us. The times previous, when we did nothing with our faith but file it in the back of our minds, those times are forgiven and forgotten as we move forward.
And Jesus gives us new direction for our lives – follow him. Care for whatever flock that Jesus puts in our path. Feed the lambs and sheep that rely on us. Be apprentices – and then teachers – of what Jesus is teaching us. And, show God's love to people through the anger and scorn we are willing to suffer through. Jesus calls us to the amazing blessings that come with fishing for people.
Gracious God, we thank you for calling us worthy to be apprentices – disciples of your son Jesus. Grace us with abundant life, and give us opportunities to be your witnesses, in Jesus name, amen.